Dual-Interface Power Tool Battery Housing Against Water and Dust

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Solution Overview

Problem

Charging apparatuses for power tool accumulators face challenges due to their complex and elaborate configurations, which are prone to water and dust ingress, leading to potential short circuits and damage.

Innovation Solution

The accumulator is designed with at least a first and second interface device, configured for both charging and discharging electrical energy, and optionally for signal transmission and data exchange, using USB-C sockets or cables, with integrated current and voltage detection and setting capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the charging apparatus uses an open top interface for charging accumulators, then the charging function is achieved, but water and dust can penetrate into the interior causing short circuits and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against water and dust ingressVSAvoidinterface configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accumulator housing is designed with dual functionality: it serves both as the accumulator body and as a protective charging apparatus. The housing includes an openable lid that provides access to the interface device while also protecting the interface when closed, eliminating the need for a separate charging apparatus and its vulnerable open top interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid acts as an intermediary protective element between the external environment (water and dust) and the interface device. When closed, the lid protects the interface device from environmental hazards while still allowing the charging function to occur when opened

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the charging apparatus has a solid and durable configuration for harsh environments, then durability is improved, but the sensitive technology required for sophisticated charging processes becomes more difficult to protect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability in harsh environmentsVSAvoidprotection of sensitive charging technology

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging apparatus functions are merged into the accumulator housing itself. The housing provides both the mechanical durability needed for harsh environments and the protected environment needed for sensitive charging technology, eliminating the conflict between durability and sensitivity protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The accumulator housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the accumulator cells, houses the interface device, provides environmental protection when the lid is closed, and allows access when opened. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between durability and sensitivity protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the interface is open at the top for charging, then charging access is achieved, but electrical connections are exposed to water and dust penetration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging accessVSAvoidexposure to water and dust

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed to be dynamically openable and closable, allowing the interface device to be accessible when needed for charging while being protected when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between ease of operation and protection from harmful factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lid serves as a protective intermediary that can be positioned in two states: closed to protect the interface device from water and dust, or open to allow charging access. This intermediary element resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and protection from harmful factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design enhances the durability and reliability of the charging system by protecting against environmental hazards while enabling efficient energy transfer and communication, thus ensuring the accumulator's effective operation in harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

the accumulator essentially contains a multiplicity of energy storage cells (also called accumulator cells) positioned in a solid housing. By means of the energy storage cells, electrical energy can be stored by the accumulator and also provided for a load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

the at least first and second interface devices are configured both to charge the at least one energy storage cell with electrical energy and to discharge electrical energy from the at least one energy storage cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250175023A1Accumulator with two interface devices

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 HILTI AG

AI summary

An accumulator, in particular as a releasable energy source for a power tool, containing at least one energy storage cell. The accumulator contains at least a first and second interface device, wherein the at least first and second interface devices are configured both to charge the at least one energy storage cell with electrical energy and to discharge electrical energy from the at least one energy storage cell. System containing a power tool and at least one accumulator, which is able to be connected to the power tool.