Electrical Component with Tool and Battery Ports

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a versatile electrical component that can provide both AC and DC power to various tools and charge battery packs, especially in situations where AC power is unavailable, such as during power outages or emergencies, while also serving as a dual-function lighting unit for job sites.

Innovation Solution

An electrical component system with a base that includes tool ports and battery ports, featuring a circuit that converts AC power to DC power for tool operation and battery charging, and automatically switches to using DC power from battery packs when AC is unavailable, allowing for seamless operation of electrical tools and lighting units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a battery charger and lighting unit are combined into a single unit, then multiple functions are provided in a single product, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a battery charger and lighting unit into a single integrated device. The base unit includes both a battery charging circuit with battery ports and a lighting assembly with light sources, allowing simultaneous charging and illumination functions. This merging of functions into one device provides versatility while managing complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit serves multiple purposes: it charges battery packs through dedicated battery ports, provides AC power outlets for tool charging, and illuminates work areas through integrated light sources. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple separate tools, enhancing adaptability for job site use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If AC power is used to power tools and lighting, then continuous power supply is available, but power outages cause loss of visibility and work hindrance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower outage impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device includes integrated lighting that automatically activates when AC power is lost, providing immediate illumination during outages. The battery-powered lighting serves as a pre-prepared backup system that cushions against the harmful effect of power outages, ensuring continuous visibility and work capability without waiting for external emergency lighting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit provides its own lighting during power outages using integrated light sources powered by the battery charging circuit. This self-service capability allows the device to independently address power loss without requiring external emergency lighting equipment, maintaining work continuity autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If battery packs are charged during AC power availability, then DC power is available for tool operation, but the charging process time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery charging efficiencyVSAvoidcharging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting unit provides continuous illumination during the entire battery charging process, eliminating idle time. Instead of having periods of darkness while batteries charge, the integrated lighting ensures continuous useful action by illuminating the work area throughout the charging duration, making the charging time productive rather than wasted time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Enables continuous power supply to electrical tools and lighting units, ensuring uninterrupted work during AC power outages by utilizing rechargeable battery packs to provide DC power, while also serving as a multi-functional lighting unit for job sites.

Implementation Method 1

a circuit that converts AC power to DC power for tool operation and battery charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC to DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

rechargeable battery packs to provide DC power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS9273857B2Electrical component including tool and battery charger ports

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

AI summary

An electrical assembly selectively receives power from an external power supply. The electrical assembly includes a base that at least partially defines a tool port and a battery port and an electrical tool selectively coupled to the tool port. A rechargeable battery pack is selectively coupled to the battery port and a circuit is supported by the base and is operable to direct power to the tool port and the battery port such that the external power provides power to the electrical tool to operate the electrical tool and to recharge the rechargeable battery pack.