Work Machine Battery Rescue Mode for Deep-Discharge Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical work machines face significant risks of battery deep discharge, leading to reduced service life and potential immobilization in hard-to-reach locations, as current control methods fail to adequately prevent such discharge states.

Innovation Solution

A work machine equipped with a state-of-charge evaluation device and control unit that activates various operational modes based on battery thresholds, including a backup mode accessible only with authentication, to prevent deep discharge and enable controlled movement to charging or transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the battery state of charge is monitored and operations are restricted when below a threshold, then the battery service life is protected, but the work machine may become completely immobilized in hard-to-reach locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery service lifeVSAvoidwork machine availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts operational restrictions based on authenticated user profiles. Different users (operator, supervisor, manager) receive different levels of access and authorization, allowing the system to adapt between protecting the battery and enabling necessary movements based on who is operating the machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of operational authorization based on user authentication. When a higher-authorized user logs in, the state of charge threshold for allowing movements can be modified, enabling the machine to move even at lower charge levels under supervised conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If strict control is applied to prevent deep discharge, then battery degradation is reduced, but operational flexibility and emergency response capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery service lifeVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic operational flexibility through multi-level user authentication. The operator profile allows standard protected operation, the supervisor profile enables authorized movements with warnings, and the manager profile allows forced movements even at low charge levels, thus adapting operational restrictions to the situation and user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The user authentication system segments access rights into different levels (operator, supervisor, manager), each with progressively greater authority to override battery protection protocols. This segmentation allows the system to maintain strict protection for normal operation while enabling flexibility when higher authorization is present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple authentication levels are implemented, then controlled access to backup mode is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled access to backup modeVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication device serves multiple functions: it identifies users, determines their authorization level, and automatically configures the appropriate operational mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while providing reliable controlled access.

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

4Duration of action of stationary object

If the work machine is restricted from moving when battery charge is low, then battery deep discharge is prevented, but the ability to relocate to charging points or transport is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery service lifeVSAvoidrelocation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically allows relocation movements when authenticated users with appropriate authorization levels are present. The supervisor and manager profiles specifically enable movement operations even when the battery charge is below the normal threshold, allowing the machine to be relocated to charging points or transport vehicles while maintaining battery protection for normal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4496767B1Work machine equipped with an electrical energy storage unit
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 MANITOU BF SA
  • EP4496767B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4496767B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a work machine comprising a frame, a propulsion structure, a load-handling apparatus, an electrical energy storage unit (10), a device (16) for evaluating state of charge configured to determine a value V representative of the state of charge of said electrical energy storage unit (10), and a control unit (14) that is configured to: - compare the value V to a threshold V1; - activate a mode (400) in which handling and movement operations are prohibited when the value V is lower than or equal to the threshold V1; and - activate a rescue mode (500) in which operation of the propulsion structure is permitted when an authorization signal is sent by an authentication device (17) and when the mode in which movement is prohibited is active.