Universal Battery Pack Adapter for Power Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery pack adapters do not allow for the interchangeable use of different sized and shaped battery packs with multiple power tools from various brands, leading to frequent recharging and user frustration.

Innovation Solution

A universal battery pack adapter system with metal electrical connectors and a modular design that includes latches and buttons for secure connections, enabling the adapter to fit various power tools and batteries, allowing for the transfer of electrical power between them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a battery pack adapter is designed to accommodate different sized and shaped battery packs, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different battery packsVSAvoidadapter structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple battery pack sizes and shapes through a single standardized connection mechanism, allowing one adapter to serve multiple battery types without requiring multiple specialized adapters

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

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter structure is divided into modular components including a base body, electrical connectors, and adjustable elements that can be independently configured to match different battery pack geometries while maintaining electrical connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If metal electrical connectors are used to transfer electrical energy, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidconnector system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electrical connection functions are merged into a single integrated metal connector assembly that simultaneously establishes multiple electrical contacts between the battery pack and power tool through one unified connection action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The metal electrical connectors serve as an intermediary component that bridges the electrical interface between incompatible battery packs and power tools, enabling energy transfer without requiring modification of the original battery or tool designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If latches and buttons are added for secure connections, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidbattery attachment and removal convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latches and buttons are designed as dynamic components that automatically engage and disengage based on the insertion and removal actions, providing secure locking during operation while allowing quick release when needed, adapting their state to the operational phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the convenient and cost-effective use of different battery packs with multiple power tools, reducing the need for continuous recharging and providing flexibility across various voltage ranges (12-20 volts).

Implementation Method 1

The metal electrical connectors transfer the electrical energy from the battery to the power tool through by means of the adapter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11495929B1Battery pack adapter for power tools
Publication Date: 2022.11.08 MURRAY NEIL SCOTT
  • US11495929B1 patent drawing
  • US11495929B1 patent drawing
  • US11495929B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery pack adapter system includes a device that allows different sized and shaped battery packs to be converted for use with multiple power tools from different brands. In one embodiment, a drill battery and drill are joined together through means of the battery pack adapter device. This allows the drill battery to power the drill even though the battery and drill have different configurations. The battery pack adapter device includes metal electrical connectors that extend from a top end of the device towards a bottom end of the device. The metal electrical connectors transfer the electrical energy from the battery to the power tool through by means of the adapter.