Master-Slave Battery Pack for Continuous Helmet Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern combat soldiers face power disruptions when their backpack battery packs become separated, and existing helmet-mounted power systems are cumbersome, while also dealing with the inefficiency of using multiple batteries that are not fully spent, leading to partially depleted batteries being discarded before they are fully exhausted.
Innovation Solution
A universal battery pack system comprising a master cell and a slave cell, where the master cell provides regulated power and recharging capabilities to the slave cell, allowing for seamless power transfer and recharging of rechargeable batteries, even when the backpack is removed, and accommodating various battery types with a controller circuit to maintain consistent output voltage and current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backpack battery pack is used to power helmet-mounted devices, then power supply is provided, but the soldier becomes separated from the backpack and power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into two independent components: a master battery pack (portable, carried by soldier) and a slave battery pack (mounted on helmet). The master pack contains the main battery and control circuitry, while the slave pack contains the rechargeable battery and power output interface. This segmentation allows the soldier to carry the master pack separately while the slave pack remains on the helmet, ensuring continuous power supply even when separated.
2Reliability
If a helmet-mounted power pack is used, then power is provided to devices, but the power pack is cumbersome and adds stress to the soldier's neck
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy battery component is extracted from the helmet-mounted slave pack and placed in the portable master pack carried by the soldier. The slave pack on the helmet contains only the lightweight rechargeable battery and power interface, minimizing weight and neck strain while maintaining the ability to provide continuous power through the master-slave connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different batteries are used for various devices, then device compatibility is achieved, but batteries are discarded before being fully spent
Solution Approach 1:
The master battery pack is designed with a universal interface that can accept and power multiple types of devices (helmet-mounted devices, night vision equipment, communication devices, etc.). The controller circuit automatically detects and regulates power output for different device types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized batteries and allowing full utilization of battery capacity.
4Loss of energy
If a universal battery pack is used to harvest energy from partially spent batteries, then energy reuse is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master battery pack combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: it serves as both a power source for devices and a charging station for partially spent batteries. The controller circuit merges power regulation and battery charging functions, allowing the master pack to harvest energy from partial batteries and store it in its main battery, reducing energy waste without requiring separate harvesting and charging systems.
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 system ensures continuous power supply to helmet-mounted devices without neck strain, harvests remaining energy from partially spent batteries, and provides a lightweight solution by separating power and recharging functions between the master and slave cells, reducing battery waste and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the recharging circuit boosts the nominal voltage to a recharge voltage, the recharge voltage available between poles of the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
regulates a flow of current between poles of the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 3
a controller circuit for regulating an output voltage and current of the at least one battery, the regulated voltage and current available at an output of the master cell
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a universal power pack, power supply and battery harvesting device. Generally, each comprises a receptacle for receiving at least one battery or battery pack having a different shape and/or nominal output voltage. A controller circuit is provided for regulating the output voltages and/or currents of the battery or batteries with the regulated voltage and current available at an output. The devices allow other devices to be powered or recharged, or batteries to be recharged. In a particular embodiment, a master cell and slave cell are provided wherein the slave cell continues to power attached devices when connection with the master cell is not available.