Voltage Regulator Adapter for Universal Battery Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of battery-powered electric power tools are often unable to utilize existing battery packs effectively, as tools require specific nominal voltages, leading to the need for new battery packs even if compatible packs of different nominal voltages are already owned.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system with a voltage regulator circuit, allowing connection of battery packs with varying nominal voltages to electric power tools, using DC-DC converters to regulate voltage to the required rated voltage, enabling the use of existing battery packs across different tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery packs are designed with specific nominal voltages to match tool rated voltages, then voltage compatibility is ensured, but battery pack usability across different tools is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage converter as an intermediary device between the battery pack and the power tool. This converter accepts battery packs of various nominal voltages and converts their output to the required rated voltage for the tool, thereby enabling universal battery pack usage while maintaining voltage compatibility requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage converter dynamically changes the electrical parameter (voltage) of the battery pack output to match the tool's requirements. By transforming the voltage parameter, the system allows battery packs with different nominal voltages to be used with tools requiring specific rated voltages
2Reliability
If users purchase battery packs matching the rated voltage of new tools, then proper operation is ensured, but cost and waste increase due to unusable existing battery packs
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter serves as a mediator that enables existing battery packs to be used with new tools by converting their voltage output. This eliminates the need to discard or store unused battery packs, reducing material waste while ensuring proper tool operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts what would be a harmful situation (incompatible battery packs being wasted) into a beneficial outcome (existing battery packs being reused). The voltage converter transforms the potential problem of voltage mismatch into an opportunity to extend battery pack lifecycle and reduce waste
3Adaptability or versatility
If a voltage converter is introduced to enable universal battery pack usage, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the battery pack, the voltage converter, and the power tool. This segmentation allows the voltage converter to be a separate, standalone device that can interface with different battery packs and tools, managing complexity through modular design
4Power
If two battery packs are connected in series to achieve higher voltage, then voltage requirement is met, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need to physically connect battery packs in series. Instead of requiring users to configure multiple battery packs to achieve the required voltage, the converter handles the voltage transformation, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while meeting power requirements
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 existing battery packs with varying nominal voltages for electric power tools, reducing the need for new battery packs and increasing flexibility in tool usage without requiring specific voltage matching.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage regulator circuit can regulate a supply voltage from the battery pack to the electric power tool to a level corresponding to a rated voltage of the electric power tool
Implementation Method 2
The DC-DC converter intermittently supplies current to the coil by turning the switching element ON/OFF, generating an AC voltage that steps up or steps down by an induced electromagnetic force generated in the coil
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for an electric power tool couples battery packs with the electric power tool. The adapter is provided with a voltage regulator circuit interposed between the battery packs and the electric power tool. The voltage regulator circuit regulates a supply voltage from the battery packs to the electric power tool to a level corresponding to a rated voltage of the electric power tool. The voltage regulator is capable of raising the supply voltage higher than nominal voltages of the battery packs.