Power Tool Battery Pack Indicators for Series Discharge Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
When battery packs are connected in series, differences in charge states can lead to over-discharge and overheating, potentially damaging one pack, especially if indicators for charge states are not easily visible to the user.
Innovation Solution
Arranging indicators for each battery pack in a way that all are simultaneously viewable by the user, allowing for convenient and reliable monitoring of charge states and preventing over-discharge and overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple indicators are provided to show charge states of multiple battery packs, then the user can monitor battery conditions, but the indicators may be located in positions not readily visible to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple indicators that display battery pack conditions into a single integrated display location on the power tool. This allows all indicators to be simultaneously visible to the user from one central position, eliminating the need to look at multiple scattered indicator locations while maintaining comprehensive battery monitoring capability.
2Power
If battery packs are connected in series to provide high voltage, then higher voltage output is achieved, but one battery pack can become over-discharged and damaged by reverse charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that continuously monitors the charge states of multiple battery packs connected in series. When one battery pack approaches over-discharge conditions, the system provides feedback through visual indicators to alert the user, enabling timely intervention to prevent reverse charging damage while maintaining high voltage operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses indicators to warn users in advance when battery packs are approaching dangerous charge states before actual damage occurs. This preliminary warning allows users to stop using the tool proactively, preventing over-discharge and reverse charging damage before it happens.
3Reliability
If indicators are provided to show battery conditions, then battery abnormalities can be detected, but the user must diligently watch all indicators and may overlook abnormalities if indicators are not visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple battery condition indicators into a single display location on the power tool, allowing the user to monitor all battery pack conditions simultaneously from one viewpoint. This eliminates the need to diligently watch multiple scattered indicators and reduces the likelihood of overlooking abnormalities.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power tool comprises a main body supporting a tool and an electric motor housed in the main body for driving the tool. A plurality of first battery interfaces is configured to removably receive or attach a plurality of first battery packs and to electrically connect the plurality of attached first battery packs in series with the electric motor. A plurality of indicators is configured to communicate information concerning the respective conditions of the plurality of attached first battery packs. The plurality of indicators is arranged such that all of the indicators are simultaneously viewable by a user of the electric power tool.