Electric Working Machine Fast Charging With Battery Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Quick charging of electric working machines can lead to increased battery temperatures, potentially restricting power output and hindering operations, as existing systems lack control over charging parameters.

Innovation Solution

An electric working machine with a manual operator and controller that adjusts electric current from an external fast charger based on set charging parameters, including temperature monitoring and display of permissible ranges, to prevent excessive temperature rise and ensure safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If quick charging is performed using large electric current, then charging time is reduced, but battery temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidbattery temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system dynamically adjusts the charging current based on real-time battery temperature monitoring. The controller modifies the charging parameters during the charging process to maintain battery temperature within safe limits while still achieving fast charging, rather than using a fixed high current throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes charging parameters (current magnitude) based on battery temperature conditions. By monitoring temperature and adjusting the charging current accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between charging speed and temperature control, preventing excessive heat generation while maintaining efficient charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If quick charging is performed even when battery does not need charging, then charging operation is simplified, but work after charging is hindered due to power output restriction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging operationVSAvoidwork capability after charging
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor battery status (charge level, temperature) and provide information to the controller. This feedback enables intelligent decision-making about when to initiate charging and how to adjust charging parameters, preventing unnecessary charging operations that would lead to power output restrictions and work hindrance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of battery status before initiating charging. By checking whether the battery actually needs charging and evaluating current temperature conditions beforehand, the system avoids starting charging operations that would result in power output restrictions, thereby preserving work capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual operator is added to set charging parameters, then charging control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual operator interface serves multiple functions: it allows users to set charging parameters, view battery status information, and receive system feedback. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities in a single integrated interface.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service capabilities through the manual operator interface, allowing users to independently adjust charging parameters based on their specific needs and conditions. This reduces the need for complex automated decision-making algorithms while still providing reliable charging control through user expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution allows for controlled charging that reduces the likelihood of power output restrictions, enabling uninterrupted operation after charging by setting appropriate charging parameters according to the machine's state and usage.

Implementation Method 1

The battery monitor may be configured or programmed to detect at least a temperature of the battery as the status of the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 2

a fast charger to change a value of electric current supplied via the charging cable to the electric working machine according to a command from the electric working machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical charging: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

a controller to change a value of electric current supplied from the fast charger to the battery unit according to the at least one charging parameter set via the manual operator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current control: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20240083265A1Electric working machine and charging system for electric working machine
Publication Date: 2024.03.14 KUBOTA CORP
  • US20240083265A1 patent drawing
  • US20240083265A1 patent drawing
  • US20240083265A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electric working machine includes an electric actuator, a battery unit including a battery to supply electricity to the electric actuator, a working device to operate using a driving force from the electric actuator, a charging port to be connected to an external fast charger via a charging cable, a manual operator to be operated to set at least one charging parameter, and a controller to change a value of electric current supplied from the fast charger to the battery unit according to the at least one charging parameter set via the manual operator.