Battery Adapter for Cutting Power Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cutting machines with different battery types, such as 18 V and 36 V, require distinct molds for handles and motor housings, increasing production costs due to design inflexibility.

Innovation Solution

A cutting machine design featuring an adapter with a body holder and a battery holder that can accommodate various battery sizes and shapes, allowing for interchangeable batteries without modifying the motor housing or handle, thereby reducing production costs and enhancing design flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different molds are used for handles and motor housings to accommodate different battery types (18V and 36V), then each battery type can be properly fitted, but production costs increase due to multiple molds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery type compatibilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery holder is separated from the handle and motor housing, becoming an independent adapter component. This segmentation allows the main tool body to maintain a single standardized design while the adapter can be customized for different battery types, reducing the need for multiple molds in the main structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery and the tool body. The adapter includes a battery holder that interfaces with specific battery types and connects to the universal tool body, enabling compatibility across different battery voltages without modifying the main tool housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the battery holder is integrated into the handle or motor housing, then the structure is compact, but design flexibility is reduced when accommodating different battery sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidstructure integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery holder function is segmented from the handle and motor housing, creating a separate adapter module. This allows the main tool body to maintain structural simplicity while the adapter handles the complexity of accommodating various battery types through interchangeable designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is designed with universal compatibility features, allowing a single adapter interface to accommodate multiple battery types (18V, 36V, and future variations) through standardized connection points and interchangeable battery holder components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11179787B2Battery adapter for a cutting power tool

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 MAKITA CORP

AI summary

A cutting machine reduces cost increase associated with production equipment and has design flexibility for different types of batteries. A cutting machine for cutting a workpiece includes a cutting machine body including a cutting blade, a motor that drives the cutting blade, and a motor housing accommodating the motor, and an adapter including a body holder attached to the cutting machine body and a battery holder in which a battery to power the motor is installable.