Solid-State Battery Feed Control for Garden Tool Power Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiencies in battery management for gardening and agriculture tools and vehicles, particularly due to the limitations of early battery technologies like lead-acid and zinc-carbon batteries, which resulted in short battery life, frequent replacements, and the need for multiple types of batteries and chargers, making them inconvenient and impractical compared to endothermic engines.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for optimizing battery charging and discharging processes in tools and vehicles, using a control unit to selectively charge and supply power from multiple batteries, allowing for simultaneous power transfer from different batteries, reducing the number of battery and charger types needed, and enabling diagnostic monitoring and ergonomic battery management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple types of batteries are used for different applications, then the battery life and charging capacity are improved, but the device complexity and number of battery types increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal battery system where a single battery type with standardized voltage and connector can be used across multiple tool applications. The control unit automatically manages power distribution from this universal battery to different power users (motors, actuators) based on their specific power requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized battery types while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from using different battery types with different voltage parameters for different applications to using a single battery type with standardized parameters. The control unit dynamically adjusts power distribution parameters (current allocation, voltage regulation) to match the specific needs of different power users, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple dedicated chargers are used for different battery types, then the charging capacity is improved, but the device complexity and number of charger types increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a universal charger that can charge the standardized battery type used across all applications. The charger incorporates intelligent control that automatically detects the battery's charging requirements and adjusts the charging parameters accordingly, providing adequate charging capacity for different tool applications while maintaining a single charger type.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system implements feedback control where the charger continuously monitors the battery's voltage, current, and charging state, and automatically adjusts the charging parameters. This feedback mechanism allows a single charger to handle different charging scenarios (different battery capacities, different tool requirements) without requiring multiple dedicated charger types.
3Device complexity
If a single battery type is used for all applications, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different power requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary between the universal battery and the various power users. It manages power distribution by detecting the specific power requirements of different tools (motors, actuators, sensors) and dynamically allocating power from the single battery source, thereby maintaining adaptability without requiring multiple battery types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic power management where the control unit continuously monitors the operational state of different power users and adjusts power distribution in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows a single battery type to serve multiple applications with varying power requirements, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
4Speed
If high power chargers are used to charge all batteries, then the charging speed is improved, but the energy dissipation and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the charging current and voltage based on the battery's state of charge, temperature, and capacity. During early charging stages, higher current is applied for fast charging; as the battery approaches full charge, the current is automatically reduced to minimize energy dissipation and heat generation, optimizing both charging speed and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging process is divided into periodic stages with different current levels. The system alternates between high-current fast charging phases and lower-current maintenance phases, allowing efficient charging while managing thermal load and reducing overall energy dissipation through controlled periodic action.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a power supply method of at least one power user (101, 102) of a tool or vehicle (100) for gardening or agriculture, wherein at least one battery (B1) installed on board the tool or vehicle (100) contributes to powering the power user (101, 102). The method comprises a step of controlling the power supply of the power user (101, 102) by means of at least one solid-state supply switch circuit (20s'), positioned in series with the battery (B1) and suitable for forming a unidirectional power switch configured to be operatively switched between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The closed configuration allows an electrical current to flow from the battery (B1) to the power user (101, 102), while the open configuration prevents the flow of electrical current from the battery (B1) to the power user (101, 102). The supply switch circuit (20s') is configured to allow the transit of an electrical current in only one direction. The control step of the power supply of the power user (101, 102) comprises at least one switching between the closed configuration and the open configuration of the supply switch circuit (20s'). The present invention further relates to a control unit (10) configured to execute the power supply method, in particular the step of controlling the power supply of the power user (101, 102), and a vehicle for gardening or agriculture (100) comprising the control unit (10).