Trailer Docking Station for In-Transit Equipment Battery Charging

Solution Overview

Problem

Landscapers and operators of power equipment face challenges in rapidly charging equipment between job sites, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for larger, more expensive battery packs.

Innovation Solution

A trailer system equipped with a charging device and docking station that allows for inductive charging and wireless power transfer, enabling efficient battery recharge during transport, along with a network system for monitoring and managing a fleet of power equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If equipment uses larger battery packs to extend operation time between charges, then duration of action increases, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation time between chargesVSAvoidbattery pack weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging actions by equipping the transportation vehicle with a charging device that can recharge equipment battery packs during transport. The charging device includes a primary battery pack that automatically charges equipment batteries when equipment is placed in docking stations on the trailer, eliminating the need to carry heavier extended-capacity batteries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The primary battery pack in the charging device serves as an intermediary energy source. It transfers energy from the transportation vehicle's power system to the equipment battery packs during transit, enabling extended operation without increasing equipment battery weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If equipment uses larger battery packs to extend operation time, then duration of action increases, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation time between chargesVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging actions by equipping the transportation vehicle with a charging device that can recharge equipment battery packs during transport. The charging device includes a primary battery pack that automatically charges equipment batteries when equipment is placed in docking stations on the trailer, eliminating the need to carry heavier extended-capacity batteries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The primary battery pack in the charging device serves as an intermediary energy source. It transfers energy from the transportation vehicle's power system to the equipment battery packs during transit, enabling extended operation without increasing equipment battery weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If equipment is charged between job sites, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejob efficiencyVSAvoidcharging system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transportation vehicle serves multiple functions: it transports equipment and simultaneously charges equipment battery packs using the integrated charging device with primary battery pack and docking stations, reducing downtime between jobs without requiring separate charging infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system operates automatically when equipment is placed in the docking stations on the trailer. The primary battery pack autonomously charges equipment batteries without manual intervention, simplifying operation despite the integrated system's complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances job efficiency by allowing quick battery charging on-board the transportation vehicle, reducing the need for larger battery packs and minimizing downtime, thereby improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The docking station is electrically connected to the primary battery pack and configured to wireless supply power to the equipment battery pack via inductive charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive charging: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12500440B2Vehicle for transporting and charging outdoor power equipment

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 BRIGGS & STRATTON CORP

AI summary

A trailer includes a first power equipment having an equipment battery pack, a charging device having a primary battery pack, and a docking station electrically connected to the primary battery pack. When the first power equipment is positioned in the docking station, the docking station supplies power from the primary battery pack to the equipment battery pack to recharge the equipment battery pack.