USB-C Dual-Role Power Port for Bidirectional Tool Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tools and battery packs lack efficient bidirectional power management capabilities, limiting their ability to both receive and provide power from external sources, which restricts their operational flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dual role port with a bidirectional converter device and an electronic controller that can determine the role of the port and control its operation, enabling the power tool or battery pack to function as both a source and a sink for power, using USB-C Power Delivery (PD) technology to manage power flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power tools and battery packs use traditional unidirectional power ports, then the device structure remains simple, but the operational flexibility and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power port is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between source mode and sink mode, allowing the same port to both receive power from and provide power to external devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate charging ports and power output ports, thereby improving operational flexibility while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power port's operational mode is made dynamic through electronic control, allowing it to switch between different roles (source or sink) based on the connected device's requirements. The controller determines the role of the connected device and configures the port accordingly, enabling adaptive power flow management that enhances versatility without permanently increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power tools and battery packs lack bidirectional power management capabilities, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to both receive and provide power is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the power port and the battery pack, managing the bidirectional power flow. The controller determines the role of the connected device, controls the power conversion process, and regulates power distribution between the port and battery pack, enabling sophisticated power management without requiring complex circuitry in the power port itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system changes operational parameters dynamically by switching the power port between different modes (source or sink) based on the connected device's characteristics. The controller adjusts voltage, current, and power delivery parameters according to the determined role, enabling flexible power management capability while keeping the underlying hardware relatively simple.
3Productivity
If a dual role port with bidirectional converter device is implemented, then the operational flexibility is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional converter device combines multiple power conversion functions into a single integrated unit that can operate in both directions. By merging the charging conversion circuitry and power output conversion circuitry into one bidirectional device, the patent achieves efficient power management while avoiding the need for separate conversion circuits, thereby improving operational efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 enhances the operational flexibility and efficiency of power tools and battery packs by allowing them to seamlessly receive power from external sources or provide power to devices, extending their usage and reducing the need for separate charging devices.
Implementation Method 1
The bidirectional converter device is connected to the dual role port and is configured to transfer power from the dual role port to a power source of the power tool
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool including a dual role port, a bidirectional converter device, and an electronic controller. The dual role port is configured to receive power from an external device or provide power to the external device. The bidirectional converter device is connected to the dual role port, and is configured to transfer power from the dual role port to a power source of the power tool. The electronic controller is configured to determine that the external device is connected to the dual role port. The electronic controller is also configured to determine a role of the dual role port. The electronic controller is further configured to control operation of the dual role port.