Electric Tailgate Backup Power With Integrated Solar Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles lack a reliable secondary power system that can operate independently or as a backup to the primary power system, especially in situations where external charging is unavailable, and there is a need for efficient integration of solar charging systems to enhance power capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a secondary power system within the electric vehicle, which can operate separately or as a backup to the primary power system, integrated with a hidden solar charging system and a battery cooling system, allowing for emergency power and efficient charging even when external charging is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary power system is integrated into the electric vehicle, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into a primary power system (main battery) and a secondary power system (tailgate battery pack), each with independent control units. This segmentation allows the secondary system to provide backup power functionality without requiring complex integration with the primary system, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate battery pack serves multiple functions: it acts as a backup power source for emergency situations, provides auxiliary power for tailgate operations, and can be charged via solar panels. This multi-functionality improves operational reliability across different scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thus managing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a tailgate battery pack is integrated into the tailgate housing, then power availability for auxiliary systems is improved, but weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate battery pack is designed to be self-contained within the tailgate housing, with its own control unit and charging capability through solar panels. This self-service design provides localized power availability for tailgate and auxiliary systems without requiring heavy cabling or centralized power distribution, thereby improving power availability while minimizing the weight penalty through efficient, distributed architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar charging capabilities are added to the secondary power system, then energy sustainability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar charging system is merged with the existing secondary power system architecture, sharing the tailgate battery pack and control unit infrastructure. This integration allows solar energy harvesting to be added to the system without requiring completely separate charging infrastructure, thereby improving energy sustainability while managing complexity through shared components and unified control.
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
The secondary power system provides backup power and efficient solar charging capabilities, ensuring continuous operation and optimal performance of the electric vehicle even in off-grid conditions, enhancing the vehicle's power reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing solar panels for charging
Data Source
AI summary
One or more examples provide an electric vehicle or a device for use with an electric vehicle, including an electric vehicle charging system and method. In one example, an electric truck with an electric tailgate is disclosed.