Backpack Battery Pack Cable Routing via Outer Edge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery pack designs hinder user mobility by restricting cable routing options, making it difficult to adapt to changing working conditions without detaching the battery pack from the carrying device.

Innovation Solution

The cable is routed through an opening in the back plate and along the outer edge of the carrying device, where it is fixed using a fastener, allowing for easy reconfiguration and protection of the battery pack from moisture and dirt using a water-repellent cover hood.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cable is routed through guide channels in the battery pack housing, then the battery pack is protected from moisture and dirt, but the user's freedom of movement is hindered and the cable routing cannot be easily changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of battery packVSAvoidcable routing flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cable routing system is divided into separate segments: guide channels in the battery pack housing for protected routing, and external guide channels in the carrying device for flexible routing. This segmentation allows the battery pack to maintain its protective structure while the carrying device provides adaptability through its own guide channel system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrying device acts as an intermediary between the battery pack and the electrical consumer. It provides external guide channels that mediate the cable routing, allowing the cable to be guided externally without compromising the protective sealing of the battery pack housing while still providing flexibility in routing options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the battery pack is firmly connected to the back plate, then the carrying stability is improved, but the cable routing options are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrying stabilityVSAvoidcable routing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable routing is extended into a new dimension by utilizing the outer surface of the carrying device. Instead of routing cables only within the battery pack housing, the system uses guide channels on the external surface of the carrying device, adding spatial flexibility without affecting the firm connection between the battery pack and back plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable routing system incorporates dynamic elements through releasable fasteners that allow the cable to be easily detached and repositioned. This dynamic capability enables the cable to be secured at different positions along the guide channels, providing operational flexibility while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the back plate is made wider to allow cable routing along the outer edge, then the cable routing flexibility is improved, but the overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing flexibilityVSAvoidback plate area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The outer surface of the carrying device serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the battery pack, offers guide channels for cable routing, and includes fastening elements for securing the cable. This multi-functionality allows cable routing flexibility to be achieved without requiring additional components that would increase the overall device area.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3065199B1Battery pack carried on the back having a carrying device
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP3065199B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3065199B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3065199B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a backpack-worn battery pack (1) with an arrangement of rechargeable battery cells (3) that are provided with a common electrical connection (4) for a cable (5) to an electrical device (M). A carrying device (10) consists of at least one back plate (6) and at least one shoulder strap (16, 18), the back plate (6) being formed with an upper shoulder section (7) and a lower back section (9). The cable (5) is guided through an opening (40) in the back plate (6) into the carrying device (10) and is routed from the opening (40) in the back plate (6) to an outer edge (30) of the carrying device (10). The cable (5) continues along at least a partial section of the outer edge (30) of the carrying device (10) and is detachably secured to the outer edge (30) of the carrying device (10) by at least one fastening element (35) in the region of the partial section.