Integrated Battery Charging Toolbox Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toolboxes do not incorporate charging ports for rechargeable power tool batteries, leading to disorganization and the risk of batteries being uncharged when needed, delaying user projects.
Innovation Solution
A toolbox with integrated charging ports and a switch to prevent overcharging, allowing simultaneous storage and charging of power tools and batteries, with a lid to protect components during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If charging ports are not incorporated into the toolbox, then the toolbox structure remains simple, but batteries cannot be charged while stored leading to disorganization and project delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage function and charging function into a single integrated toolbox system. The charging ports are built directly into the toolbox structure, allowing batteries to be charged while stored. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate charging equipment and storage containers, resolving the contradiction between added versatility and increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The toolbox is designed to serve multiple functions: storing power tools, storing batteries, and charging batteries. The charging ports are positioned to accommodate various battery types and configurations, providing universal charging capability within the storage structure, thus adding versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If power tools and batteries are stored separately, then organization is improved, but users may forget to charge batteries resulting in low charge when needed
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the storage location and charging function into the same toolbox structure, the system ensures that batteries are automatically recharged during storage periods. This eliminates the risk of forgetting to charge batteries while maintaining organized storage, as both tools and batteries have designated spaces within the same container with integrated charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging ports are positioned within easy reach in the toolbox, allowing users to quickly connect batteries for charging before leaving the workspace. This preliminary charging action ensures batteries are ready for use without requiring separate charging steps, maintaining both organization and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging ports are added to the toolbox, then charging capability is enhanced, but the toolbox becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into modular components with standardized port designs. Multiple charging ports are implemented using repeated modular units rather than custom complex circuits, making the system easier to manufacture. Each charging port module can be independently produced and assembled into the toolbox structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging ports are designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different battery types and configurations. This universal design approach allows a single standardized charging interface to serve multiple functions and battery types, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high adaptability.
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
Ensures batteries are always charged and organized, preventing delays and protecting charging components during transport.
Implementation Method 1
The power input is electrically coupled to each charging port of the plurality of charging ports. The power input is configured to be electrically couplable to an extrinsic power source wherein the power input is configured to transfer power from the extrinsic power source to the plurality of charging ports.
Implementation Method 2
A switch is coupled to the container. The switch is electrically coupled to the power input. The switch is actuatable to selectively inhibit the power input from transferring power to the plurality of charging ports wherein the switch is configured to inhibit the plurality of power tool batteries from being overcharged.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charging toolbox assembly for recharging power tool batteries and storing power tools includes a container with a base wall and a peripheral wall defining a storage compartment for a plurality of power tools and a plurality of power tool batteries. A plurality of brackets may be coupled to the container. Each bracket is designed to receive an associated power tool to secure a position of the associated power tool within the storage compartment. A plurality of charging ports is coupled to the container to recharge the plurality of power tool batteries. A power input is electrically coupled to each charging port of the plurality of charging ports and is designed to transfer power from an extrinsic power source to the plurality of charging ports. A switch is electrically coupled to the power input to selectively inhibit the power input from transferring power to the plurality of charging ports.