Flexible Operation Time Setting for Battery Packs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery pack and electrically-driven working machine systems face usability issues due to fixed operation permission times, which cannot be easily adjusted according to user needs, leading to increased user workload and complexity in setting operation limitations.

Innovation Solution

An information setting apparatus with a clock information device, information receiving device, permission time calculating device, and information setting device that calculates and sets operation permission times based on user-input start times, allowing intuitive and flexible setting of operation limitations without requiring users to manually calculate permission times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a constant operation permission time is set for a battery pack, then the operation limitation function is simple to implement, but the operation permission time cannot be changed according to user requests or intended use, degrading usability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation permission time flexibilityVSAvoidoperation limitation setting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information setting apparatus automatically calculates the operation permission time by subtracting the current time from the operation permission end time. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually calculate time periods, allowing the system to adapt to user requests while keeping the setting process simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The information setting apparatus acts as an intermediary between the user's request for flexible operation permission times and the battery pack's operation limitation function. It receives the operation permission end time, calculates the permission period, and transmits the calculated time to the battery pack, thereby enabling flexibility without increasing complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a user manually calculates and sets the operation permission time period, then the operation permission time can be customized, but the user's workload increases due to troublesome calculation work

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation permission time setting easeVSAvoiduser time for calculation work

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The information setting apparatus performs the time calculation automatically by itself. It retrieves the current time from a clock information device, subtracts it from the operation permission end time, and obtains the operation permission time period without requiring any calculation effort from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual calculation process is replaced by an automated electronic calculation system. Instead of the user performing arithmetic operations mentally or on paper, the information setting apparatus uses its processing unit to automatically compute the time difference, saving user time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10230134B2Information setting apparatus, battery pack, and electrically-driven working machine

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 MAKITA CORP

AI summary

An information setting apparatus in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a clock information device, an information receiving device, a permission time calculating device, and an information setting device. The permission time calculating device calculates an operation permission time based on current time information stored in the clock information device and on start time information received by the information receiving device. The information setting device sets operation limitation information, including the operation permission time to at least one of a battery pack or an electrically-driven working machine.