Reconfigurable Battery Pack Layout for Multi-Voltage Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools require different battery packs with fixed output voltages, leading to operational complexity and increased costs due to the need for multiple battery packs to accommodate different rated working voltages.
Innovation Solution
An electric energy storage device with four energy units, each with the same voltage, capable of outputting three different voltages through various series and parallel connections, and a socket with eight independently arranged electrode terminals, along with plugs that allow for different connection states to match with electric tools of varying rated voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different battery packs with fixed output voltages are used for electric tools with different rated working voltages, then each electric tool can operate at its required voltage, but the operational complexity increases and costs increase due to needing multiple battery packs
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is designed with four energy units that can be connected in different configurations (series, parallel, or combinations) to provide multiple output voltages. This allows a single battery pack design to serve multiple electric tools with different voltage requirements, eliminating the need for separate battery packs for each tool type.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack incorporates switching circuitry that dynamically reconfigures the connection topology of the four energy units based on the voltage requirements of the connected electric tool. The system can switch between series connections for higher voltage, parallel connections for lower voltage, or mixed configurations, providing adaptive voltage output.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery packs are prepared to adapt to electric tools with different rated working voltages, then voltage compatibility is achieved, but the cost increases and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
A single battery pack design with four reconfigurable energy units can provide multiple voltage outputs to accommodate different electric tool requirements. This universal design eliminates the need to manufacture and stock multiple different battery pack types, reducing both material consumption and inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines four energy units into one integrated battery pack structure with shared housing, control circuitry, and terminal connections. This merging of multiple energy units into a single reconfigurable system replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate battery packs, reducing the total quantity of battery components needed.
3Device complexity
If a battery pack with fixed output voltage is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to electric tools with different rated working voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack uses dynamic reconfiguration of the four energy units through switching circuitry that can change the connection topology based on the voltage requirements of the connected tool. This dynamic switching capability allows the same physical structure to provide different voltage outputs without requiring multiple dedicated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is divided into four independently controllable energy units that can be selectively connected in different configurations. This segmentation allows flexible combination of the units to achieve various voltage outputs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to having multiple complete battery pack designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric energy storage device which includes four energy units with a substantially same voltage value is provided. Each energy unit is provided with a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The electric energy storage device comprises a socket with eight independently arranged electrode terminals that are connected with the four energy units. The disclosure also provides an electric tool system using the electric energy storage device. The electric tool is provided with plugs that may be connected with the four energy units in different states, allowing the electric energy storage device to output multiple voltages.