Work Machine Battery Layout for Reduced Charging Downtime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working machines face challenges in efficiently loading multiple energy storage devices, leading to increased stoppages for charging, which disrupts continuous travel and work operations.

Innovation Solution

The working machine is designed with a first moving entity (traveling vehicle) and a second moving entity (working device) that includes a storing device, such as a battery, to store energy for driving the first moving entity. A connector system allows for the supply of energy from the storing device to the first moving entity, enabling continuous operation without the need for immediate charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If multiple batteries are loaded on the working machine, then the stop time for charging is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestop time for chargingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent battery units (main battery and sub-batteries) that can operate independently. Each battery is a separate replaceable unit, allowing one battery to be charged or replaced while others continue to power the machine, thereby reducing charging stop time while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If batteries are loaded on the working device, then the space utilization is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery loading system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable. The working device can operate in different configurations: with batteries permanently mounted for space efficiency, or with detachable battery units that can be easily removed and replaced. This dynamic design allows the system to optimize between space utilization and ease of operation depending on the specific work requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a connector system is provided for energy supply, then the reliability of energy transfer is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of energy transferVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system is designed with universal multi-functionality to handle multiple tasks through a single integrated mechanism. The connector simultaneously establishes electrical connections for power transfer and mechanical connections for secure battery mounting. This multi-functional design improves energy transfer reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into unified components

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

This configuration allows for the appropriate loading of multiple energy storage devices, reducing the need for frequent charging and minimizing stoppages related to energy replenishment, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and continuity of the working machine.

Implementation Method 1

a storing device loaded on the second moving entity and that stores an energy source for driving the first moving entity... the storing device is a battery that charges and discharges electric energy as the energy source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP4549198A1Work machine
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4549198A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4549198A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4549198A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a working machine capable of appropriately loading as many storing devices that store an energy source as possible and reducing stop of traveling and work related to charging. A working machine includes: a traveling vehicle 2 which is a first moving entity; a working device 3 which is a second moving entity coupled to the first moving entity; and a sub battery 12S loaded on the second moving entity and that stores an energy source for driving the traveling vehicle 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly provide a configuration for loading the sub battery 12S on the traveling vehicle 2, and a battery can be easily loaded. In a case where the traveling vehicle 2 includes a main battery 12M, the traveling and work can be continued according to the capacity of the sub battery 12S without being stopped in order to charge the main battery 12M whose remaining level has decreased.