Battery-Powered Electric Appliance With Tool Pack Voltage Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric apparatuses, such as coffee makers and electric kettles, require an AC power source and are not usable in areas without access to AC power, like construction or horticultural sites.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing rechargeable batteries from electric power tools as a power source, allowing the electric apparatuses to operate without an AC power source, with features like battery voltage management, parallel connection, and safety circuits for prolonged use and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If AC power source is used for electric apparatus, then the apparatus can provide stable power for heat generation or cooling functions, but the apparatus cannot be used in locations without AC power access such as construction sites or outdoor areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability in locations without AC powerVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electric apparatus is designed to accept multiple power source types (AC power adapter and battery packs from power tools) to perform the same heating or cooling functions. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to operate in both indoor AC-powered environments and outdoor locations without AC access, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability by providing alternative power paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A power conversion circuit acts as an intermediary between different power sources (AC adapter and battery packs) and the heating/cooling load. This intermediary component standardizes the power input regardless of source type, enabling reliable operation whether powered by AC or battery, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If battery from power tool is used as power source, then the apparatus can be used outdoors without AC power, but the battery voltage and capacity must be managed to ensure continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutdoor usabilityVSAvoidcontinuous operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus dynamically adapts to different battery configurations (single or multiple batteries in series or parallel) to optimize operating duration. The control circuit detects battery voltage and current levels, and adjusts power consumption accordingly, allowing extended operation time when multiple batteries are connected while maintaining outdoor usability flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (power consumption level, heating/cooling intensity) based on battery status (voltage, current, temperature). When batteries are connected in series or parallel, the control circuit adjusts parameters to maximize continuous operation time while preventing overheating or over-discharge, thus resolving the contradiction between outdoor adaptability and operation duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If multiple batteries are connected in series or parallel, then the power supply capacity and duration are increased, but the circuit complexity and safety management requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply durationVSAvoidcircuit management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit automatically detects the battery configuration (series or parallel connection, single or multiple batteries) and self-adjusts operational parameters without user intervention. The system monitors battery voltage, current, and temperature, and autonomously manages power distribution and safety protections, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while enabling extended operation through multiple batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of battery status (voltage, current, temperature) and adjusts power consumption accordingly. When multiple batteries are connected, the control circuit receives feedback from sensors and dynamically regulates power output to prevent overheating or over-discharge, managing circuit complexity through automated feedback control while extending operation duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If battery power is used for heat generation, then the apparatus can operate without AC power, but power consumption management is critical to prevent battery overheating or over-discharge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependence from AC powerVSAvoidbattery overheating or over-discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit implements preemptive safety measures by monitoring battery temperature, voltage, and current before harmful conditions occur. When using battery power for heating, the system预先 (in advance) adjusts power output levels and implements current limiting to prevent battery overheating or over-discharge, cushioning against potential harmful effects before they manifest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors battery status (temperature, voltage, current) and provides real-time feedback control of power consumption. When battery temperature approaches unsafe levels or voltage drops toward over-discharge thresholds, the control circuit automatically reduces power output or shuts down heating functions, preventing harmful effects while maintaining AC independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 electric apparatuses like coffee makers and kettles outdoors by leveraging batteries from power tools, ensuring continuous operation and safety through voltage management and protection mechanisms, enhancing usability and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a battery that can be attached to an electric power tool as its power source can be used as a power source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

generate heat with the electric power thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10587138B2Electric apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.03.10 MAKITA CORP
  • US10587138B2 patent drawing
  • US10587138B2 patent drawing
  • US10587138B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rechargeable battery type electric power tool is widely used for a construction work or a horticultural work. A battery of the electric power tool can also be used as a power source of an electric apparatus. Because of this construction, there is provided the electric apparatus that has a function equivalent to that of an AC power source type apparatus.