Intelligent Power Pack for Motorized Appliances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable motorized tools and appliances face challenges in balancing economy, portability, and readiness due to limitations in power sources, including high costs of primary batteries, limited interoperability of rechargeable batteries, and the need for constant maintenance of secondary batteries, as well as the incompatibility of battery packs across different tools and manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A motorized portable appliance that automatically selects and optimally uses multiple power sources, including mains power, secondary batteries, primary batteries, and solar cells, through an intelligent power pack with a control system that switches between sources, conditions power, and recharges batteries, ensuring continuous operation and extended battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If primary batteries are used to power portable tools, then initial cost is lower and tools remain in high readiness state, but ongoing replacement cost increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the tool to operate with variable power parameters by accepting different battery types (primary, secondary, rechargeable) and power sources (mains, solar). The control system adjusts operating parameters dynamically to optimize performance across different power sources, allowing the tool to maintain readiness without frequent replacements while managing costs effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal power interface that accepts multiple battery types and power sources through a standardized connection system. The tool can interchangeably use primary batteries, secondary rechargeable batteries, mains power, or solar power, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements and eliminating the need for tool-specific battery packs
2Loss of time
If secondary rechargeable batteries are used for frequent tool operation, then ongoing cost decreases, but portability is reduced due to weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power selection system that automatically or manually switches between different power sources based on operational needs. The tool can transition from battery power to mains power or solar power when available, optimizing the balance between portability and operational readiness without being constrained by a single heavy battery pack
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power management system that coordinates between multiple power sources. This system includes voltage regulation, current management, and automatic switching mechanisms that enable seamless transition between battery power, mains power, and solar power, allowing the tool to maintain readiness while minimizing battery weight
3Reliability
If battery packs are designed with proprietary connections for each tool manufacturer, then reliability of power delivery improves, but adaptability across different tools and manufacturers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal battery interface that can accommodate different battery types and manufacturers through a standardized connection system. The tool includes adaptive recognition circuitry that identifies the connected battery type and adjusts operating parameters accordingly, ensuring reliable power delivery while maintaining compatibility across different battery brands and tool models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment based on detected battery characteristics. The control system measures voltage, current capacity, and chemical composition of the connected battery, then automatically optimizes charging rates, discharge limits, and operational parameters to maintain reliable performance across diverse battery types while preserving interoperability
4Weight of moving object
If secondary batteries are used without continuous charging, then portability is maintained, but self-discharge reduces available power over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous power maintenance through multiple mechanisms: automatic charging when the tool is idle or connected to power sources, solar charging during operation, and energy harvesting from motion or environmental sources. This ensures the battery remains charged without adding significant weight, maintaining both portability and power retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the battery system to charge itself through integrated solar panels, regenerative braking during motor deceleration, and energy harvesting from tool operation. The system automatically manages its own power needs without external intervention, maintaining charge levels while preserving portability by eliminating the need for heavy external charging equipment
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
The solution enhances the utility and longevity of tools by allowing them to operate with a variety of power sources, reduces the need for frequent battery replacements, and improves portability by minimizing the weight and strain of battery packs, while effectively utilizing residual power and low current sources.
Implementation Method 1
The other source of electrical power may be mains electrical power, such as from an AC adapter, from an automotive battery, or from a solar photovoltaic array
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized portable appliance which monitors, and automatically selects, one of multiple power sources. The motorized portable appliance includes an electric motor, a secondary battery and at least one other source of electrical power, and an automatic control to switch between the secondary battery and the other source of electrical power, which may be mains electrical power, an external secondary battery, an on-board secondary battery, an automotive battery, a solar photovoltaic array, or a primary battery. Power conditioning circuitry converts power from the various power sources to a form compatible with the electric motor and recovers remaining power from depleted primary batteries.