Power Tool Battery Communication for Connection Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing a precise and secure connection between a machine tool and a rechargeable battery is challenging due to potential interruptions, which can lead to inefficient operation and potential damage from unnoticed detachment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing bidirectional communication between the machine tool and the battery using transceivers to monitor signal characteristics and adjust transmission rates, switching to a deactivation state if deviations occur, ensuring secure connection maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical connection components and electrical terminals are used for connecting the battery to the machine tool, then the connection can be established and electrical energy can be supplied, but the connection may be interrupted due to movements, vibrations and shocks during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a communication system with transceivers that continuously exchange signals between the battery and machine tool control units. This feedback mechanism detects connection status in real-time, monitoring for interruptions caused by vibrations or movements. When a connection issue is detected, the system can alert the user or take corrective actions, thereby improving connection reliability despite mechanical stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical connection monitoring with an electronic communication system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical switches or contacts to detect connection status, the system uses transceivers and control units that send and receive electrical signals through the connection interface. This substitution provides more reliable detection of connection integrity, as electrical signal continuity can be monitored more precisely than mechanical position.
2Reliability
If the connection between battery and machine tool is made robust to withstand vibrations and shocks, then connection stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same physical connection that transfers electrical energy also serves as the communication channel for exchanging status signals between the battery and machine tool. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power transmission function and the communication function into a single integrated system. The electrical connections that supply power also carry communication signals, and the control units are integrated with the connection interface. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed, preventing excessive complexity increase while achieving reliable connection monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If simple handling is implemented for attaching and removing the battery, then ease of operation improves, but the precision of connection establishment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system performs self-verification through automatic signal exchange. When the battery is attached, the transceivers automatically begin exchanging connection status signals without requiring manual verification. The system self-confirms proper connection establishment through the presence and quality of communication signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning features while ensuring connection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical precision requirements with electronic verification. Instead of relying on precise mechanical alignment or positioning features to ensure proper connection, the system uses electrical signal continuity and communication quality as the verification mechanism. This allows for simpler, more user-friendly attachment mechanisms while maintaining high connection precision through electronic detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for communication between a power tool and a storage battery, the storage battery comprising a control device having a first transceiver, and the power tool comprising a control device having a second transceiver. The method comprises the method steps of: transmitting a first signal from the first transceiver to the second transceiver, transmitting a second signal from the first transceiver to the second transceiver after a predefined duration has elapsed, adjusting the power tool from a first operating state to a second operating state if the number of received signals in a predefined duration reaches a predefined threshold value, and/or transmitting a signal to the first transceiver in order to adjust the storage battery from a first operating state to a second operating state if the number of received signals in a predefined duration reaches a predefined threshold value. The invention also relates to a system for carrying out the method for communication, comprising a power tool and a storage battery; to a storage battery for carrying out the method for communication; and to a power tool for carrying out the method for communication.