Tool-Free Battery Pack Locking in Portable Power Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for replacing lithium battery packs in power supply stations are cumbersome due to the need for tools to remove and reattach bolts, increasing assembly difficulty and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power supply station design that includes a base assembly, connecting assembly, locking assembly, and end cap assembly, allowing for tool-free mounting and locking of lithium battery packs, along with a method for prioritizing charging and discharging based on battery state and energy levels to improve safety and lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolt fixing manner is adopted to secure lithium battery pack, then connection strength is improved, but assembly difficulty increases and operation ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional bolt-based mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit mechanism. The connecting assembly includes positioning structures and elastic components that enable tool-free attachment and detachment of the lithium battery pack, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply station is divided into modular components: a base assembly, a removable connecting assembly, and an end cap assembly. This segmentation allows the connecting assembly to be easily detached and reattached without affecting the entire structure, facilitating quick battery pack replacement while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If bolt fixing manner is adopted to secure lithium battery pack, then connection reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit mechanism with elastic components provides reliable connection through mechanical engagement and deformation resistance, matching the reliability of bolted connections while enabling rapid tool-free installation and removal, thus significantly improving replacement efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assembly is pre-configured with positioning structures and elastic elements that automatically engage with the battery pack housing. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable connection upon attachment while eliminating the need for on-site tool operations, accelerating the replacement process.
3Device complexity
If traditional battery replacement process is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex tool-based fastening operations with an integrated snap-fit mechanism built into the connecting assembly. This substitution maintains overall structural simplicity while dramatically simplifying the operation to a single attachment/detachment motion without requiring external tools.
4Productivity
If non-selective charging strategy is used, then charging speed is improved, but temperature increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the electric quantity and temperature of each lithium battery in the pack. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts the charging strategy to selectively charge batteries with lower electric quantity first, preventing overheating and extending service life while maintaining efficient charging overall.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of charging all batteries simultaneously at maximum power, the system applies partial charging action to selected batteries based on their current state. This approach prevents excessive heat generation in any single battery while maintaining acceptable overall charging speed through iterative cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a power supply station and a charging and discharging method thereof, and relates to the technical field of energy sources. The power supply station includes a base assembly to be placed on a plane, and configured to mount an end cap assembly and a connecting assembly; a connecting assembly disposed on the base assembly, configured to insert a lithium battery pack therein and electrically connect the lithium battery pack, and configured to distribute energy from the lithium battery pack; the lithium battery pack, slidably connected to the connecting assembly, and configured to provide electrical energy; the end cap assembly, disposed on the base assembly, and configured to fix the connecting assembly; a locking assembly, disposed on the connecting assembly, and configured to lock the lithium battery pack; and an illumination assembly disposed on the end cap assembly and configured for illumination.