Modular Battery Power Unit for Multi-Tool Charging and Drive

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply solutions for gardening and agricultural tools are inefficient due to limited battery life, multiple battery types, and the need for various chargers, leading to inconvenience and environmental noise from motor generators.

Innovation Solution

A modular power supply device with a control unit that manages multiple batteries, allowing for simultaneous charging and discharging, and provides a portable, quiet, and efficient power source for tools and vehicles, reducing the number of battery and charger types required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple battery types are used for different applications, then the power supply capacity is sufficient for various tools, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidnumber of battery types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal battery platform where a single battery type can be used across multiple tool applications by adjusting power output parameters. The control system enables the same battery to serve different power requirements through electronic control of current and voltage delivery, eliminating the need for multiple specialized battery types while maintaining adequate power supply capacity for various tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (current, voltage, power output) rather than physical components (battery types). The control unit adjusts electrical parameters to match different tool requirements, allowing one battery type to adapt to multiple applications through parameter modification rather than requiring different battery chemistries or configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple chargers are used for different battery capacities, then the charging efficiency is optimized for each battery type, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of charger types
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charger is designed with universal compatibility to charge all battery types through a single interface. The control system automatically detects battery capacity and adjusts charging parameters (current, voltage, charge rate) accordingly, enabling one charger to efficiently charge batteries of different capacities without requiring multiple specialized charging devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor battery status, capacity, and charging progress. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts charging parameters to optimize charging efficiency for each specific battery, maintaining high productivity while using a single versatile charger rather than multiple fixed-parameter chargers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If motor generators are used for power supply, then sufficient power is available for tools, but harmful factors such as exhaust gases and noise are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidexhaust gases and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical combustion-based motor generator system with an electrochemical battery system. This substitution eliminates the need for combustion processes that produce exhaust gases and reduces mechanical noise from moving parts, while still providing sufficient electrical power for tool operation through the battery's electrochemical energy conversion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4236015A1Electric power supply device and related control method and kit comprising such device and at least one accessory
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 STIGA S P A IN BREVE ANCHE ST SPA
  • EP4236015A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4236015A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4236015A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (500) for powering and/or storing energy, configured to be transportable and to electrically power at least one power user (101, 102). The device (500) comprises a casing (501) configured to contain a plurality of batteries (B1 - B4) in at least one predefined position. The device (500) comprises a charging arrangement intended to allow a charging of the batteries (B1 - B4). The device (500) comprises a service power user (510), configured to be powered by the batteries (B1 - B4), and further configured to provide at least one driving force and/or an electrical energy to at least one accessory (512, 513, 514) removably connectable to the device (500). The device (500) comprises a connector, arranged substantially at the service power user (510), configured to retain at least part of the accessory (512, 513, 514), and to release the accessory (512, 513, 514) under user control. The present invention further relates to a kit comprising the device (500) and an accessory (512, 513, 514) configured to be removably coupled to the service power user (510) of the device (500).