Vehicle Rack Charging for Electric Auxiliary Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for enhanced options to support micro-mobility in urban areas, particularly in cities with restricted entry or parking due to congestion or sustainability issues, where electric vehicles require efficient charging solutions that also address storage and transportation needs.
Innovation Solution
A rack system for motor vehicles that integrates a rack unit capable of securely carrying and charging electric auxiliary vehicles using the vehicle's traction battery, featuring an electric charging unit, mounting, lifting, locking, and communication means to facilitate multimodal transportation and altruistic charging scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric auxiliary vehicles are carried on the rack unit, then transportation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to integration of charging unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rack unit for carrying electric auxiliary vehicles with an integrated charging unit into a single system. The charging unit is mounted on the rack unit and can charge vehicle batteries while the vehicle is being transported, merging two functions (transportation and charging) into one device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack unit serves multiple functions: it can transport electric auxiliary vehicles, provide secure fixation through locking mechanisms, and simultaneously charge the vehicles' batteries through the integrated charging unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate transportation and charging infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If charging unit is integrated on rack unit, then charging accessibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging unit is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then mounted on the rack unit. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the charging component while keeping the overall assembly process manageable through modular integration.
3Reliability
If rack unit provides fixation for auxiliary vehicles, then vehicle security is improved, but the weight of the rack unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are pre-positioned on the rack unit structure, and the fixation points are integrated into the design from the beginning. This preliminary integration of security features avoids the need for additional heavy reinforcement that would be required if security features were added as separate afterthoughts.
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
The rack system provides secure transportation and charging of electric auxiliary vehicles, enabling access to restricted areas and free parking, reducing manual charging efforts and potential vehicle damage, while promoting sustainable mobility options.
Implementation Method 1
an electric charging unit (35) configured to electrically charge the battery unit of the at least one electric auxiliary vehicle (40) with more than 12 Volts
Data Source
AI summary
A rack system for a main motor vehicle, comprising: a rack unit mountable to a rear side of the main motor vehicle, wherein the rack unit is configured to carry at least one electric auxiliary vehicle comprising at least one battery unit to power the electric auxiliary vehicle; an electric charging unit configured to electrically charge the battery unit of the at least one electric auxiliary vehicle with more than 12 Volts; wherein the electric charging unit is arranged at the rack unit.