Portable Battery Case Layout for Straddle EV Terminal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Straddle-type electric vehicles with large loading platforms face challenges in securing sufficient battery capacity, ease of battery attachment/detachment, and downsizing the vehicle body while maintaining convenience.
Innovation Solution
The configuration includes two approximately rectangular parallelepiped batteries arranged next to each other in the vehicle width direction, with a battery case and link mechanisms that allow for easy connection and separation of battery terminals, an operation lever positioned in the middle for bilateral operation, and a bilaterally symmetrical link mechanism structure to reduce operation load and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If two portable batteries are arranged next to each other in the vehicle width direction to secure loading platform area, then the loading platform area is increased, but the battery capacity may be insufficient and the vehicle body size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal battery arrangement to a vertical arrangement where batteries are positioned one above the other in the vehicle width direction. This dimensional change allows the loading platform to occupy the full vehicle width while batteries utilize the vertical space, thereby increasing loading platform area without compromising battery capacity.
2Area of stationary object
If two portable batteries are arranged next to each other in the vehicle width direction, then the loading platform area is increased, but the vehicle body size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension for battery arrangement instead of horizontal arrangement. By positioning batteries vertically (one above the other) rather than horizontally (side by side), the vehicle body width is reduced while the loading platform area is maximized by spanning the full width.
3Ease of operation
If case-side terminals are positioned below the battery case for easy connection, then the operation load increases and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where case-side terminals are located at the outer sides of the battery case rather than centrally below it. This asymmetric arrangement allows the operation lever to connect to terminals with a longer lever arm, reducing operation load while maintaining ease of connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions case-side terminals in the horizontal dimension (at outer sides) rather than vertically below the battery case. This spatial repositioning enables the operation lever to achieve mechanical advantage with reduced downward force requirement.
4Force
If link mechanisms are made longer to reduce operation load, then the vehicle body size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions case-side terminals at the outer sides of the battery case, enabling the link mechanisms to extend horizontally rather than vertically. This allows longer link mechanisms to be accommodated within the existing vehicle body width, reducing operation load without increasing overall vehicle dimensions.
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
Facilitates convenient battery replacement, reduces operation load, and optimizes the vehicle's dimensions by allowing for longer link mechanisms and protection from external forces, while maximizing battery capacity and layout efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the link mechanisms (L) include arm members (72) for connecting first axes (36g) that are connected to the operation lever (36) to act as force points to second axes (71) that function as working points connected to the case-side terminals (55)
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a straddle-type electric vehicle that can enhance convenience by optimizing the arrangement and storage structure of portable batteries. A straddle-type electric vehicle is configured by including two approximately rectangular parallelepiped batteries (B), a battery case (33) in which the batteries (B) are housed, battery-side terminals (49) provided on bottom surfaces of the batteries (B), and case-side terminals (55) engaged with the battery-side terminals (49). The two batteries (B) are arranged next to each other in a vehicle width direction. An operation lever (36) for connecting or separating the battery-side terminals (49) and the case-side terminals (55) to/from each other is provided. The operation lever (36) is arranged in a middle in the vehicle width direction between the two batteries (B), and the battery-side terminals (49) and the case-side terminals (55) are arranged nearer outer sides in the vehicle width direction. A pair of front and rear link mechanisms (L) for coupling the operation lever (36) and the case-side terminals (55) to each other is provided in front of and behind the battery case (33).