Multi-Slot Battery Interface With Mechanical Voltage Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-operated electrical devices require adapters to switch between different voltage battery packs, leading to inconvenience and potential misuse if adapters are forgotten or damaged, and existing solutions complicate the use of different types of interfaces and battery packs.
Innovation Solution
A multislot interface with at least three battery receptacles arranged to prevent mixed occupancy of battery packs with different voltages, using a displaceable or rotatable blocking element to ensure only compatible voltage packs can be coupled, eliminating the need for adapters and protecting against undesirable voltage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter is used to enable compatibility between different voltage battery packs, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to potential forgetting or damage of the adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The battery interface is designed with multiple receptacles that can accommodate different battery pack configurations (single high-voltage or multiple low-voltage packs) directly, eliminating the need for separate adapters. The interface itself becomes universal by integrating multiple functional configurations into a single structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple battery receptacles are merged into a single integrated interface structure. The blocking elements are combined with the receptacles to form a unified system that automatically prevents incompatible configurations, merging the functions of multiple components into one cohesive unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter is used to enable compatibility between different voltage battery packs, then versatility is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential forgetting or damage of the adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The interface performs self-validation through the blocking element mechanism. When a battery pack is inserted, the system automatically detects whether the configuration is compatible and either allows operation or physically prevents insertion of incompatible packs, eliminating the need for user memory or external adapter management.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking elements are pre-positioned to prevent incompatible battery pack configurations from being inserted. The system takes preliminary action by physically blocking incorrect configurations before they can cause operational errors, preventing rather than correcting potential failures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery receptacles are provided to accommodate different configurations, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for blocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into multiple independent receptacles, each capable of accepting a battery pack. The blocking elements are segmented and associated with specific receptacles, allowing independent control of each slot while maintaining overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex electronic detection and control systems to manage different battery configurations, the patent inverts the approach by using simple mechanical blocking elements that passively prevent incompatible configurations. The complexity is inverted from active electronic control to passive mechanical prevention.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3h
AI summary
The invention relates to a battery-operated electrical device comprising an electrically driven drive unit and at least one battery interface (10) for electrically and mechanically connecting at least one battery pack (20), characterized in that the interface (10) is configured such that either a first battery pack (20) with a higher first voltage, for example, a battery pack with a voltage of 36V, or at least two second battery packs (22, 24) with a lower second voltage, for example, two battery packs with a voltage of 18V, can be connected via the interface (10) to supply the drive unit with electrical voltage. The invention also relates to a battery charger with a mains connection and at least one corresponding battery interface (10) so that the battery packs (20, 22, 24) selectively connected via the interface (10) can be charged by the battery charger.