Supplemental EV Battery Platform for On-the-Go Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range of electric vehicles poses a significant barrier to their adoption, as current solutions require towing to a charging station when the battery is depleted, making them impractical for long trips and leaving vehicles stranded.
Innovation Solution
An assist apparatus is developed, featuring a platform with a hydrocarbon motor that generates electricity, which can be manually or automatically activated to charge the electric vehicle's battery, allowing for on-the-go recharging without the need for a charging station, and includes a secondary bumper for impact protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery capacity is increased to extend the range, then the vehicle weight and cost increase, but the limited range remains a barrier for long trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy storage system into two separate batteries: a primary rechargeable battery for normal operation and a supplemental battery for extended range. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain its original weight while adding range capability only when needed, avoiding the penalty of carrying a large battery continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental battery system is designed to be dynamically activated based on range needs. The system can be engaged or disengaged from the primary battery, allowing the vehicle to operate in different modes (standard range vs. extended range) depending on the driving situation, thereby optimizing the weight-to-range ratio.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a supplemental battery is added to extend range, then the vehicle can achieve longer trips, but the system complexity and device structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental battery is integrated with the primary battery through a common electrical system architecture. Both batteries connect to the same motor controller and power management system, allowing them to function as a unified energy source. This merging approach enables the supplemental battery to be utilized without requiring entirely separate control systems, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental battery serves multiple functions: it extends range during normal driving, provides backup power when the primary battery is depleted, and can support high-power demands such as acceleration or climate control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall system.
3Reliability
If the primary battery is depleted, then the vehicle becomes stranded, but traditional solutions require towing to a charging station
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental battery is pre-charged and positioned within the vehicle system in advance, ready to provide immediate power when the primary battery is depleted. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for external towing or charging infrastructure, allowing the vehicle to continue operation autonomously even after the primary battery is exhausted.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental battery acts as an intermediary energy source between the primary battery and the motor. When the primary battery is depleted, the supplemental battery temporarily assumes the role of powering the motor, serving as a bridge that prevents the vehicle from becoming stranded until the primary battery can be recharged.
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
This solution extends the range of electric vehicles, enabling longer trips without the need for frequent charging and providing a means for stranded vehicles to be recharged, thereby enhancing their usability and acceptability to the general public.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrocarbon motor that generates electricity
Implementation Method 2
a hydrocarbon motor that generates electricity
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle having an internal rechargeable battery which is recharged via a recharging connector. The electric vehicle has an external battery secured to an exterior of the electric vehicle. The external battery communicates electricity to the internal rechargeable battery via the recharging connector. The external battery being carried by a cantilevered platform from the electric vehicle, pulled by a trailer, or mounted to the roof of the electric vehicle.