Battery Pack Voltage Switching via Connector Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inconvenience of carrying multiple battery packs with different voltages for various cordless power tools, which increases the load and complexity for outdoor operations, as each tool requires a specific voltage to function effectively.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack system with a female connector that can switch between parallel and isolated states of two battery cell groups, allowing it to output different voltages by connecting or disconnecting conductive terminals with the same polarity, enabling compatibility with multiple power tools through a single battery pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery packs with different voltages are carried for different cordless power tools, then each tool can be powered effectively, but the load and complexity for outdoor operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is designed with a universal structure that can output multiple voltages (18V or 36V) through a single unit. The battery module includes two battery cell groups that can be electrically connected in different configurations, allowing the same battery pack to power both 18V and 36V cordless power tools, eliminating the need to carry separate battery packs for different voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack incorporates a dynamic switching mechanism through the converter assembly that can change the electrical connection state between battery cell groups. The converter includes conductive terminals and elastic members that enable the battery pack to dynamically switch between parallel connection (for 18V output) and isolated connection (for 36V output) states based on the tool's voltage requirement, providing adaptability without increasing physical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery packs with different voltages are carried for different cordless power tools, then each tool can be powered effectively, but the load weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is designed with a universal structure that can output multiple voltages (18V or 36V) through a single unit. The battery module includes two battery cell groups that can be electrically connected in different configurations, allowing the same battery pack to power both 18V and 36V cordless power tools, eliminating the need to carry separate battery packs for different voltage requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single battery pack outputs different voltages by switching connection states, then compatibility with multiple tools is achieved, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The converter assembly incorporates elastic members (such as springs) that automatically push the conductive terminals into the correct connection state. When the battery pack is inserted into a tool, the elastic force automatically establishes the appropriate electrical connection (parallel or isolated) based on the tool's voltage requirement, eliminating the need for complex manual switching mechanisms or additional control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter acts as an intermediary component between the battery cell groups and the external tool. It includes conductive terminals that mediate the electrical connection, allowing the battery pack to interface with both 18V and 36V tools through a single connector design. The converter's structure with elastic members simplifies the connection mechanism while enabling voltage switching functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool system includes a first and second power tools with different rated-voltages and a battery pack supplying power to the corresponding power tool. The battery pack has a battery module with two battery cell groups and a female connector having four conductive terminals respectively connected to positive and negative electrodes of two battery cell groups. The female connector has a converter switching the connection of two battery cell groups between parallel connected state to isolated connected state through connecting or disconnecting two conductive terminals with same polarity together. The first power tool includes a first male connector connected to the female connector to connect two battery cell groups in series through connecting two conductive terminals with different polarities together. The second power tool has a second male connector coupled to the female connector to connect two battery cell groups in parallel through connecting two conductive terminals with same polarity together.