Portable Power Source E-Ink Display for Sunlight Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of corded power tools and equipment face difficulties in viewing and interacting with electronic displays in various environments due to direct sunlight or dark conditions, and cordless options are often not preferred due to performance and cost concerns.
Innovation Solution
A portable power source equipped with a housing, battery power source, circuit, and an electronic-ink or low power display that can be easily viewed in multiple environments, featuring a touch screen capability for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional electronic display is used in portable power sources, then the display can provide real-time information to users, but the display becomes difficult to view in direct sunlight or dark storage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the display by using electronic-ink technology that operates differently from traditional LCDs. Instead of requiring continuous power to maintain an image, the electronic-ink display holds information statically, allowing users to view parameters like battery level and power output in various lighting conditions without the display washing out in sunlight or requiring backlight in dark areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electronic-ink display technology that consumes minimal power, effectively treating the display as a low-power component that can operate intermittently. The display updates only when necessary rather than continuously refreshing, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining information availability when needed.
2Ease of operation
If cordless power sources are used to replace corded devices, then portability is improved, but performance and run-time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a portable power source that can universally power both cordless tools and corded devices. The system includes multiple output types (DC outlets for cordless batteries, AC outlets for corded devices) allowing a single portable unit to replace both cordless and corded solutions depending on the application, maintaining full power output capabilities regardless of the connected device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power delivery system into multiple independent output channels with different capabilities. The battery power source is divided into separate DC output circuits for charging cordless tools and AC output circuits for powering corded devices, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system portability.
3Power
If corded devices are used to maintain performance, then power output is sufficient, but portability and ease of use in various locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic power source that can adapt its function based on the connected device. The system automatically detects whether a cordless battery or corded device is connected and adjusts its output mode accordingly, providing AC power for corded devices and DC charging for cordless tools, all while maintaining portability through battery-powered operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable power supply including a housing, a circuit, a battery power source, and an electronic-ink display. The housing supports a battery power source and a power outlet. The circuit is supported by the housing and includes a power input from the battery power source, a power output on the power outlet, and an inverter electrically connected between the power input and the power output. The battery power source includes a battery cell electrically connectable to the power input. Power is transferrable from the battery cell to the circuit to be output through the power output. The electronic-ink display is configured to display one or more parameters associated with the portable power source.