Battery Pack Coupling Interfaces for Backpack and Handheld Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery pack coupling systems face challenges in providing optimal mechanical and electrical coupling for both backpack devices and hand-held electrical devices, as they often require different design considerations due to varying operational conditions such as vibrations and stability needs.

Innovation Solution

The battery pack coupling system features two distinct mechanical interfaces: a carry-back coupling interface for backpack devices and a device coupling interface for hand-held devices, allowing for tailored design to meet specific requirements, along with a pivotable docking mechanism and releasable locking connections for easy handling and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single mechanical coupling interface is used for both backpack devices and hand-held electrical devices, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and stability of coupling are compromised due to different operational conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling interface designVSAvoidcoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling interface is segmented into two distinct mechanical interfaces: a first mechanical coupling interface optimized for backpack devices and a second mechanical coupling interface optimized for hand-held electrical devices. Each interface is designed with specific geometric features and locking mechanisms tailored to the operational requirements of its target device type, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different local qualities are applied to different coupling interfaces based on their specific operational demands. The first interface for backpack devices incorporates features suitable for higher vibration environments, while the second interface for hand-held devices is optimized for precision and ease of attachment. This localized optimization ensures each interface meets its specific reliability requirements without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If a single mechanical coupling interface is used for both device types, then manufacturing precision requirements are simplified, but the adaptability to different operational conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling interface specificationVSAvoidoperational condition adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack is designed with universal adaptability through multiple coupling interfaces, allowing it to function with different device types (backpack and hand-held). Each interface maintains specific precision requirements but collectively provides universal compatibility across different operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational adaptability.

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

3Reliability

If complex locking mechanisms are used to ensure secure coupling, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling securityVSAvoidcoupling and decoupling effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanisms are designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded elements and cam-based locking actions. When the coupling interfaces are brought together, the locking mechanism automatically engages without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high reliability while preserving ease of operation. The same principle applies to release, where a simple actuation triggers the self-service release mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If different coupling interfaces are designed for different device types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidinterface design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is segmented into distinct interfaces for different device types, with each interface independently optimized. This segmentation allows the battery pack to maintain adaptability to multiple device types while managing complexity through modular design, where each interface can be developed and manufactured independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3624211B1Battery pack coupling system
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP3624211B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3624211B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3624211B1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

1. Battery pack coupling system. 2.2. The invention relates to a battery pack coupling system for the mechanical and/or electrical coupling of a battery pack (23) optionally with a backpack device (24) or a handheld electrical device (25), wherein the battery pack coupling system has a mechanical backpack coupling interface (1) on the battery pack for detachable mechanical coupling with a corresponding mechanical battery pack backpack coupling interface (2) on the backpack device and/or an electrical coupling interface (16) on the battery pack and an electrical connection cable (17) with an end-end connector body (18) that can be detachably coupled to the electrical coupling interface. 2.2.According to the invention, the battery pack coupling system has a mechanical device coupling interface (3) on the battery pack (23), separate from the mechanical backpack coupling interface (1), for detachable mechanical coupling with a corresponding mechanical battery pack device coupling interface (4) on the electrical device (25), and/or a connector fastening mechanism (19) by which the connector body (18) can be detachably attached to the backpack device (24). 2.3. Use, e.g., for coupling battery packs to backpack systems and/or handheld electrical devices.