Series-Parallel Battery Pack Switching for Multi-Voltage Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face complexity and inconvenience when using multiple electrical tools and devices with different voltage requirements, as existing battery packs are not easily adaptable and require separate units, and there is a need for a solution that can safely disconnect Li-ion battery connections during transportation to comply with regulations.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack with a voltage switching element that allows cell units to be connected in parallel or series, enabling output voltage adjustment and safe disconnection, integrated into a compact design for easy mounting and use across various electrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery packs with different voltages are prepared for different electrical devices, then voltage compatibility is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to complexity and trouble
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is designed with a voltage switching element that enables a single battery pack to provide multiple voltage outputs (first voltage and second voltage). The cell units can be connected in parallel to output the first voltage or in series to output the second voltage, allowing one battery pack to replace multiple battery packs with different voltages, thereby improving user convenience while maintaining voltage compatibility
2Power
If Li-ion batteries are interconnected to provide higher voltage output, then power output is improved, but safety during transportation deteriorates due to regulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack incorporates a voltage switching element that can dynamically change the connection configuration of cell units between parallel and series connections. This dynamic switching capability allows the battery pack to provide higher voltage output when needed while also enabling the ability to cut off interconnection during transportation to comply with safety regulations
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage switching capability is added to the battery pack, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack divides cell units into different groups (first plurality and second plurality) that can be independently connected in parallel or series through the voltage switching element. This segmentation approach enables voltage switching capability while maintaining a relatively simple and compact structure by organizing cells into manageable groups with dedicated connection paths
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack houses first and second cell units that are composed of a plurality of cells, and has a positive electrode power source terminal and a negative electrode power source terminal. This battery pack is provided with a series connector capable of connecting, in series, the first and second cell units and a parallel connector capable of connecting, in parallel, the first and second cell units, and is capable of switching between a parallel connection voltage and a series connection voltage. In the case of attachment to the high voltage electrical device body, the series connector becomes conductive and the parallel connector pair is cut off by the action of the series/parallel switching terminal. In the case of attachment to a low voltage electrical device body, the state is returned to an initial state, the series connector is cut off, and the parallel connector pair becomes conductive.