Portable Battery Power Source With Inverter and Protective Roll Cage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of power tools and equipment face challenges with corded devices due to the lack of suitable cordless options, especially for heavier-duty applications, and often rely on unreliable or distant power sources, which can decrease productivity and cause inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A portable power source powered by high-power battery packs, including a housing with a battery support, an inverter, and AC power outlets, designed to provide reliable and extended high-power output, with a roll cage for protection and a low center of gravity for stability, along with a user-friendly interface and locking mechanism for secure battery attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high-power battery packs are used to provide sufficient power for heavier-duty applications, then power output is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power source is divided into modular battery packs that can be independently attached and removed. Each battery pack contains its own housing, cells, and terminals, allowing the system to be segmented into discrete functional units that can be optimized independently for power density and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery packs are designed to nest within or attach to the housing structure, with the power source unit containing the battery packs in a nested configuration. This allows efficient space utilization and reduces overall device volume while maintaining high power output capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Duration of action of moving object

If battery packs are made larger to extend runtime, then duration of action is improved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveruntimeVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple battery packs can be attached in series or parallel configurations to extend runtime without requiring a single large battery volume. The segmented modular approach allows flexible scaling of capacity while managing overall device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery packs are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the housing, utilizing vertical and horizontal space efficiently. The nested doll structure allows battery packs to be stacked or arranged in layers, maximizing volume utilization for extended runtime.

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

3Strength

If a roll cage structure is added for protection, then strength is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprotectionVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing and roll cage structure utilize composite material construction, combining rigid protective elements with lighter-weight materials where possible. The structure is designed to provide maximum protection with minimized weight through strategic material selection and structural optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The roll cage and housing structure are pre-engineered to provide protection from the outset, with reinforcement strategically placed at high-stress areas. This preliminary structural design ensures protection without requiring excessive weight throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Power

If multiple battery packs are supported simultaneously, then power output is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing and support structure are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can accommodate one or multiple battery packs using the same interface and mounting system. This multi-functional design allows the structure to adapt to different power output requirements without requiring different structural configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support structures for multiple battery packs are merged into a single integrated housing system, with shared mounting points, electrical connections, and control circuitry. This combining approach reduces overall structural complexity compared to having separate support systems for each battery pack.

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 portable power source offers reliable, high-power output for extended periods, improving productivity and reducing the need for unreliable external power sources, while the roll cage and low center of gravity enhance durability and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion (DC to AC):

Data Source

PatentEP3776685B1High-power battery-powered portable power source
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • EP3776685B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3776685B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3776685B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A portable power source for power tools. The portable power source includes a housing defining a battery support and an power outlet, a circuit supported by the housing and including an input terminal on the battery support, an output terminal on the power outlet, and an inverter electrically connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, a battery power source including a battery housing supported on the battery support, at least one battery cell, and a battery terminal connected to the battery cell and electrically connectable to the input terminal, power being transferrable from the battery cell to the circuit to be output through the power outlet, and a frame connected to the housing and extending beyond a periphery of the housing and of the supported battery power source, the frame inhibiting contact with the housing and the battery power source.