Portable Power Unit with Bidirectional Processor for Garden Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered garden tools face limitations in power duration, weight-related fatigue, and high costs due to the need for multiple batteries and chargers, as well as the inability to use them during charging.
Innovation Solution
A portable power unit comprising an electrochemical battery and a bidirectional power processor that can supply both AC and DC power, allowing for charging and discharging from various sources, and can be configured for use in a backpack or waist-pack, reducing weight and cost by powering multiple devices with a single battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single large battery is used to extend power duration, then the battery capacity increases, but the device weight increases causing user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the battery into multiple separate battery packs that can be used independently or combined. Instead of one large heavy battery, users can carry multiple smaller battery packs, distributing the weight and only carrying what is needed for the task at hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery packs are designed to be universal and interchangeable across different power stations and devices. A single battery pack can serve multiple functions: powering different devices, being combined with other packs for extended capacity, or being recharged from various sources (AC, DC, solar).
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple batteries and chargers are used to extend power duration, then the total capacity increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power station serves multiple functions: it can charge from AC outlets, DC car outlets, or solar panels; it can power AC devices, DC devices, or charge battery packs; it can also combine multiple battery packs to create extended capacity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate chargers for different battery types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple battery packs into a single power station unit, combining their capacities. Multiple chargers and power sources are merged into a single universal charging system that can handle AC, DC, and solar input simultaneously or sequentially.
3Ease of operation
If a battery-powered device is used to improve portability, then cord and power source requirements are eliminated, but the ability to use the device during charging is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power station and battery packs are designed with universal compatibility across multiple device types and power sources. The bidirectional power processor enables the system to function both as a power source and as a charging device, allowing simultaneous operation and charging modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The power flow in the system is dynamic and bidirectional. The power processor can switch between charging the battery from external sources and discharging the battery to power devices, and can even allow simultaneous charging and discharging operations based on real-time needs.
4Ease of operation
If integrated battery packs are used in power tools, then portability is improved, but the weight causes handling fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is extracted from the tool body and placed in separate interchangeable battery packs. Users can remove heavy integrated batteries and replace them with lighter packs, or use the tool without a battery pack when near power sources, significantly reducing the weight and fatigue associated with handling the tool.
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 portable power unit extends tool usage time, reduces user fatigue, and lowers costs by enabling simultaneous charging and powering of multiple devices from a single, versatile battery pack that can be recharged from various power sources.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical battery and a bidirectional power processor. The bidirectional power processor is configured to provide DC power exchange between the electrochemical battery and the bidirectional power processor
Data Source
AI summary
A portable power unit is provided that can be embodied in backpack, waist-pack, or other portable form. The portable power unit can include a battery, a bidirectional power processor, and a power port. The bidirectional power processor allows for direct current (DC) power exchange between the battery and the bidirectional power processor and a user selectable alternating current (AC) or DC power exchange between the bidirectional power processor and a power port through which a power source and an external load can be connected for charging and discharging of the electrochemical battery, respectively.