Battery Pack Display Controller for Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable battery packs for power tools require frequent user interaction to display charge level, disrupting tool operation and lacking continuous indication of energy intensity and battery run time.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery pack with a controller-driven display that automatically shows charge level, current draw, and abnormality states using a linear array of segments, allowing continuous operation and improved user feedback without manual switch activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display switch is provided adjacent the display unit for allowing the display unit to receive a command to display a remaining capacity or an abnormal state, then the display can show charge level and abnormality information, but regularly pressing the display switch to show charge level disrupts the task that the power tool is being used for
Solution Approach 1:
The display system automatically monitors and displays battery charge level and current draw information without requiring user intervention. The controller continuously updates the display based on sensor inputs, allowing the battery pack to serve itself in providing information rather than requiring the user to actively query the display switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by automatically displaying real-time battery status information. The display switch toggles between different information states (charge level, current draw, abnormality indicators) based on detected conditions, providing ongoing feedback without requiring repeated user activation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the display is idle unless an abnormal condition occurs, then the display consumes minimal power during normal operation, but the user cannot anticipate re-charging schedule without regularly pressing the display switch
Solution Approach 1:
The display operates in periodic cycles, automatically updating to show charge level information at predetermined intervals during power tool operation. The controller manages periodic display activation based on operational context, balancing information provision with power conservation by not continuously illuminating the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of battery status through continuous sensor monitoring and proactively displays charge level information before the user would need to know it. The display predicts when charging may be needed by monitoring charge level trends and current draw patterns, providing advance notice without requiring user initiation.
3Loss of information
If the current display state is the default state active in the absence of an abnormality detected and in the absence of the first display command, then the user gets continuous indication of energy intensity, but the charge display state must be actively triggered
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to actively trigger charge level display, the system inverts the approach by making current draw information the default continuous display and automatically providing charge level information through periodic updates or contextual triggers. The display prioritizes what information should be continuously available versus what can be provided on demand.
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
Enhances user safety and operational effectiveness by providing continuous, automatic indication of energy intensity and battery status, reducing the need for frequent switch activation and improving task anticipation.
Implementation Method 1
a charge sensor for sensing a charge level of the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
a current sensor for sensing a current level drawn from the rechargeable battery by the power tool
Implementation Method 3
a display comprising an array of segments... controlling a lighted state of the display to progressively light the segments
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A rechargeable battery pack attachable to a power tool. The rechargeable battery pack comprising a rechargeable battery; a display comprising an array of segments; a charge sensor for sensing a charge level of the rechargeable battery; a display switch that is user-actuable for inputting a first display command; a current sensor for sensing a current level drawn from the rechargeable battery by the power tool; an abnormality detector for detecting an abnormal condition of the rechargeable battery; and a controller operably connected to the display, the charge sensor, the display switch, the current sensor, and the abnormality detector, for controlling a lighted state of the display to progressively light the segments. In a charge display state, upon receiving the first display command, the controller controls the lighted state of the display to represent a level of charge detected by the charge sensor for a predetermined time. In a current display state different from the charge display state, the controller controls the lighted state of the display to represent a level of current detected by the current sensor. The current display state is a default state active in the absence of an abnormality detected by the abnormality detector and in the absence of the first display command.