Mobile Measuring Device Power Supply Module with Dual Battery Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile measuring devices face challenges in maintaining a reliable and extended power supply, as rechargeable batteries deplete over time, potentially leading to device failure and requiring manual battery changes, which is unsafe and inconvenient, especially in explosive environments.

Innovation Solution

A power supply module comprising a permanently installed rechargeable battery and primary battery, with an electronic control unit that switches to the primary battery when the rechargeable battery's power falls below a minimum threshold, ensuring a safe and extended operation without the need for manual battery changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rechargeable battery is used for power supply, then the device can be charged and reused, but the operating time is limited and the battery may deplete leading to device failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent battery units: a rechargeable battery for regular operation and a primary battery for backup. This segmentation allows each battery type to fulfill its specific function optimally, with the rechargeable battery providing daily power needs and the primary battery ensuring extended operation during depletion scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The primary battery is pre-installed and pre-charged within the device as a backup power source. The electronic control unit is pre-programmed to automatically detect rechargeable battery depletion and switch to the primary battery, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring continuous operation without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the rechargeable battery is permanently installed, then manual battery changes are eliminated improving safety, but the battery cannot be replaced when depleted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery change operationVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A primary battery is pre-installed within the device as a permanent backup component. When the rechargeable battery depletes, the system automatically switches to the primary battery, ensuring continuous operation without requiring manual battery replacement. This preliminary preparation of a backup power source resolves both the ease of operation and extended operating time requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary between the rechargeable and primary batteries, automatically detecting the charge status of the rechargeable battery and switching power sources as needed. This intelligent mediation eliminates manual intervention while ensuring seamless transition between power sources, maintaining both operational simplicity and extended functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If a primary battery is used instead of rechargeable, then the operating time is extended, but the battery cannot be recharged and must be replaced manually

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating timeVSAvoidbattery replacement operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is divided into two functional segments: a rechargeable battery segment for regular recharging cycles and a primary battery segment for extended backup operation. This segmentation allows the device to benefit from both rechargeable convenience and primary battery longevity, with the electronic control unit managing transitions between segments based on charge status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control unit serves as an intelligent intermediary that monitors the rechargeable battery's charge level and automatically switches to the primary battery when depletion is detected. This automated mediation eliminates the need for manual battery replacement while maximizing operating time, as the system seamlessly transitions to the long-lasting primary battery source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Duration of action of moving object

If manual battery changes are allowed, then depleted batteries can be replaced, but safety risks increase especially in explosive environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating timeVSAvoidsafety risks in explosive areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A primary battery is pre-installed as a permanent backup component within the device housing, eliminating the need for users to manually access or replace batteries in potentially explosive environments. The automatic switching mechanism ensures that when the rechargeable battery depletes, the system transitions to the pre-positioned primary battery without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining safety while extending operating time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system performs self-service through automatic detection and switching between the rechargeable and primary batteries. The electronic control unit continuously monitors battery status and autonomously manages the transition between power sources, eliminating manual battery handling operations that would pose safety risks in explosive atmospheres while ensuring continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration provides a safer, more reliable, and longer-lasting power supply for mobile measuring devices, allowing operation for extended periods and in varying temperatures, while preventing accidental battery depletion and ensuring safety in potentially explosive areas.

Implementation Method 1

a rechargeable battery (120), which is permanently installed in the mobile measuring device (100) and can be charged via a charging device (222) of the mobile measuring device (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a primary battery (130), which is likewise permanently installed in the mobile measuring device (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11557915B2Mobile measuring device with a power supply module and process for power supply
Publication Date: 2023.01.17 DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO KAAA
  • US11557915B2 patent drawing
  • US11557915B2 patent drawing
  • US11557915B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile measuring device (100) includes a power supply module (110) that includes a rechargeable battery (120), a primary battery (130) and an electronic control unit (140). The rechargeable battery is permanently installed in the mobile measuring device and can be charged via a charging device (122) of the mobile measuring device. The primary battery is also permanently installed in the mobile measuring device. The electronic control unit is configured to guarantee a power supply of the mobile measuring device via the rechargeable battery as long as an electrical minimum power supply is provided by the rechargeable battery and to change to a temporary power supply by the primary battery if the minimum supply power is undershot.