Portable Power Unit With Adaptive Tool Control and Bypass Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-powered power tools lack a versatile and efficient system for interchangeable power supply and control, limiting their operational flexibility and compatibility with various tools.
Innovation Solution
A portable power unit with a battery pack interface, power tool interface, and tool control circuit that can determine if a connected power tool is operable for control, providing either controlled power or passthrough power, and includes a cable system for flexible power transmission to multiple tools, including submersible pumps and percussion tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery pack is directly attached to a power tool, then the power tool can operate, but the system lacks versatility and compatibility with various tools
Solution Approach 1:
The portable power unit is designed with a universal battery pack interface that can connect to multiple different power tools through interchangeable adapters. The power tool interface accepts various tool types, and the controller automatically detects and adapts to the connected tool, enabling one power unit to serve multiple functions and tool types without requiring separate battery packs for each tool.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery pack and the power tool. The adapter includes a battery pack interface on one end and a power tool interface on the other end, mediating the connection and enabling compatibility. This intermediary allows the battery pack to interface with various tool types without modifying the battery pack itself, thus maintaining system versatility while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If a control circuit is added to control power to the external power tool, then operational control is improved, but devices that are not operable for control cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: controlled power delivery and passthrough power delivery. The controller detects whether the connected power tool is operable for control and automatically adjusts the power delivery mode accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide intelligent control when possible while maintaining compatibility with tools that do not support control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery parameters are changed based on the tool's capabilities. When a controllable tool is detected, the system adjusts power parameters through the tool control circuit. When an uncontrollable tool is detected, the system changes to passthrough mode where power is delivered without active control, effectively changing the operational parameters to match the tool's capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bypass circuit is added to provide passthrough power, then compatibility with uncontrollable tools is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass circuit is merged with the main power delivery circuitry, sharing common components such as the battery pack interface, cable, and power tool interface. The bypass circuit operates as an alternative path within the existing system architecture, utilizing available components rather than adding completely separate systems. This merging approach provides passthrough capability while minimizing additional complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an interchangeable power tool interface is used, then versatility with multiple tools is improved, but connection reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power tool interface is designed with universal connectivity features that maintain reliable electrical connections across different tool types. Standardized contact arrangements and connection mechanisms ensure consistent reliability regardless of which tool is attached, while the controller adapts to the specific tool characteristics to maintain optimal performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable power unit comprises a battery pack interface configured to receive a battery pack and a power tool interface that is configured to electrically connect to an external power tool. The portable power unit further comprises a tool control circuit configured to generate a tool control signal. The tool control signal is operable to control power provided to the external power tool. The portable power unit further comprises a bypass circuit configured to provide power from the battery pack to the external power tool. The portable power unit further comprises a controller configured to determine whether the external power tool is operable to be controlled by the tool control circuit and to control the bypass circuit to provide passthrough power to the power tool interface when the external power tool is not operable to be controlled by the tool control circuit.