Portable DC Power Adapter for Tool Battery Voltage Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Field teams face challenges in using incompatible tool battery systems for electronic equipment due to voltage and physical incompatibilities, limiting the range of operation and requiring frequent recharging, especially when away from stable electricity sources.
Innovation Solution
A portable power adapter with a housing, battery chamber, and electrical connectors that can receive tool battery packs, convert voltage, and provide regulated DC power to electronic equipment, featuring a voltage regulator and overload protector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If tool battery packs are used directly with electronic equipment, then power supply availability is improved, but voltage compatibility and physical connection compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A DC power adapter is introduced as an intermediary device between the tool battery pack and electronic equipment. The adapter includes a battery chamber to receive the tool battery pack, electrical connectors to interface with the battery, and a voltage regulator to convert the tool battery voltage to the appropriate voltage for electronic equipment. This intermediary solution resolves the voltage incompatibility while maintaining power supply availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator in the DC power adapter changes the electrical parameter (voltage) from the tool battery pack output to the required voltage level for electronic equipment. The regulator can step up or step down the voltage as needed, enabling compatibility between different voltage systems while maintaining the original battery power source.
2Use of energy by moving object
If tool battery packs are used directly with electronic equipment, then power supply availability is improved, but physical connection compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The DC power adapter serves as a physical intermediary that accepts tool battery packs with various connector types in its battery chamber and provides standardized electrical connectors on its output side. This allows the adapter to physically interface with different battery pack configurations while presenting a consistent connection interface to the electronic equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC power adapter is designed with universal compatibility to accept multiple types of tool battery packs (different voltages, connector types, and physical configurations) while providing a standardized output connection. This multi-functionality enables a single adapter design to work with various battery systems, resolving physical connection incompatibility.
3Reliability
If vehicle 110 VAC outlets are used for equipment charging, then stable power supply is improved, but operational range and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power source from the vehicle's fixed 110 VAC electrical system and relocates it to portable tool battery packs. By taking out the power source and placing it in removable battery packs that can be carried independently, the system maintains stable power supply through regulated DC output while enabling operation away from the vehicle, thus improving operational range and mobility.
4Duration of action of moving object
If internal battery recharging is used, then continuous operation is improved, but time efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tool battery packs can be pre-charged in advance before field operations. When one battery pack is depleted, fully charged replacement packs are already available, eliminating waiting time. This preliminary preparation of multiple charged batteries ensures continuous operation while maintaining high productivity by avoiding recharging delays during critical field work.
Solution Approach 2:
Depleted tool battery packs are quickly swapped out and returned to the vehicle or base for recharging, while fresh packs are immediately deployed. This rapid exchange process allows continuous operation in the field without waiting for recharging, as depleted batteries are recovered and recharged during non-critical periods, thus maintaining both continuous operation and time efficiency.
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
Enables the use of tool battery systems for electronic equipment, allowing easy battery swapping and providing stable power to multiple devices from a single pack, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus may include a voltage regulator to selectively provide regulated DC voltage and current to the electronic equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A portable power adapter includes a housing containing within it a battery chamber adapted to receive a selected battery pack, a circuit overload protector and a terminal connector selected to electrical couple to a selected DC load, and a mounting portion. A portable power adaptor may include an integrated voltage regulator, and a hermaphroditic SAE step connector. A portable power adaptor may include a plurality of power adapters electrically coupled to comprise a common power source and output.