Onboard Battery Power Limiting for Garden Tool Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiencies in battery management for gardening and agriculture tools and vehicles, particularly due to the limitations of early battery technologies like lead-acid and zinc-carbon batteries, which resulted in short battery life, frequent replacements, and the need for multiple types of batteries and chargers, making them inconvenient and less efficient compared to endothermic engines.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for optimizing battery charging and discharging processes in tools and vehicles, using a control unit to selectively charge and supply power from multiple batteries, allowing for simultaneous power transfer from different batteries to users, and managing battery health through monitoring and diagnostic functions, enabling ergonomic battery insertion and replacement, and reducing the number of battery and charger types needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple types of batteries are used for different applications, then the battery life and charging capacity are improved, but the device complexity and number of battery types increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal battery system where a single battery type with standardized voltage and connector can be used across multiple tool and vehicle applications. The control unit automatically detects battery capacity and manages power distribution to accommodate different power requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized battery types while maintaining reliable operation across all devices
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated chargers are used for different battery types, then the charging capacity is improved, but the device complexity and number of charger types increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal charger that can charge any battery type through automatic detection of battery voltage and capacity. The charger adjusts charging parameters dynamically based on battery characteristics, providing reliable charging capacity across all battery types while requiring only a single charger design
3Productivity
If frequent battery replacements are performed, then the operational continuity is improved, but the loss of time and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements battery management that monitors charge levels in real-time and provides advance warning before batteries are fully discharged. The system can also pre-charge replacement batteries or automatically switch between multiple batteries, eliminating the need for frequent manual replacements and reducing operational interruptions
4Ease of manufacture
If early battery technologies like lead-acid and zinc-carbon are used, then the initial cost is reduced, but the battery life and charging capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional lead-acid and zinc-carbon batteries to modern lithium-ion or Ni-Mh battery technologies. This parameter change in battery chemistry provides significantly improved life, charging capacity, and power density while reducing size and weight, making the higher initial cost worthwhile through extended service life and better performance
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 solution enhances battery life, reduces energy dissipation, and simplifies battery management by allowing for the use of fewer types of batteries and chargers, improving the operational efficiency and convenience of gardening and agriculture tools and vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A method and device for optimizing battery charging and discharging processes in tools and vehicles
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control method of a tool or vehicle (100) for gardening or agriculture, which tool or vehicle (100) comprises at least one power user (101, 102) and a power supply circuit configured to electrically power the power user (101,102). At least a first battery (B1) and a second battery (B2) of a plurality of batteries (B1-B4) are installed on board the tool or vehicle (100) and contribute to electrically powering the power user (101, 102) by means of the power supply circuit. The method comprises an electronic measurement step of an electrical power (P(t)) instantly absorbed by the power user (101, 102) and an electronic limitation step of the electrical power supplied by the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) to the power user (101, 102) by means of the power supply circuit, the electronic limitation step determining a limitation of the electrical power supplied by the first battery (B1) or by the second battery (B2) to at least a maximum power value. The present invention further relates to a control unit (10) configured to limit to at least a maximum power value an electrical power supplied by the first battery (B1) or by the second battery (B2) to the power user (101, 102) by means of the power supply circuit. Lastly, the present invention relates to a vehicle for gardening or agriculture (100) comprising the control unit (10).