Removable Battery Pack Rail Interface for Cross-Tool Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cordless power tools with removable battery packs face compatibility issues due to manufacturer-specific interfaces, limiting the use of battery packs across different tool brands and requiring complex latching mechanisms for secure coupling.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a dual rail interface system, which includes both a primary and secondary set of rails and grooves on both the battery pack and power tool, allowing for secure mating and structural support, while being compatible with both single and dual rail interfaces, enhancing flexibility and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single set of rails is used for battery pack interface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different tool interfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack interface is designed with both a first set of rails and a second set of rails, enabling it to universally mate with tools having either a single rail interface or a dual rail interface. This multi-functional design allows one battery pack to serve multiple tool types without requiring different interface configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface system is segmented into multiple independent rail sets (first set and second set of rails) that can independently engage with corresponding tool interfaces. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where the battery pack can engage with tools using only the first set of rails or both first and second sets of rails, depending on the tool's interface configuration.
2Reliability
If a latching mechanism is added to secure the battery pack to the tool, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is merged with the rail structure itself, where the rails serve dual functions: providing structural support for electrical connection and incorporating latching features to secure the battery pack. This integration eliminates the need for separate, complex latching components while maintaining connection security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturer-specific interfaces are used, then the manufacturing precision for specific tool-pack pairs is optimized, but the adaptability across different manufacturers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack interface is designed with universal adaptability to mate with both single rail and dual rail tool interfaces from different manufacturers. The standardized rail configurations and dimensions enable cross-manufacturer compatibility while maintaining precise fit through consistent manufacturing specifications for the rail geometry and engagement features.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an electric power tool system with cordless power tools and removable, rechargeable battery packs that mate with the power tools to provide stored energy to the power tools. The battery packs may include a first battery pack having a basic interface and a second battery pack having an advanced interface. The power tools may include a first power tool having a basic interface and a second power tool having an advanced interface. The basic interface battery pack may mate with both the basic interface power tool and the advanced interface power tool. The advanced interface battery pack may mate with both the basic interface power tool and the advanced interface power tool.