Stackable Battery Assembly With Locking Connectors for Fast Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery chemistry and safety limitations restrict charging speeds for drones and mobile platforms, necessitating manual battery swapping or prolonged charging, which hampers the deployment and usage of electric scooters due to range limitations and recharging accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of stackable battery assemblies with a locking mechanism and communication system that allows for wireless or hard-wired power transmission, enabling the stacking of batteries to increase power capacity and range, and a controller for managing energy distribution and swapping, facilitating efficient charging and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery chemistry and safety requirements are followed, then battery safety is ensured, but charging speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple separate battery packs that can be individually managed and charged. This segmentation allows parallel charging of multiple packs, effectively increasing the overall charging speed while maintaining safety requirements for each individual pack
2Loss of time
If manual battery swapping is implemented, then charging time is reduced, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and electrical connection systems are merged into an integrated assembly that performs both mechanical securing and electrical contact functions. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the swapping operation while maintaining reduced charging time benefits
3Length of moving object
If multiple batteries are stacked to increase power capacity, then range is extended, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery pack is designed with universal interfaces including standardized locking mechanisms and electrical connections that work across all packs. This multi-functionality allows any number of packs to be stacked and interconnected using the same components, extending range while minimizing system complexity through standardization
4Stability of the object's composition
If locking mechanism is added to secure battery stacks, then mechanical stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure battery packs when stacked, without requiring manual intervention or additional control systems. This self-service capability provides mechanical stability while minimizing complexity by eliminating the need for external actuation or monitoring systems
Data Source
AI summary
Stackable battery assemblies and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example battery assembly includes an energy storage device, a housing having a locking unit, a receiver unit, and a sidewall that are interconnected to form an enclosure that retains the energy storage device. The locking unit can include a plate that is spaced apart from the sidewall of the housing by a second sidewall, the plate supporting a first electrical connector that is electrically coupled to the energy storage device via a locking member. The receiver unit can include a third sidewall that defines a cavity that is shaped to correspond with the locking unit, the third sidewall having a lock notch and a second electrical connector that is electrically coupled to the energy storage device.