Vehicle Module Battery Sharing via Inductive Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles face limitations in driving distance and cost due to battery storage capacity and weight, and the inefficiency of traditional charging methods, especially when charging stations are occupied.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle module that allows for the connection and sharing of battery power between vehicles, using charging means such as induction couplings or electromagnetic connections, enabling energy transfer between vehicles and charging stations, and allowing vehicles to connect in various configurations for extended driving range and charging capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If battery storage capacity is increased to extend driving range, then driving distance is improved, but vehicle weight and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving distanceVSAvoidbattery weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple vehicles into a connected system where batteries are shared across vehicles. Vehicle A can charge Vehicle B directly through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for each vehicle to carry sufficient battery capacity for maximum range independently. The system merges energy resources across multiple vehicles to achieve extended driving range without increasing individual vehicle battery weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery system serves multiple functions: it acts as both a power source for the vehicle's own motor and as a portable charging station for other vehicles. The same battery can alternatively function as an energy reservoir that can be shared with neighboring vehicles through the charging means, providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for excessive battery capacity in each individual vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of moving object

If battery storage capacity is increased to extend driving range, then driving distance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving distanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple vehicles into a connected system where batteries are shared across vehicles. Vehicle A can charge Vehicle B directly through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for each vehicle to carry sufficient battery capacity for maximum range independently. The system merges energy resources across multiple vehicles to achieve extended driving range without increasing individual vehicle battery weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables vehicles to charge each other autonomously through inductive coupling without requiring external charging infrastructure. When vehicles are parked near each other, they can automatically establish wireless power transfer, allowing the system to service itself and reducing the need for expensive battery capacity in each vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of moving object

If traditional charging methods are used at charging stations, then vehicles can be recharged, but charging time increases when stations are occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoidcharging waiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces another vehicle as an intermediary charging source. Instead of waiting for external charging stations, vehicles can charge each other directly through inductive coupling. This intermediary approach allows Vehicle A to charge Vehicle B using Vehicle A's battery, bypassing the need for external charging infrastructure and eliminating waiting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Vehicles can charge each other during idle or parked periods before needing to travel. The system enables preliminary charging actions to occur between vehicles when they are stationary near each other, ensuring that vehicles are ready to depart without waiting for external charging stations during peak demand periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If battery weight is reduced to lower manufacturing cost, then vehicle cost decreases, but driving range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddriving distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple vehicles into a connected system where batteries are shared across vehicles. Vehicle A can charge Vehicle B directly through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for each vehicle to carry sufficient battery capacity for maximum range independently. The system merges energy resources across multiple vehicles to achieve extended driving range without increasing individual vehicle battery weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery system serves multiple functions: it acts as both a power source for the vehicle's own motor and as a portable charging station for other vehicles. The same battery can alternatively function as an energy reservoir that can be shared with neighboring vehicles through the charging means, providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for excessive battery capacity in each individual vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 vehicles to share battery power, extend driving range, and facilitate charging even when stations are occupied, improving energy efficiency and reducing the weight and cost of battery storage by allowing vehicles to connect and charge each other while in motion or at stations.

Implementation Method 1

using charging means such as induction couplings or electromagnetic connections, enabling energy transfer between vehicles and charging stations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3813226B1A vehicle module for transporting at least one person and a vehicle assembly
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RES & DEV CO LTD
  • EP3813226B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3813226B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3813226B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a vehicle module (1) for transporting at least one person, comprising at least two wheels (2) adapted for ground engagement, an electric motor (4) operationally connected to the wheels for propelling the vehicle module (1), an electrical energy storage (5) operationally connected to the electric motor (4) for providing energy to the electric motor (4), and at least one charging means (8,9), which is operationally connected to the energy storage (5) and adapted to be operationally connected to another vehicle module (1') or vehicle for providing charging electricity to and/or receive charging electricity from said another vehicle module (1') or vehicle. The disclosure further relates to a vehicle assembly.