Electric Telehandler Battery Conical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric telehandlers face challenges in easily replacing batteries, especially in dirty or obstructed conditions, which complicates maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
A telehandler design featuring a self-centring conical coupling between the battery and the housing, allowing easy insertion and extraction of the battery through a hatch in the crankcase, with the battery supported by a central section of the supporting frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is fixed securely in the housing, then the battery is stable and secure, but the battery becomes difficult to remove and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a loose state during insertion to a locked state during operation. The locking element can engage or disengage based on operational needs, providing dynamic security rather than fixed rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate components: a coupling element on the battery, a corresponding receptacle in the housing, and a locking element. This segmentation allows independent movement and engagement of each component.
2Ease of operation
If the battery can be easily removed, then the battery is easy to replace, but the battery may become loose or unstable during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a loose state during insertion to a locked state during operation. The locking element can engage or disengage based on operational needs, providing dynamic security rather than fixed rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the battery is inserted, without requiring additional fastening operations. The locking element engages passively as the battery settles into place.
3Reliability
If the coupling mechanism is complex, then the battery is securely held, but the mechanism becomes difficult to operate and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the battery is inserted, without requiring additional fastening operations. The locking element engages passively as the battery settles into place.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple element that can engage or disengage independently. This simplifies the overall mechanism by separating the holding function from the locking function.
4Manufacturing precision
If the battery insertion path is constrained, then the battery is precisely positioned, but the battery may be blocked by dirt or obstructive elements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements feature conical or tapered surfaces that guide the battery into place through self-aligning geometry. The conical shape naturally directs the battery along the correct path while resisting lateral deviations caused by debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism employs asymmetric geometric features including conical surfaces and shaped locking elements that provide directional guidance. This asymmetric geometry ensures proper orientation and positioning while being tolerant of minor misalignments caused by dirt or debris.
Data Source
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AI summary
A telehandler (10) comprising: - a supporting frame (11) provided with a front section to which two front wheels are connected and a rear section to which two rear wheels are connected, wherein the front section and the rear section are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the supporting frame (11); - a lifting arm (13) articulated to the rear section of the supporting frame (11) with the ability to rotate around at least one swinging axis; - at least one electric motor (31) to drive in rotation the front wheels (12) and/or the rear wheels (12), - at least one electric battery for electrically supplying the at least one electric motor, wherein the at least one electric battery is supported (directly) by a central section from the supporting frame axially interposed between the front section and rear section; - a housing (115) provided with an opening (116) closed by an openable hatch (117) made at a crankcase (110) fixed to the supporting frame, wherein the opening (116) is configured to make the housing (115) accessible from outside the crankcase (110), wherein the housing (115) is configured to house the at least one electric battery, said electric battery being configured to be inserted into and/or extracted from the housing (115) through the opening (116) characterized in that between a wall (118) of the housing (115) and the electric battery (40) a self-centring, releasable conical coupling (42,1180) is defined, wherein the conical coupling comprises at least one male element (11880) fixed to at least one of the electric battery (40) and the wall (118) of the housing (115) and a female element (42) configured to couple to/uncouple from the male element (1180), mutually self-centring, during a translation of the electric battery (40) along an allowed sliding direction of the electric battery (40) in the housing (115) and fixed to the other of the wall (118) of the housing (115) and the electric battery (40).