Battery Drop Detection and Controlled Discharge After Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tool and battery systems do not adequately ensure user safety after a drop from a critical height, as they may continue to operate even if damaged, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an acceleration sensor to detect free-fall and impact conditions, along with a device for measuring voltage and discharging the battery, to assess the severity of a drop and safely discharge the battery if critical conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the power tool and battery system continues to operate after a drop, then productivity is maintained, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of drop events using acceleration sensors before damage occurs. By detecting free-fall conditions and impact characteristics in advance, the system can proactively discharge the battery and prevent dangerous operation, rather than waiting for damage to manifest
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors acceleration values and compares them against threshold criteria to detect drop events. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond dynamically to impact conditions, adjusting operation status based on real-time sensor data and determined drop severity
2Reliability
If the system discharges the battery after detecting a drop, then safety is improved, but productivity and ease of operation worsen due to operational interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different response strategies based on the specific characteristics of the detected drop event. By evaluating multiple parameters (acceleration thresholds, free-fall detection, impact orientation, traveling distance), the system selectively discharges the battery only when criteria indicate genuine danger, while allowing continued operation for minor impacts that pose no safety risk
3Reliability
If the system uses multiple detection criteria for drop assessment, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into distinct functional modules: free-fall detection (detecting zero acceleration during fall), impact detection (detecting acceleration exceeding thresholds), parameter evaluation (assessing traveling distance and orientation), and discharge control (executing battery discharge). This segmentation allows each module to perform a specific function with simple logic, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy
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
The solution effectively increases user safety by preventing potentially dangerous operation of damaged power tool and battery systems after a critical drop, through controlled battery discharge.
Implementation Method 1
the system comprises at least one acceleration sensor for detecting at least one acceleration value in an X, Y or Z direction
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a system including at least one battery having at least one energy storage cell and a power-tool, wherein the system includes at least one acceleration sensor for detecting at least one acceleration value in an X, Y or Z direction, a device for measuring a voltage and a device for discharging the at least one energy storage cell. A system including at least one battery having at least one energy storage cell and a power-tool.