Wheel-Driven Battery Charging for Delivery Truck Energy Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing adoption of electric trucks poses a challenge for the existing US infrastructure, which may struggle to support the energy supply, potentially leading to higher energy costs comparable to those of diesel fuel for conventional trucks.
Innovation Solution
A smart charging trailer system and method that utilizes moving vehicles, such as semi-trucks, to charge batteries through the rotation of wheels, allowing these charged batteries to be used as a power source for electric vehicles or buildings at delivery locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electric trucks are adopted to replace conventional trucks, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the existing infrastructure cannot support the energy supply and energy costs increase to or exceed diesel fuel prices
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the energy supply function by separating charging batteries from powering batteries. Charging batteries are distributed across multiple moving vehicles (trucks, trailers, forklifts) that travel between locations, while powering batteries remain stationary at destinations. This segmentation allows energy supply to scale with the existing transportation infrastructure rather than requiring centralized grid expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional grid-based energy supply to a three-dimensional network utilizing transportation routes. Vehicles travel along existing road networks, delivering charged batteries to various locations, effectively adding the transportation dimension to energy distribution. This leverages the existing trucking infrastructure for energy supply without requiring new power lines or substations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electric trucks are adopted to replace conventional trucks, then environmental sustainability is improved, but energy costs increase to or exceed diesel fuel prices
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service energy distribution through the motion of vehicles themselves. As trucks, trailers, and forklifts move through their normal operations, their rotating wheels generate electricity that charges batteries onboard. This converts the kinetic energy of transportation into electrical energy, making the energy supply self-sustaining without requiring external charging infrastructure or expensive grid electricity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts what would be wasted kinetic energy during vehicle operation into useful electrical energy. The rotation of wheels, which is necessary for transportation, is captured and used to charge batteries. This transforms a byproduct of motion into a valuable energy resource, reducing overall energy costs while supporting electric vehicle adoption.
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 system effectively addresses the infrastructure challenge by utilizing existing trucking routes to charge batteries, reducing the reliance on grid energy and potentially lowering energy costs, while also providing a sustainable solution for powering electric vehicles and buildings.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the first wheel causes rotation of the first gear, the belt and the second gear, which causes the generator to charge the first battery
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charging system configured to be used with a vehicle and that includes an axle having at least a first wheel thereon, a first gear associated with the axle, and a second gear associated with a generator. The belt extends between the first gear and the second gear. The generator is electrically connected to a first battery. Rotation of the first wheel causes rotation of the first gear, the belt and the second gear. Rotation of the second gear causes the generator to charge the first battery. The battery charging system can be used win a method for charging batteries while cargo trucks move between locations to make deliveries.