Power Tool Battery Prediction Control for Abrupt Shutdown Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power tools with energy storage devices, such as battery packs, face challenges in managing their lifespan due to complex influencing factors, leading to abrupt disconnections and uncomfortable user experiences, as existing battery management systems struggle to predict and manage energy consumption effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the measurement of one-dimensional or multi-dimensional state vectors of energy storage devices, combined with consumption value measurement, uses a predictive model to estimate future operation states, allowing for proactive control and regulation of power output to extend battery life and prevent sudden tool interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If battery management systems use abrupt disconnection when critical limits are exceeded, then battery safety is protected, but user convenience deteriorates due to tool interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery safetyVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by reducing power output before critical battery limits are exceeded. The control device proactively adjusts power consumption based on predicted battery states, preventing critical situations from occurring rather than reacting with abrupt disconnection after thresholds are violated. This maintains both safety and operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by counteracting potential harmful effects before they manifest. By predicting future battery states and reducing power consumption in advance, the system prevents the harmful effect of abrupt disconnections and tool interruptions, while still protecting against battery damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If battery management systems monitor multiple state parameters, then battery lifespan protection is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifespan protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a prediction model as an intermediary that processes multiple battery state parameters and consumption data. This mediator translates complex multi-parameter monitoring into simplified predictive outputs, enabling comprehensive battery protection without requiring complex control logic. The prediction model acts as a bridge between detailed state monitoring and straightforward power management decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If power output is reduced proactively based on prediction, then battery life is extended, but power tool performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidpower tool performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by continuously adapting power output based on real-time predictions and actual battery states. Rather than static power reduction, the control device dynamically adjusts power consumption to extend battery life while minimizing impact on tool performance. The system flexibly modulates power delivery to balance longevity and performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting power consumption levels based on predicted battery states. By modifying power delivery parameters proactively, the system extends battery lifespan while attempting to maintain acceptable tool performance. The control device varies power parameters to optimize the trade-off between battery longevity and operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3711903B1Energy storage device with prediction control
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 EINHELL GERMANY AG
  • EP3711903B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3711903B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An energy storage device (1) for a power tool is to be operated more reliably. For this purpose, a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional state vector of the energy storage device (1) and a consumption value with respect to the power output of the energy storage device (1) are measured. A predictive value for the power tool or the energy storage device (1) is then determined from the state vector and the consumption value using a model. Finally, the power tool or the energy storage device (1) can be controlled or regulated depending on the predictive value.