Powered Rail Battery Pack Adapter for Seamless Battery Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power requirements of weapon accessory devices necessitate an improved battery mounting system that can efficiently power and manage multiple battery packs to ensure continuous operation without interruption.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack adapter with hingedly coupled interface members for detachable attachment and detachment of battery packs, featuring electronic circuitry for seamless power switching and capacitive storage to prevent interruptions, and automatic switching when charge thresholds are reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery packs are used to increase power supply capacity, then the power requirements of weapon accessory devices are met, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple battery packs are combined into a single adapter assembly that interfaces with the weapon's powered rail system. The adapter integrates multiple battery packs (first and second battery packs) into one unified power supply unit, allowing them to operate together to meet increased power requirements while presenting a single interface to the weapon system, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical mounting for multiple battery packs, manages electrical connections from multiple battery packs, and interfaces with the weapon's powered rail system. This multi-functionality allows the system to meet complex power requirements without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
2Ease of operation
If battery packs are detachably mounted for easy swapping, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of power supply may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is pre-configured with multiple battery packs before attachment to the weapon. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the adapter is mounted, power supply is already established and continuous. The user attaches the complete assembly rather than individual batteries during operation, maintaining reliability while enabling easy replacement of the entire unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly acts as an intermediary between the battery packs and the weapon's powered rail system. It provides a stable, reliable interface that ensures continuous power delivery to the weapon while allowing the battery packs to be easily swapped as a unit or pre-assembled group, thus maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If automatic power switching between battery packs is implemented, then the uninterrupted power supply is ensured, but the electronic circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic circuitry monitors the charge state of multiple battery packs and automatically switches between them based on feedback regarding charge levels. When a battery pack's charge falls below a threshold, the system automatically transitions to another battery pack, ensuring uninterrupted power supply. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent, automatic power management without requiring complex manual intervention.
4Reliability
If battery packs are securely retained during operation, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for swapping is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly uses dynamic retention mechanisms that adapt between operational and swapping states. During operation, the battery packs are securely retained through engagement features that ensure reliable electrical and mechanical connection. During swapping, the entire adapter assembly can be easily detached from the weapon's powered rail system, and battery packs can be exchanged within the adapter, providing ease of operation without compromising operational security.
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
Ensures uninterrupted power supply to accessory devices by allowing easy swapping of battery packs and automatic switching, preventing data loss and hardware failure in processor-based devices.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic circuitry comprises one or more capacitors configured to storing electrical energy and configured to act as one or both of a temporary power supply for preventing power interruption when the third electrical connector is switched from the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack adapter and method for mounting battery pack to a weapon are provided. The battery pack adapter is detachable coupled to a powered rail system of a weapon such as a rifle or other firearm, the battery pack adapter for powering one or more weapon accessory devices on the powered rail system. In preferred embodiments, the battery pack adapter and method herein are advantageously configured for use with battery packs that comply with a Small Tactical Universal Battery (STUB) form factor.