Portable Battery Pack with Selectable Switch for Cordless Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cordless power tools face short battery life, leading to interrupted work as batteries cannot be charged faster than they are depleted, especially in locations like wind turbines where AC power may not be available.
Innovation Solution
A portable rechargeable battery pack with multiple battery elements and a selectable switch that allows simultaneous charging and discharging, enabling continuous use of large cordless power tools without AC power, with a built-in charger and multiple voltage outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple batteries are supplied to extend battery life, then the duration of action is improved, but the device complexity increases and work stops while waiting for batteries to recharge
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple battery elements (at least two) that can be independently connected to the load through a switch assembly. This segmentation allows one battery element to power the tool while another is being charged, effectively extending operational duration without requiring multiple separate battery packs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple battery elements, a charger, and a switch assembly into a single integrated battery pack. This merging eliminates the need for separate batteries and charging equipment, reducing overall system complexity while extending battery life through simultaneous charging and discharging of different elements.
2Productivity
If batteries are charged faster to match depletion rate, then productivity is improved, but the use of energy increases and work stops while waiting for recharge
Solution Approach 1:
The charger begins charging battery elements in advance before they are needed. When one battery element is depleted, another is already charged and ready to take over, eliminating waiting time. The switch assembly enables seamless transition between elements, maintaining continuous operation and improving productivity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery elements are used to extend operation time, then duration of action is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack design allows the same structure to serve multiple functions: battery elements can be independently connected to power the load or charged by the charger. The switch assembly provides universal control over which element is active, simplifying the interface while managing multiple elements internally, thus extending operation time without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
The battery pack provides a minimum four-hour life cycle for large cordless power tools, allowing continuous use and reducing downtime by charging all elements while in use, even when AC power is unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first battery element and a second battery element
Data Source
AI summary
A brief case sized battery pack for powering large power tools for use in portable applications. Large cordless power tools, such as torque guns, are often used to fasten very large nuts on wind turbines. AC power for charging may not be available depending on the location within the wind turbine. The portable rechargeable battery pack has several battery elements, each element able to power the cordless power tool. Using a selectable switch, a user manually selects the battery element to power the cordless power tool. The manually operable switch electrically connects to enable one of the first battery elements to be electrically coupled to the at least one DC output electrical connector while the DC output of a battery charger simultaneously charges all the battery elements. In one example, the DC output connector provides at least four positive DC leads all at different voltages plus ground.