Working Machine Mode Switching to Prevent Idle Battery Drain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Working machines, such as lawn mowers, often experience battery drain when not used for extended periods, making it difficult for users to operate them at desired times due to battery depletion, and the process of detaching and reattaching batteries can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control unit with operation modes, including a normal mode and a power saving mode, where the working unit is operable based on battery power in normal mode and inoperable with limited functions in power saving mode to reduce battery consumption, allowing the control unit to automatically switch between modes based on user input and battery status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the working machine is left idle for a long period, then the battery will be depleted, but detaching the battery in advance is complicated and increases user load
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically switches to power saving mode before battery depletion occurs during idle periods, performing the power conservation action in advance. This eliminates the need for users to manually detach batteries, as the system proactively manages power consumption to ensure battery availability when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the working unit operates in normal mode, then full functionality is available, but power consumption is high during non-use periods
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically switches between normal mode and power saving mode based on operational status. During idle periods, it automatically transitions to power saving mode with limited functions to reduce power consumption, while restoring full functionality when operation is detected. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining full functionality and reducing energy consumption during non-use.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the control unit limits functions to power saving mode, then battery power consumption is reduced, but the working unit becomes inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit periodically monitors operational status and switches between power saving mode and normal mode accordingly. During idle periods, it maintains power saving mode to reduce consumption, but automatically transitions to normal mode when operation is detected, ensuring full productivity when needed. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction between power conservation and operational capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine with a working unit is configured to perform a work, comprising a battery and a control unit, wherein the control unit has, as operation modes, a normal mode in which the working unit is operable based on power of the battery, and a power saving mode in which the working unit is made inoperable by limiting some of functions, as compared with the normal mode, and power consumption of the battery is suppressed, as compared with the normal mode, thereby, it is possible to improve the usability of the working machine and to appropriately prevent the battery down of a working machine.