Reconfigurable Battery Pack Voltage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs are designed to supply a fixed voltage, which limits their use with power tools requiring higher voltage for increased power, leading to bulky and heavy packs or the need for complex mechanical adaptations to switch between voltage levels, and they lack efficient charging monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack system that allows selective mechanical and electrical connection with power tools to provide two voltage levels (e.g., 18V and 36V) without adaptation, using fixed electrical connection means within the power tool to determine the voltage supply, and a module to adapt incompatible tools, enabling safe and efficient operation across different voltage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a battery pack is designed to provide higher fixed voltage, then power output is improved, but the battery pack size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack uses a reconfigurable cell arrangement that can dynamically switch between series and parallel connections based on the power tool's requirements. The cells are arranged in a 2x2 matrix with switching circuitry that reconfigures the electrical connections, allowing the same physical battery pack to provide different voltage levels (e.g., 18V or 36V) without changing the physical size or weight of the pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters of the battery pack by reconfiguring the cell connections. The same battery cells can be arranged in series to provide higher voltage for high-power tools or in parallel to provide higher current for other applications, thereby adapting the voltage and current output parameters without adding or removing cells.
2Power
If a battery pack is designed to provide higher fixed voltage, then power output is improved, but the battery pack volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack uses a reconfigurable cell arrangement that can dynamically switch between series and parallel connections based on the power tool's requirements. The cells are arranged in a 2x2 matrix with switching circuitry that reconfigures the electrical connections, allowing the same physical battery pack to provide different voltage levels (e.g., 18V or 36V) without changing the physical size or volume of the pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is designed to serve multiple functions and be compatible with multiple power tool types requiring different voltage levels. The reconfigurable architecture allows a single battery pack design to universally power both 18V and 36V tools, eliminating the need for separate battery packs for different power requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adaptation is used to switch between voltage levels, then voltage flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical adaptation mechanisms with an electrical switching system. Instead of using physical adapters or mechanical reconfiguration, the battery pack uses electronic switches and control circuitry to reconfigure the cell connections electrically. This eliminates complex mechanical components while achieving the same voltage flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a control system as an intermediary between the battery cells and the power tool. This control system monitors the tool's voltage requirements and automatically reconfigures the cell connections through electrical switching, eliminating the need for user intervention or mechanical adaptation while providing intelligent voltage matching.
4Power
If two separate battery packs are used to provide higher voltage, then power output is improved, but the system complexity and charging requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple battery cells into a single integrated pack with unified control. Instead of using two separate battery packs that would require independent management and charging, all cells are housed in one pack with a single reconfiguration system and control circuitry, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The single battery pack is designed to provide multiple voltage outputs, eliminating the need for multiple separate packs. The reconfigurable architecture allows one universal battery pack to replace what would otherwise require two or more specialized packs, simplifying charging (single pack) and system management.
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
Enables the use of a single battery pack with various power tools, reducing weight and complexity, improving power flexibility, and enhancing charging efficiency by determining the appropriate voltage for each tool, thus reducing hardware needs and heat generation while maintaining power output.
Implementation Method 1
The battery pack typically comprises a plurality of cells which are interconnected so as to provide power therefrom
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a battery power pack and power tool system, including at least first and second power tools operational with a first Voltage supply level and a second power Voltage supply level respectively. The battery pack is selectively mechanically and electrically connectable with each of the said power tools to provide power thereto and the first power tool includes electrical connection means in a first configuration to provide the power from the battery pack for the operation of said first power tool at the said first Voltage supply level and the second power tool includes electrical connection means in a second configuration to provide the power from the battery pack for the operation of said second power tool at the said second Voltage supply level such that the same battery pack is used to supply different required Voltage supply levels for the respective power tools.