Towable Hydrocarbon Generator for Electric Vehicle Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range of electric vehicles, typically between 300-400 miles, becomes a significant constraint for interstate travel, and there is no effective on-the-go charging solution, leaving vehicles stranded when batteries are depleted.
Innovation Solution
An assist apparatus for electric vehicles that includes a platform secured to the vehicle, equipped with a hydrocarbon motor generating electricity, which can be activated manually or automatically to charge the vehicle's batteries, providing extended range without the need for traditional charging stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a hydrocarbon motor is mounted on a platform secured to the electric vehicle to generate electricity on-the-go, then the vehicle's operating range is extended and it can be recharged without stopping at charging stations, but the device complexity and weight increase due to the additional platform, motor, and generator system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electric vehicle system into two independent parts: the main vehicle with its battery and motor, and a separate towable platform with its own hydrocarbon motor and generator. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain its original simple electric design while the platform provides additional range extension capabilities independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The towable platform acts as an intermediary device between the vehicle and traditional charging infrastructure. It carries a hydrocarbon motor that generates electricity to charge the vehicle's battery on-the-go, eliminating the need for the vehicle to stop at charging stations while avoiding the complexity of integrating a large hydrocarbon motor directly into the vehicle.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the electric vehicle is equipped with a hydrocarbon motor and generator system for on-the-go charging, then the vehicle can operate beyond battery range limitations, but the weight of the vehicle increases due to the additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy hydrocarbon motor and generator components are segregated into a separate towable platform rather than being integrated into the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to carry only essential components (battery and electric motor) while the platform carries the weight of the hydrocarbon fuel system and generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrocarbon motor and associated fuel storage components are extracted from the vehicle and placed on the towable platform. This extraction removes the significant weight penalty from the vehicle itself, allowing it to maintain better fuel efficiency and performance while still gaining extended range capability through the platform's generator.
3Reliability
If traditional charging stations are used, then the vehicle can be recharged, but the vehicle becomes stranded when the battery is depleted and charging stations are not available along interstate routes
Solution Approach 1:
The towable platform enables the vehicle to recharge itself while in motion or at any location without requiring external charging infrastructure. The hydrocarbon motor on the platform generates electricity that is used to charge the vehicle's battery, making the system self-sufficient and independent of charging station availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The towable platform serves multiple functions: it acts as a trailer for extended range, carries a hydrocarbon motor for power generation, and provides on-the-go charging capability. This multi-functionality allows the same device to address both the reliability concern (ensuring the vehicle never runs out of power) and the adaptability concern (working anywhere, not just at charging stations).
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
Enables electric vehicles to travel longer distances by providing on-the-go charging, reducing the risk of being stranded due to battery depletion and enhancing their acceptability for public use by addressing range limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrocarbon motor that generates electricity
Implementation Method 2
a hydrocarbon motor that generates electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A locomotive being provided electrical energy from a rechargeable battery located on a separate carriage or in an alternative embodiment contained within the locomotive carriage. The rechargeable battery is optionally removable allowing a fresh rechargeable battery to be inserted to reduce down time.