Universal Battery Pack for Power and Sensing Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs for power tools are not compatible with non-motorized sensing tools, requiring users to carry and charge multiple types of batteries, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A lithium-based, rechargeable battery pack designed to be removably connected to both power tools and non-motorized sensing tools, featuring a casing that fits within the tools and includes a battery circuit for monitoring and communication, allowing for interchangeable use and unified charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single battery pack is used for both power tools and non-motorized sensing tools, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the battery pack must be designed to accommodate different power requirements and form factors
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is designed with a universal interface and form factor that allows it to be used with both power tools and non-motorized sensing tools. The casing is configured to fit within the grip of various tools, and the electrical contacts are positioned to match different tool requirements, enabling a single battery pack design to serve multiple functions across different tool categories.
2Power
If nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride battery packs are used with non-motorized sensing tools, then power requirements are met, but the weight and size become excessive for lightweight tools
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack utilizes lithium-based chemistry which provides higher energy density compared to traditional nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride batteries. This parameter change in battery chemistry allows the pack to deliver equivalent or superior power output while significantly reducing weight and size, making it suitable for both heavy power tools and lightweight sensing tools.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
A system includes a power tool having a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism. The motor is operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element. The system also includes a non-motorized sensing tool having a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The sensing element is operable to detect an external characteristic and output a signal to the circuit board. The circuit board is operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form. The system further includes a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool. The battery pack is operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and is operable to power the circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool.