Li-Ion Wall Scanner Powering Multi-Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wall scanners powered by alkaline batteries lack the voltage and current to support additional features and have reduced operational runtime due to limited power capacity, making them inadequate for high-resolution displays and advanced sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A wall scanner equipped with a high-voltage removable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, which powers advanced features like high-intensity LEDs, high-resolution displays, and multiple sensors, including capacitive plate sensors for stud detection, D-coil sensors for metal identification, and non-contact voltage sensors for live wire detection, while maintaining extended operational runtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If alkaline batteries are used to power the wall scanner, then the device structure remains simple, but the voltage and current are insufficient to support additional features and high-resolution displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from alkaline battery chemistry to lithium-ion battery chemistry, fundamentally changing the electrical parameters (voltage and current output) of the power source. This parameter change enables the wall scanner to support high-resolution displays and multiple sensors while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Duration of action of moving object
If alkaline batteries are used in the wall scanner, then the device maintains simple battery replacement, but the operational runtime is reduced due to limited power capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the battery chemistry from alkaline to lithium-ion, which fundamentally alters the energy density and power capacity parameters. This enables extended operational runtime while maintaining the simple battery replacement characteristic, as the lithium-ion battery pack can be easily removed and replaced when depleted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-voltage rechargeable battery pack is installed, then advanced features and high-resolution displays are supported, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power source parameters to high-voltage lithium-ion chemistry, which provides sufficient power for advanced features and high-resolution displays. While this increases the weight compared to alkaline batteries, the weight increase is necessary to achieve the desired adaptability and versatility of the device.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and advanced features are added to the wall scanner, then the sensing capabilities are improved, but the power consumption increases beyond what alkaline batteries can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the battery chemistry from alkaline to lithium-ion, which fundamentally alters the available power parameters (voltage and current). This enables the wall scanner to operate multiple sensors and advanced features simultaneously with improved measurement precision, as the lithium-ion battery can deliver the higher power consumption required by these components.
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 high-voltage rechargeable battery pack enables the wall scanner to provide comprehensive sensing and display capabilities, including real-time object location and depth indication, with improved ergonomics and extended usage without the need for frequent recharging or battery replacement.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive plate sensors for sensing the presence of a stud behind a surface
Implementation Method 2
a D-coil sensor for identifying the presence of metal behind the surface
Implementation Method 3
a non-contact voltage sensor for detecting the presence of live wires carrying AC currents behind the surface
Implementation Method 4
The handle portion is adapted to receive a high-voltage removable and rechargeable battery pack, such as a lithium-ion ("Li-Ion") battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A wall scanner that includes a housing, a plurality of sensors, a display, and a control section. The housing includes a handle portion and a body portion. The handle portion is adapted to receive a removable and rechargeable battery pack such as a high-voltage lithium-ion (“Li-Ion”) battery pack. The body portion of the housing encloses the plurality of sensing devices, such as capacitive plate sensors for sensing the presence of a stud behind a surface, a D-coil sensor for identifying the presence of metal behind the surface, and a non-contact voltage sensor. The display is configured to display the location of an object behind the surface in real-time, the depth of an object behind the surface, and whether an object behind the surface is ferrous or non-ferrous. The control section includes actuation devices for controlling the functions and operations of the wall scanner, such as the scanning mode.