Wearable Power Supply System for Portable Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems for tools and devices, such as contractor and lawn tools, kitchen appliances, and personal electronics, face limitations including short battery life, the need for nearby electrical outlets, and the inconvenience of carrying heavy batteries, which restrict their usability and portability.
Innovation Solution
A wearable power supply system that houses interchangeable batteries in a sealed pocket of wearable clothing, allowing users to carry a power source on their person, with a piggybacked configuration of batteries providing extended power through electrical connections, and optional wireless functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery power is integrated into the tool, then portability is improved, but battery life is limited and weight on the arm/hand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into separate components: a wearable power supply unit worn by the user and a tool unit. This allows the battery weight to be distributed on the user's body rather than concentrated on the arm/hand, extending comfortable usage duration while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply is relocated from the traditional horizontal integration (in the tool) to a vertical/wearable dimension (on the user's body). This dimensional shift resolves the contradiction by separating the weight burden from the tool operation while maintaining power supply functionality.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend usage time, then duration of action is improved, but weight of the power supply increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's body as a counterweight support structure. By wearing the power supply on the body (e.g., backpack, belt, or clothing integration), the user's body mass supports the battery weight, eliminating the need to design lightweight batteries while achieving extended usage time.
3Reliability
If power supply is fixed to the tool, then reliability of power delivery is improved, but adaptability to different tools and locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable power supply unit is designed as a universal power source that can serve multiple tools and devices. The system includes interchangeable connection adapters that allow a single power supply unit to reliably power various tools (drills, saws, lights, electronic devices) without being fixed to any specific tool, achieving both reliability and versatility.
4Duration of action of moving object
If extension cord is used to reach electrical outlets, then power availability is improved, but device complexity and clumsiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is extracted from the external electrical infrastructure (outlets and extension cords) and integrated into a self-contained wearable unit. This eliminates the need for extension cords and external power infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining continuous power availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable power source system is provided. The wearable power source system embodies a wearable power assembly having a wearable adapted to retain a power source, and a tool adapted to be powered by the retained power source. An electrical connection may connect the tool to the power source. A user may don the wearable power assembly, whereby a tool's power source is worn by its user, making handling the tool less of a burden. Clothing relative to the wearable power source system will be designed and become part of the user. Slacks, jackets, vest, apron, wristband, belt, hat jewelry, belly/fanny pack, and other such clothing/personal embodiment items will be designed to become part of the person and the wearable power source system.