Climate-Controlled Tool Case for Battery Storage and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld power tool cases lack effective temperature and humidity control, which can affect the performance and storage conditions of battery units during transport and charging.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an air conditioner within the basic case body, including an energy supply unit, energy transmission unit, thermal insulation, heating and cooling elements, and a fan unit, along with a climate sensor and control unit, to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an air conditioner is integrated into the tool case, then temperature and humidity control in the storage chamber is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner is integrated directly into the case body structure, merging the climate control function with the storage case structure. This eliminates the need for separate external cooling devices and reduces overall system complexity despite adding climate control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The case body serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment for tools and battery units, and simultaneously houses the air conditioner components for climate control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an air conditioner with energy supply unit is integrated into the case body, then energy supply flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case body is designed to accommodate multiple energy supply configurations: it can house battery units for portable power, accept external power connections for AC charging, and provide power to the air conditioner. This universal energy supply capability enhances flexibility without requiring multiple separate power systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy supply unit is integrated into the case body structure, combining power storage, power distribution, and power input functions within the existing case framework, thereby adding versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Temperature
If thermal insulation unit is added to the case body, then temperature maintenance capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal insulation is applied selectively to the case body walls and storage chamber surfaces where temperature maintenance is most critical. This localized approach provides effective thermal protection while minimizing the total amount of insulation material and associated weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The case body incorporates thermal insulation materials with favorable strength-to-weight ratios, combining structural integrity with thermal protection properties. This allows effective temperature maintenance with minimal weight penalty.
4Temperature
If cooling element is added to the air conditioner, then heat dissipation capability during charging is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling element is integrated into the air conditioner system that is already incorporated into the case body. This merging approach allows heat dissipation functionality to be added without requiring a completely separate cooling system, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner system serves dual functions: it provides climate control for the storage chamber and simultaneously acts as a heat dissipation system for battery units during charging. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for a dedicated separate cooling system.
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
This solution ensures improved storage and transport conditions for handheld power tool battery units by maintaining a stable temperature range of +5°C to 35°C, enhancing performance and heat dissipation during charging, while being portable and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
the tool case has a thermal insulation unit, which is provided for thermal insulation of the basic case body
Implementation Method 2
heat dissipation in charging operations for battery units can advantageously be attained while the battery units are being transported in the tool case
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on a tool case, in particular a handheld power tool case, having a basic case body that has at least one storage chamber which is provided at least for receiving at least one tool and/or at least one battery unit. It is proposed that the tool case has at least one air conditioner at least partially integrated with the basic case body.