Integrated AC/DC Power Supply in Tool Suction Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool systems with electric hand tools and suction devices require separate power sources and multiple connections, limiting their usability and efficiency, especially when dealing with both AC- and DC-powered hand tools, and often necessitate external power sources.

Innovation Solution

The tool system incorporates an AC/DC converter and a power storage device, allowing for direct current output and enabling the connection of both AC- and DC-powered hand tools, with a switchover device for selective voltage provision and a charger for the power storage, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing electrical losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate power sources are used for the electric hand tool and suction device, then each device can be powered independently, but the cable management becomes complex and multiple connections are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidcable management and connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power source function into the suction device housing, which already contains a battery pack for powering the suction motor. This merged power source then supplies electricity to both the suction device and the electric hand tool through integrated electrical connections, eliminating the need for separate power sources and reducing cable management complexity while maintaining independent operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If AC current is used for the electric hand tool, then high power is available, but safety requirements are more stringent compared to DC operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidsafety requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current type) based on the connected tool's requirements. The AC/DC converter enables the system to switch between AC and DC output modes, allowing DC operation for enhanced safety in sensitive applications while maintaining AC capability for high-power demands, thus adapting safety parameters to match the operational context

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the efficient operation of both AC- and DC-powered hand tools without external power, reducing cable management complexity and enhancing safety by providing a unified power solution, enabling autonomous operation and reducing electrical losses.

Implementation Method 1

the suction device has an AC/DC converter, which converts an alternating current into a direct current or a direct current into an alternating current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAC/DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the suction device has a power storage device, which includes a battery cell unit or rechargeable battery cell unit, for example

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Electrical Accumulator

Data Source

PatentEP2196282B1Tool system
Publication Date: 2011.09.28 HILTI AG
  • EP2196282B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The system has a suction device (31) for discharging dirt accumulated in a tool-sided dirt collection device (21) i.e. collector ring. An electrical outlet (35) is provided for an electrical line (15) that extends away from a housing (14) of an electric hand tool (11) e.g. diamond drill. The outlet is present at the suction device for supplying the hand tool. A switching device selectively provides an alternating current voltage or a direct current voltage to the outlet. An energy storage e.g. lithium-ion-battery cells, of the suction device is rechargeable by a charger.