Power Tool Battery Locking Mechanism and Fuel Gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tools, such as rotary tools, lack efficient battery management systems that provide real-time state of charge information and secure battery connection mechanisms for both the tool and charger, leading to potential battery misalignment and inefficient charging processes.
Innovation Solution
A power tool system that includes a fuel gauge for displaying the battery's state of charge and a battery charger with a locking mechanism using protrusions and recesses to securely connect and charge batteries, ensuring proper alignment and efficient charging, while the tool itself features a pivotable design for ergonomic handling and adjustable length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a battery management system with fuel gauge is added to provide real-time state of charge information, then battery monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A fuel gauge is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery and the user. The fuel gauge includes a display element that visually indicates the state of charge of the battery, allowing users to monitor battery status without complex electronic interfaces or additional measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system utilizes the battery's own electrical characteristics to determine its state of charge. The fuel gauge measures voltage or current parameters inherent to the battery operation and converts these into visual indicators, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment or complex management circuits.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with protrusions and recesses is implemented to secure battery connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs asymmetric protrusions on one component and corresponding recesses on the mating component. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the battery can only be inserted in the correct orientation and provides positive mechanical engagement, preventing accidental disconnection while maintaining a simple two-part structure.
3Ease of operation
If a pivotable design is added to enhance ergonomic handling, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power tool incorporates a pivotable connection between the battery and tool body, allowing the battery to rotate relative to the tool. This dynamic adjustment enables users to change the tool's orientation and angle during operation, improving ergonomics and accessibility to different work areas without requiring complex articulation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool battery, battery charger, and a method of operating the same. The battery and the charger can be lockingly engageable with each other. The battery can be electrically coupled to a charging circuit of the charger for charging the battery. One of the battery and the charger can include a protrusion and the other of the battery and charger can include a recess for receiving the protrusion. The method can include inserting the battery into the charger along an insertion axis and charging the battery. The method can further include rotating the battery about the insertion axis to secure the battery with the charger while continuing to charge the battery.