Battery Pack Jump Starter With Voltage-Adaptive Bypass Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle battery jump starters are limited by voltage and power source undervoltage issues, requiring dedicated internal power sources that may not be charged in emergencies, and face challenges with sparking and short circuiting, making them less versatile and effective.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle battery jump starter powered by a removable and rechargeable battery pack, compatible with multiple types of power tool battery packs, uses a power boost module and energy storage devices like supercapacitors or lithium polymer cells, with a controller to manage current discharge based on pack voltage, ensuring compatibility and efficient jump starting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a dedicated internal power source (sealed lead acid battery, lithium polymer battery cells, or supercapacitors) is used in the jump starter, then the jump starter can provide sufficient power to jump start a vehicle battery, but the device becomes less versatile and cannot be charged in emergencies without AC mains power
Solution Approach 1:
The jump starter is designed to accept multiple types of battery packs (power tool battery packs, vehicle batteries, AC mains power) as power sources, making it universally adaptable to different charging scenarios. The battery pack interface and controller are configured to recognize and operate with various battery types, enabling the device to function as both a jump starter and a portable power source that can be recharged in multiple ways.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the jump starter is designed to be compatible with multiple types of power tool battery packs (varying in voltage, capacity, physical size), then the versatility of the jump starter is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adapts its operation based on the detected battery pack type and voltage. The system automatically adjusts charging parameters, voltage thresholds, and current limits according to the specific battery pack connected, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller modifies operational parameters (voltage thresholds, current limits, charging rates) based on the detected battery pack characteristics. The system accepts battery packs with varying voltages and capacities by dynamically adjusting its control parameters to match the specific battery type connected.
3Reliability
If bypass switches are used to manage current paths from different voltage battery packs, then the jump starter can safely handle voltage variations, but the device complexity and potential for sparking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the voltage of the connected battery pack and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate bypass switch configuration. The system automatically adjusts the circuit topology based on real-time voltage measurements, ensuring safe operation while minimizing the number of active switches and potential sparking points.
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 versatile and reliable jump starting of vehicle batteries using a battery pack from cordless power tools, overcoming voltage and power limitations, and providing a flexible power source that can be charged independently or with a vehicle battery.
Implementation Method 1
a power boost module including one or more energy storage devices
Implementation Method 2
lithium polymer battery cells
Implementation Method 3
a first bypass switch provided on a first current path from the battery pack interface to the vehicle battery, and a second bypass switch provided on a second current path from the battery pack interface to the vehicle battery
Implementation Method 4
a controller having an electronic processor configured to determine whether a voltage of a battery pack attached to the battery pack interface is greater than a voltage threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle battery jump starter including a battery pack interface configured to receive at least one of a first rechargeable battery pack having a first nominal voltage and a second rechargeable battery pack having a second nominal voltage different from the first nominal voltage, a power boost module including one or more energy storage devices, and terminal clamps configured to electrically connect the vehicle battery jump starter to a vehicle battery. The jump starter further includes a controller having an electronic processor configured to close a jump start switch in response to detecting an attempted vehicle start, close a first bypass switch when the voltage of the battery pack is greater than the voltage threshold, and close the second bypass switch when the voltage of the battery pack is less than the voltage threshold.