Dual-Set Battery Pack with Switched Voltage Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-voltage battery packs face issues with voltage imbalance and safety risks when using a USB interface, as they cannot draw power from one set of batteries alone, leading to potential misuse and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a case with two sets of battery cells, a circuit board, a main power output interface, and an extended power output interface, where the battery cells can be connected in series or parallel to output different voltages, and a switch allows for an additional voltage output for external devices through the extended interface, preventing short circuits and improving safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a USB interface is added to dual-voltage battery packs to recharge external devices, then the battery pack can power phones and other devices, but voltage imbalance occurs and safety risks arise because the USB circuit cannot draw power from one set of battery alone
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into two independent sets of batteries (first set and second set), each capable of independently powering the USB circuit. This segmentation allows the USB interface to draw power from either set without causing voltage imbalance, as each set can operate independently while maintaining proper voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Both sets of batteries are designed to be universally capable of powering the USB interface, not just one set. This multi-functionality ensures that either battery set can supply power to external devices through the USB interface, preventing the voltage imbalance that would occur if only one set were used.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two sets of batteries are used to provide multiple voltages, then the battery pack can output two sets of voltages for different tools, but the structure becomes more complex and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack uses a dynamic switching mechanism with a switch component that can dynamically connect either the first set or second set of batteries to the output interface. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between different voltage outputs (18V or 36V) without requiring a permanently complex wired configuration, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
A circuit board acts as an intermediary between the two battery sets and the output interface. The circuit board manages the switching and voltage regulation, providing a simplified control layer that handles the complexity of dual-battery management while presenting a simple interface to the user and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a switch is added to enable series connection for third voltage output, then the battery pack can safely power external devices with different voltage requirements, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch component provides multi-functionality by enabling three different operating modes: connecting only the first set of batteries, connecting only the second set of batteries, or connecting both sets in series. This single component handles multiple voltage output requirements, reducing the need for separate circuits for each voltage mode and thereby managing complexity while maximizing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes a case, a first set of battery cells and a second set of battery cells received in the case, a circuit board, and a main power output interface. The first set of battery cells and the second set of battery cells can be connected in series or in parallel, and output two kinds of working voltage through the main power output interface. The battery pack further includes an extended power output interface and a switch provided between the first set of battery cells and the second set of battery cells. The battery pack can output a third voltage for an external device through the extended power output interface when the first set of battery cells and the second set of battery cells are connected in series through the switch. It's safe and reliable when charging the external device.