Battery-operated device including an electromechanical interface for an interchangeable drive unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery-operated devices require additional interfaces and connections for charging interchangeable batteries, which is inconvenient and increases complexity.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing the existing electromechanical interface designed for the interchangeable drive unit to also charge the rechargeable battery, thereby eliminating the need for additional interfaces and simplifying the charging process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate charging interface is added for interchangeable batteries, then charging functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging functionalityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromechanical interface originally designed for connecting interchangeable drive units is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both drive unit connection and battery charging functions. The interface structure remains unchanged, but its functionality is expanded through control unit logic that detects whether a drive unit or charging device is connected and routes power accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional interfaces and connections are provided for battery charging, then charging capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidcharging convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery charging process is made self-service by allowing users to charge interchangeable batteries directly in the device without needing external charging equipment. The control unit automatically detects when a charging device is connected to the electromechanical interface and initiates the charging process without user intervention, eliminating the need to manually connect separate charging cables or interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the electromechanical interface is used for both drive unit connection and battery charging, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may deteriorate due to dual functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface quantityVSAvoidinterface reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electromechanical interface implements dynamic functionality through the control unit, which automatically detects whether an interchangeable drive unit or a charging device is connected and switches between these two modes of operation. This dynamic adaptation allows a single static interface structure to reliably support multiple functions without requiring physical modifications or additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12224610B2Battery-operated device including an electromechanical interface for an interchangeable drive unit
Publication Date: 2025.02.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US12224610B2 patent drawing
  • US12224610B2 patent drawing
  • US12224610B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery-operated device including a rechargeable battery and an interchangeable drive unit that is supplied with power by the rechargeable battery via an electromechanical interface is provided. The rechargeable battery is chargeable via the electromechanical interface.