Stackable Battery Cargo Platform for Range and Fast Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric cargo transportation systems, such as vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and unmanned drones, face limitations in battery capacity and range, requiring frequent battery changes and lacking efficient methods for simultaneous cargo loading and battery swapping.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a cargo platform with a lithium-ion battery housing that allows for stacking to increase battery capacity, featuring exposed power contacts for parallel connection and load sensors, enabling simultaneous cargo loading and battery charging, compatible with various electric transit vehicles and aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend range, then range is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple modular battery packs that can be individually installed or removed. Each battery pack is a self-contained unit with standardized mounting interfaces, allowing the system to achieve extended range through multiple smaller units rather than one large heavy battery, thereby resolving the contradiction between range extension and weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery packs are arranged in a three-dimensional modular configuration within the cargo area, utilizing vertical and horizontal stacking arrangements. This dimensional approach allows efficient space utilization and weight distribution, enabling range extension without proportionally increasing overall vehicle weight burden.
2Productivity
If battery swapping is implemented to reduce downtime, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery packs are designed with universal standardized interfaces including electrical connectors, mechanical mounting points, and control communication protocols. This universality allows the same battery pack design to be used across different vehicle types and configurations, simplifying the swapping system while enabling rapid battery replacement and improving cargo transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery packs incorporate self-diagnostic capabilities and automated identification systems that enable the vehicle control system to automatically detect battery status, compatibility, and charging requirements. This self-service functionality reduces the complexity of manual battery management and facilitates rapid, error-free battery swapping operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular battery packs are used to increase flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into standardized modular packs that can be manufactured independently using automated assembly lines. Each module contains identical critical components and interfaces, allowing for streamlined manufacturing processes and quality control, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the flexible configurations enabled by the modular design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the range and capacity of electric transit vehicles by allowing stacked battery configurations, facilitating efficient cargo loading and battery management, suitable for both manned and unmanned aircraft, while ensuring safety and compatibility with traditional transportation systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electric cargo platform (10) including a housing (12) enclosing a lithium-ion battery (14)
Implementation Method 2
a load sensor operable to detect a load on the cargo platform (10)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
An integrated battery cargo platform (10) includes a housing (12) having an exterior surface (16) and a structural strength to support cargo for transit on a top surface (18), and a battery (14) enclosed in the housing (12) with power contacts (24) exposed at the exterior surface (16).