Series Battery Pack Indicators for Electric Tool Over-Discharge Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
When battery packs are connected in series, differences in charge states can lead to over-discharge and overheating, potentially damaging one pack, especially if indicators for charge states are not easily visible to the user.
Innovation Solution
Arranging indicators for each battery pack in a way that all are simultaneously viewable by the user, allowing for convenient and reliable monitoring of charge states and preventing over-discharge or overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple indicators are provided to show charge states of multiple battery packs, then the user can monitor battery conditions, but the indicators may be located in positions not readily visible to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions all indicators on the battery pack itself (specifically on the end cap or housing surface), transforming the monitoring system from a distributed arrangement to a centralized location that is easily visible to the user during operation. This spatial reorganization ensures all indicators are simultaneously viewable without requiring the user to look in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack housing or end cap serves as an intermediary surface that carries all indicators, making them collectively visible to the user. This intermediary structure consolidates the information display function in one location, resolving the visibility issue while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
2Power
If battery packs are connected in series to generate high voltage output, then higher power output is achieved, but one battery pack can become over-discharged and damaged by reverse charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements indicators that provide real-time feedback on the charge state of each battery pack. By monitoring and displaying the charge levels, the system enables the user to detect imbalances between packs and take corrective action before reverse charging damage occurs, thus protecting battery integrity while maintaining the series connection for high power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicators allow the user to take preliminary action by monitoring battery charge states and disconnecting or recharging packs before over-discharge conditions develop. This preventive monitoring prevents the harmful reverse charging effect from occurring in the first place.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power tool comprises a main body supporting a tool and an electric motor housed in the main body for driving the tool. A plurality of first battery interfaces is configured to removably receive or attach a plurality of first battery packs and to electrically connect the plurality of attached first battery packs in series with the electric motor. A plurality of indicators is configured to communicate information concerning the respective conditions of the plurality of attached first battery packs. The plurality of indicators is arranged such that all of the indicators are simultaneously viewable by a user of the electric power tool.