Multi-Voltage Battery Pack Switching for Cross-Tool Voltage Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs require different voltages for tools with varying rated voltages, leading to increased categories and costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-voltage battery pack with a converting assembly that allows switching between multiple output voltages by connecting battery strings in parallel or series configurations, enabling adaptability to different power tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-voltage battery pack is used, then the battery pack structure is simple, but the electric tool cannot operate at different voltages (e.g., 18V and 36V)
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple battery modules (e.g., first battery module and second battery module), each containing individual battery cells. This segmentation allows the battery pack to provide different voltage outputs by selectively connecting different numbers of modules in series, enabling the same battery pack to operate at multiple voltages (18V, 36V, etc.) while maintaining a manageable modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple voltage requirements. By incorporating a voltage selection mechanism and configurable series connections between battery modules, the single battery pack can function as both an 18V and 36V power source, eliminating the need for separate battery packs for different voltage tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery cells with different capacities are used to achieve different voltages, then voltage adaptability is improved, but the overall capacity of the battery pack is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Battery modules with identical or matched capacities are used locally within the pack, rather than mixing cells of different capacities. The system achieves voltage adaptability through the series connection configuration of these uniform modules, not through heterogeneous cell selection. This ensures that each module contributes its full capacity regardless of which voltage mode is selected.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack incorporates dynamic switching capability through a voltage selection mechanism that can reconfigure the series connections between battery modules in real-time. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize capacity utilization for each voltage mode, ensuring that the full capacity of available modules is utilized whether operating at 18V or 36V.
3Reliability
If protection circuits are added to prevent over-discharge, then battery reliability is improved, but the available capacity is reduced due to reserved电量
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack incorporates intelligent management circuits that automatically monitor and manage the charge state of each battery module. The system performs self-service protection by detecting voltage levels and preventing over-discharge of individual modules, while the control unit coordinates the discharge of multiple modules to maximize overall capacity utilization. This automated management ensures reliability without requiring excessive capacity reserves.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosure is a multi-voltage battery pack which includes: a housing, battery strings disposed inside the housing and including a plurality of battery cells, a battery interface disposed on the housing for use with the power tool, and a converting assembly disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the battery strings. The converting assembly has a first state, a second state, and a third state. The multi-voltage battery pack can separately output a first operating voltage, a second operating voltage, and a third operating voltage. The third operating voltage is greater than the second operating voltage, and the second operating voltage is greater than the first operating voltage.