Tethering System for Cordless Power Tool Battery Pack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cordless power tools without tethering systems risk damage and injury when dropped, as the battery pack can detach and fall separately from the power tool, whereas existing tethering systems only address corded tools.
Innovation Solution
A tethering system for cordless power tools and battery packs, featuring dual tethering attachment assemblies and flexible connectors that securely attach the power tool and battery pack to a stationary object, preventing them from falling and allowing for easy battery changes while remaining tethered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cordless power tool uses a detachable battery pack, then the battery can be easily changed or removed, but the battery pack may become detached during a fall and fall separately from the power tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tethering function with the battery pack attachment mechanism by integrating a tethering attachment assembly into the battery pack housing. This allows the battery pack to maintain both its detachable nature for easy changes and its tethered connection to the power tool to prevent separation during falls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible connector as an intermediary element between the battery pack and the power tool. This flexible connector serves as a tether that allows normal battery detachment and attachment operations while preventing complete separation during accidental drops, thus mediating between ease of operation and attachment stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a tethering system is added to prevent tool and battery pack from falling, then damage and injury are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tethering attachment assembly with the battery pack housing structure, utilizing existing housing features and fastening mechanisms. This integration approach adds tethering functionality without requiring entirely separate attachment components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering attachment assembly is designed to work with the existing battery pack receptacle and fastening system, making the tethering mechanism multi-functional with the existing attachment infrastructure. This universality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying the overall system.
3Reliability
If the battery pack is securely tethered to the power tool, then the battery pack cannot fall separately, but battery pack changes become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible connector that can dynamically adjust between being taut during normal operation (preventing falls) and being easily detached when battery changes are needed. The flexible nature allows the system to transition between secure attachment and easy removal states based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering system utilizes the existing fastening parameters and attachment mechanisms of the battery pack receptacle, leveraging the same engagement and disengagement parameters already designed for battery changes. This allows the tethering function to operate within the established parameter range without requiring new operational procedures.
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 system securely prevents power tools and battery packs from falling, reducing damage and injury, and enables quick battery changes without disconnecting the tethering, and can be easily retrofitted to existing tools and packs using existing fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
the coil 20 may be configured to resiliently retain its elastic state with application of force up to a limit, and to permanently plastically deformed above a certain force, which reduces the strain and impact load on the power tool housing 14
Data Source
AI summary
A tethering system for a power tool and battery pack includes a first tethering attachment assembly configured to be attachable to a power tool, and a second tethering attachment assembly configured to be attachable to a battery pack, which is detachably couplable to a battery pack receptacle on the power tool. A first flexible connector has a first end configured to be attachable to the first tethering attachment assembly and a second end configured to be attachable to a stationary object. A second elongated flexible connector has a first end configured to be attachable to the second tethering attachment assembly and a second end configured to be attachable to the first tethering attachment assembly. If the power tool falls and the battery pack becomes detached from the power tool, the first tethering attachment assembly and first flexible connector prevent the power tool from falling more than a first distance from the stationary object, and the second tethering attachment assembly and the second flexible connector prevent the battery pack from falling more than a second distance from the power tool.