Movable Battery Interface for Compact Power Tool Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-operated power tools face issues with increased size and clumsiness due to the unwieldy arrangement of battery interfaces, especially when multiple battery packs are used, and the need for a more compact and secure design to prevent collisions and enhance usability.
Innovation Solution
A battery interface that can be moved translationally and potentially pivoted, with electrical and mechanical connections that remain secure in any position, allowing for a space-saving design where the battery packs can be easily attached and protected within the housing arrangement, using displacement means like running rails and a securing mechanism with end stops and a spring-loaded pawl.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery packs are connected to increase voltage and operating time, then the power and duration of action are improved, but the device complexity and installation space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The battery interface is designed to be movable relative to the housing arrangement, transitioning between a first position for easy attachment and a second position for compact storage. This dynamic positioning allows the system to accommodate multiple battery packs without permanently increasing the device's footprint, resolving the contradiction between power capacity and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the battery interface is positioned for easy access and connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the installation space and device size worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The battery interface transitions between an extended first position that provides easy access for battery attachment and a retracted second position that minimizes installation space. This dynamic configuration allows the device to offer user-friendly operation without permanently occupying additional space within the housing arrangement.
3Volume of moving object
If the battery interface is made movable to save space, then the volume of the device is reduced, but the reliability of electrical connection worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The battery interface is designed with movable capability that includes defined first and second positions, with the electrical contacts maintaining connectivity throughout the movement range. This allows the device to achieve compact volume when the interface is retracted while ensuring reliable electrical connection is maintained during operation when the interface is extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates positioning mechanisms and electrical contact designs that ensure stable connection before movement occurs, preventing connection failures during the transition between positions. This beforehand preparation maintains reliability while enabling space-saving movable design.
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 solution enables a compact and user-friendly power tool design that simplifies handling and prevents collisions, allowing for efficient use and storage of multiple battery packs while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded pawl (18c) which engages, in a locked state, with a tooth (22b) on the displacement means (22) to secure the battery interface (20) in a defined position relative to the housing arrangement (16)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery-operated stationary or semi-stationary power tool (10) comprising an electric drive unit, a battery interface (20) for electrical and/or mechanical coupling of at least one battery pack (A) and a housing arrangement (16) with which the drive unit is at least partially connected, wherein the battery interface is captively connected to the housing arrangement in the assembled state, characterized in that the battery interface is movably attached to the housing arrangement between a first position and a second position relative to the housing arrangement.