Battery Pack Charge Indicator Using Transistor Short-Circuit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack display devices for power tools require complex and costly electrical connections to display the charge status, often involving separate control units and additional components for measuring pack voltage, which increases complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a charge status display unit that uses a control line to transmit electrical signals from a separate control unit, allowing display elements to be short-circuited based on the battery pack's state of charge, eliminating the need for expensive components and simplifying the design by using transistors and resistors to generate different voltage levels for controlling the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control units and additional components for measuring pack voltage are used, then the charge status can be displayed, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charge status display unit with the existing control unit, eliminating the need for separate control units and voltage measurement components. The display unit is integrated into the control unit's existing circuitry, allowing charge status indication while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it both controls the display elements and provides voltage measurement capabilities. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for voltage measurement, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate charge status display.
2Reliability
If separate control units are used, then the charge status can be displayed, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charge status display unit with the existing control unit, eliminating the need for separate control units and voltage measurement components. The display unit is integrated into the control unit's existing circuitry, allowing charge status indication while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive display elements such as LEDs or other simple indicators that can be easily manufactured and replaced. These simple display components significantly reduce manufacturing costs compared to more complex display technologies, while still providing reliable charge status information.
3Ease of operation
If traditional display connections are used, then the display elements can be controlled, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic updating of the display elements rather than continuous operation. The display is updated at specific intervals or only when charge status changes, reducing power consumption while maintaining effective display control and information presentation to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different display elements with varying power consumption characteristics for different charge status indications. For example, different LED colors or intensities are used depending on the charge level, allowing the system to consume less power during normal operation while still providing clear visual feedback when needed.
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 solution enables a simple, compact, and cost-effective display device with low power consumption and high reliability, allowing for proportional display of the battery pack's charge status without the need for separate voltage measurement and with reduced processor load.
Implementation Method 1
The charge status display unit has at least one transistor element, which is arranged connected in parallel to the display element and is set up to short-circuit at least the display element depending on an electrical and/or electronic signal transmitted via the control line
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an indicating device for a battery pack, in particular for a battery pack of an electrical tool, for indicating the state of charge of the battery pack, comprising: at least one state-of-charge indicating unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g), which has at least one indicating element (28a; 28b; 28c; 28d; 28e; 28f, 52f; 28g, 52g) for indicating the state of charge of the battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g); and at least one control line (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g) for transmitting at least one electrical and/or electronic signal, which in particular is dependent on the state of charge of the battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g), from a control unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g) of the battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g), which control unit in particular is separate, in particular structurally separate, with respect to the state-of-charge indicating unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g), in particular from main control electronics of the battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g), to the state-of-charge indicating unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g). According to the invention, the state-of-charge indicating unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g) is designed to short circuit at least the one indicating element (28a; 28b; 28c; 28d; 28e; 28f, 52f; 28g, 52g) in dependence on the electrical and/or electronic signal transmitted via the control line (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g).