Multi-Battery Power Tool Indicators for Series Pack Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
When battery packs are connected in series, differences in charge states can lead to over-discharge and reverse charging, potentially damaging one battery pack and requiring users to diligently monitor multiple indicators for abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
The electric power tool is designed with a plurality of indicators arranged to be simultaneously viewable, allowing users to conveniently and reliably monitor the conditions of multiple battery packs, thereby reducing the likelihood of overlooking battery abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery packs are connected in series to increase voltage output, then the power output of the electric tool is improved, but the risk of battery damage due to over-discharge and reverse charging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective actions by providing indicators that warn users before battery damage occurs. The indicators monitor battery conditions and alert users to potential over-discharge or reverse charging issues before they cause damage, allowing preventive action to be taken.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through visual indicators that continuously monitor and display the state of each battery pack. This feedback system allows users to observe battery conditions in real-time and take appropriate actions to prevent over-discharge and reverse charging, thereby maintaining battery safety while using multiple packs in series.
2Reliability
If multiple indicators are provided to monitor battery conditions, then the reliability of battery monitoring is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing separate indicators for each battery pack rather than a single complex monitoring system. Each indicator independently monitors its associated battery pack, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage. This segmented approach makes it easier to understand and interpret battery status without overwhelming the user with a single complex indicator system.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power tool includes a main body supporting a tool. An electric motor is housed in the main body and configured to drive the tool. A plurality of battery interfaces is integrally formed on the main body, each battery interface having a positive battery terminal and a negative battery terminal. Each battery interface is configured to removably receive a positive battery terminal and a negative battery terminal of a corresponding one of a plurality of battery packs and to electrically connect the plurality of attached battery packs in series with the electric motor. Each of the plurality of battery packs comprises a movable latch configured to engage a corresponding engagement structure defined on or near the corresponding battery interface.