Air Compressor Segmented Battery Power Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Simplified air compressors used with external auxiliary tanks require frequent battery recharging or replacement due to increased power demand, leading to interruptions in work and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

An air compressor system comprising a compressor unit and an external tank unit, where the external tank unit includes a storage tank and a battery that supplies electric power to the compressor unit, allowing for a larger output of compressed air without power depletion, and enabling simultaneous or interchangeable use of batteries for continuous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If an external auxiliary tank is connected to the battery driven air compressor to supply a larger output of compressed air, then the compressed air output is improved, but the battery power is depleted faster requiring frequent recharging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air outputVSAvoidbattery operation duration
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a compressor unit with its own battery and an external tank unit with a separate battery. This segmentation allows each unit to have independent power sources, so when the external tank is connected, the compressor can draw power from either battery, effectively extending the total operation duration without compromising compressed air output capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If the battery is made larger to supply power for larger compressed air output with external tank, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the weight and portability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidcompressor weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using one large battery, the power supply is segmented into two separate batteries located in different units (compressor unit and external tank unit). This allows the system to achieve the power capacity of a larger battery while keeping each individual battery smaller and lighter, maintaining the portability and lightweight characteristics of the simplified air compressor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If frequent battery recharging is required to maintain compressed air output, then the compressed air supply stability is improved, but the productivity is reduced due to work interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air supply stabilityVSAvoidwork productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent batteries, allowing one to serve as a backup while the other is in use. When one battery is depleted, the compressor can immediately switch to the other battery without interruption to the compressed air supply, eliminating work stoppages and maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The external tank unit with its own battery is prepared in advance as a power backup. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the compressor's internal battery is depleted, power supply can be immediately maintained by switching to the external battery, preventing any interruption in compressed air supply and work continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration allows for extended operation of pneumatic tools without power interruptions, improving productivity and usability by enabling the use of compressed air at any location without an AC power source and allowing for on-site battery recharging.

Implementation Method 1

The external tank unit includes an external tank and a battery. The battery may supply an electric power to the compressor unit.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP2597309B1Air Compressors
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 MAKITA CORP
  • EP2597309B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2597309B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2597309B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air compressor (1; 50) may include a compressor unit (10) and an external tank unit (30; 60; 70) connectible with the compressor unit (10). The external tank unit (30; 60; 70) may include an external tank (32; 63) and a battery (37; 64). The battery (37; 64) may supply electric power to the compressor unit (10).