Autonomous Vehicle Power Source Element Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicles have limited operational time frames due to power source limitations, leading to interruptions in activities and incomplete operational tasks.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle power source replacement method where a first vehicle, equipped with a power source apparatus having multiple compartments and a controller, autonomously docks with a second vehicle to replace discharged power source elements with fully charged ones during operation, using GPS and communication interfaces to navigate and coordinate the exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If vehicles use limited capacity power sources, then vehicle size and weight are reduced, but operational duration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoidpower source capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The power source system is divided into multiple modular power source elements that can be independently replaced. Each vehicle contains a plurality of power source elements arranged in a power source apparatus, allowing individual elements to be swapped without replacing the entire power source system. This enables extended operational duration while maintaining manageable individual component sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a recovery mechanism where discharged power source elements are collected and recharged at centralized facilities. The method includes receiving discharged power source elements from vehicles, transporting them to charging facilities, and returning fully recharged elements back to vehicles, creating a circular economy that extends operational capacity without permanently increasing vehicle weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Duration of action of moving object

If vehicles carry multiple power source elements, then operational time is extended, but vehicle weight and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational timeVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of carrying one large power source, the system uses multiple smaller, standardized power source elements. These segmented units can be individually replaced, allowing vehicles to carry only the number of elements needed for current missions, with additional elements available at charging facilities. This reduces immediate vehicle weight while maintaining extended operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Centralized charging facilities act as intermediaries between vehicles and power sources. Rather than vehicles carrying all necessary power sources, the system uses external facilities to store, charge, and manage power source elements. This mediator approach allows vehicles to maintain lighter weight while still accessing extended operational capacity through the intermediary network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If power source replacement requires vehicle shutdown, then safety is improved, but productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The power source replacement system is designed to be dynamically operable during vehicle operation. The power source apparatus and receptacles are configured to allow hot-swapping of power source elements without requiring complete vehicle shutdown. This dynamic replacement capability maintains productivity while incorporating safety features such as controlled electrical disconnection and protected replacement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If vehicles have fixed power source capacity, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source flexibilityVSAvoidpower source system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power source elements are designed with universal compatibility across different vehicle types and applications. The standardized power source apparatus and receptacle design allow the same power source elements to serve multiple functions and be used in various vehicle configurations. This universality provides adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same core components serve multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10583814B2Power source element replacement during vehicle operation

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for replacing a power source element is provided. The method includes enabling a first vehicle comprising a first power source apparatus comprising a first multiple compartment housing comprising a first plurality of receptacles retaining a first plurality of power source elements, a controller, and a communication interface. The first vehicle receives a notification indicating that a second vehicle requires replacement of a power source element of a second plurality of power source elements within a second power source apparatus of the second vehicle. The first vehicle is directed to a current location of the second vehicle and the first vehicle is docked to the second vehicle. The power source element of the second vehicle is replaced with a fully charged power source element of the first plurality of power source elements from the first vehicle during operation of the first vehicle and the second vehicle.