Portable Battery Inverter Power Source for Cordless AC Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of power tools and equipment face challenges with corded devices due to the lack of reliable, high-power cordless options, leading to decreased productivity and inconvenience when power sources are unavailable or inadequate at worksites.

Innovation Solution

A portable power source with a housing, battery pack supports, an inverter, and an AC power outlet, allowing multiple battery packs to be connected in series to provide DC power and charge the system, enabling reliable high-power output for corded devices without the need for fuel-based generators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fuel-based generators are used to provide power at worksites, then power availability is improved, but device complexity and harmful factors (emissions, noise, weight) increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidemissions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical combustion system of fuel-based generators with an electrochemical battery system. Multiple battery packs are connected in series to generate DC power, which is then converted to AC power through an inverter to run corded devices, eliminating emissions and noise while maintaining power availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery-powered portable power source is designed to universally power multiple types of corded devices including power tools, outdoor equipment, and appliances. The system can accept multiple battery pack configurations and provides both AC power output and charging capabilities, replacing the need for multiple different power sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If long extension cords are used to reach distant power sources, then power availability is improved, but power loss and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a portable battery-powered power source as an intermediary between the worksite and power-consuming devices. This eliminates the need for long extension cords by bringing the power source directly to the worksite, thereby preventing power loss over distance while maintaining power availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If multiple battery packs are connected in series to increase power output, then power capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power storage system into multiple separate, removable battery packs that can be independently connected in series. Each battery pack is a self-contained unit with its own housing and terminals, allowing flexible configuration to achieve desired power output while keeping individual components manageable and replacing complex integrated high-voltage battery systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If cordless options are developed to replace corded devices, then mobility is improved, but power capability and reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidpower capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mobility advantage of cordless devices with the power capability of corded devices by using battery packs to power corded equipment. This hybrid approach eliminates the need for physical cords while maintaining full power output, thereby achieving both mobility and high power capability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a reliable, high-power, non-fuel based portable power source that increases productivity by eliminating the need for long extension cords and fuel generators, offering extended power availability and improved performance for corded devices.

Implementation Method 1

an inverter electrically connected between the input terminal and the output terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInversion (electrical):

Data Source

PatentUS11742771B2Portable power source

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

AI summary

A portable power source. The portable power source includes a housing, a first battery pack support configured to receive a first removable and rechargeable battery pack, a second battery pack support configured to receive a second removable and rechargeable battery pack, an inverter within the housing, and an alternating current power outlet. The inverter is configured to receive output power from the first removable and rechargeable battery pack and the second removable and rechargeable battery pack. The inverter is configured to produce an alternating current power output. The alternating current power outlet is configured to receive the alternating current power output from the inverter. The inverter is configured to be disabled when the first removable and rechargeable battery pack is received in the first battery pack support and the second removable and rechargeable battery pack is not received in the second battery pack support.