Modular Battery Power Supply Control for Multi-Tool Charging

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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 for simultaneous charging and discharging, allowing for flexible power distribution and diagnostic monitoring, reducing the number of battery and charger types, and providing silent operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidnumber of battery types
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal battery platform that can serve multiple power levels and applications through a single battery type. The control unit dynamically manages power distribution to accommodate different tool requirements, making the battery system multi-functional rather than requiring separate batteries for each application.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic power management where the control unit adjusts power delivery in real-time based on the connected tool's requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows a single battery type to provide varying power levels, replacing the need for multiple fixed-power battery designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated chargers are used for different battery types, then each battery can be optimally charged, but the device complexity and number of chargers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging optimizationVSAvoidnumber of charger types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is designed as a universal charger that can handle all battery types through intelligent detection and adaptive charging algorithms. The control unit identifies the connected battery type and adjusts charging parameters accordingly, providing optimal charging for each battery without requiring multiple dedicated charger models.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the battery type and selecting the appropriate charging profile. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually select between different chargers, as the system adapts autonomously to the connected battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If motor generators are used for power supply, then sufficient power can be provided, but noise and exhaust emissions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidnoise and emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical motor generators with an electrical power supply system based on batteries and electronic power conversion. This substitution eliminates the combustion process that generates noise and exhaust emissions, while maintaining sufficient power output through electronic control and dynamic power management.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4236016A1Electric power supply device and related control method
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 STIGA S P A IN BREVE ANCHE ST SPA
  • EP4236016A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4236016A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4236016A1 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, a charging arrangement intended to allow a charging of the plurality of batteries (B1- B4), and a control unit (10) configured to control the charging of the plurality of batteries (B1 - B4) and to control the supply of electrical energy to the power user (101, 102). The present invention further relates to a method for controlling the power supply of at least one power user. The method comprises a step of supplying at least one power user (101, 102) by means of a device (500) provided with a plurality of batteries (B1 - B4) installed in a modular manner, a step of controlling the delivery of electrical energy from the device (500), in particular from the plurality of batteries (B1 - B4), to the power user (101, 102) and a step of controlling the charging of the plurality of batteries (B1 - B4).