Switchable Interface for Machine Tool Battery Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The incompatibility between different accumulators and machine tools due to varying electromechanical interfaces leads to issues with connecting and supplying electrical voltage, as new accumulators may not match the original interface of the machine tool.

Innovation Solution

The machine tool features an adjustable interface device with multiple connection points, allowing for easy adaptation to different accumulator types by selecting appropriate configurations based on the number of connection elements, eliminating the need for complex detection mechanisms and ensuring reliable voltage supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the machine tool uses a fixed electromechanical interface design, then the interface structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate different accumulator types with varying connection elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility between accumulators and machine toolVSAvoidinterface device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device is designed to be adjustable between a first position and a second position, allowing it to dynamically adapt its configuration. When adjusted to the first position, the first connection point is active with its specific number of connection elements; when adjusted to the second position, the second connection point becomes active with a different number of connection elements. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same interface device to accommodate different accumulator types without requiring multiple fixed interface designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the interface device includes multiple connection points with different numbers of connection elements, then compatibility with various accumulators is improved, but the interface device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccumulator interface compatibilityVSAvoidconnection configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation where the user simply selects the appropriate accumulator type, and the interface device automatically configures itself to the correct position. The control device receives information about which accumulator is connected and automatically adjusts the interface device to the appropriate position, activating the corresponding connection point. This eliminates the need for users to manually configure complex interface settings, making operation as simple as connecting the accumulator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If sophisticated detection systems are used to identify accumulator types, then compatibility and automatic configuration are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic accumulator recognitionVSAvoiddetection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary information carrier (such as a data storage element on the accumulator or a communication interface) that provides identification information about the accumulator type. Instead of using complex detection systems to probe and identify accumulators, the accumulator itself carries its identification information, which the control device reads to determine the appropriate configuration. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by replacing active detection mechanisms with passive information provision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3235097B1Switchable interface for machine tools
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 HILTI AG
  • EP3235097B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3235097B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3235097B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a machine tool comprising a control device and at least one electromechanical interface device for connecting at least one rechargeable battery to the machine tool and supplying the machine tool with a voltage from the rechargeable battery. The interface device comprises at least a first terminal and a second terminal and can be set to at least one first position and to a second position; the first terminal can be used for supplying the machine tool with a voltage from the first rechargeable battery when the interface device is in the first position, and the second terminal can be used for supplying the machine tool with a voltage from the second rechargeable battery when the interface device is in the second position.