At a glance
| Patent number | CN207223930U (application CN201720950988) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | A kind of multifunctional tool box with rechargeable battery pack (一种带有可充电电池包的多功能工具箱) |
| Patent owner | SHANGHAI HAILIAN ELECTRIC TOOLS CO Ltd |
| Inventors | He Yuecun, Shi Xiaojun |
| Filing date | 2017-08-01 |
| Grant date | 2018-04-13 |
| Status (China) | Lapsed - terminated for non-payment of annual fees (recorded 2021-07-09) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 2 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN207223930U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines a multifunctional tool box comprising an upper cover and a lower cover hinged together. The lower cover has a holding tools chamber with a battery pack placed in its middle position. The battery pack’s upper surface has conductive clips. The inner wall of the upper cover has a connection battery plate linked to a control panel via conducting wires. The connection plate has inserted sheets that align with the conductive clips when the lid is closed. The outer surface of the upper cover includes an external power interface and a solar panel connected to the control panel.
Claim 2 adds that the control panel includes protection circuits for overvoltage, overcurrent, excess temperature, overcharging, and short circuits.
Claim 3 specifies that the external power interface includes USB output interfaces connected to the battery pack and a charger plug electrically connected to the control panel.
Claim 4 states that the USB output interfaces and charger plug are arranged at the bottom of the upper cover, close to the hinged place.
Claim 5 notes that support bases are provided on the bottom of both the upper cover and the lower cover.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently lapsed due to non-payment of annual fees. Consequently, it does not restrict anyone from making, using, or selling this specific design in China or elsewhere based on this expired/lapsed right.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. The field of portable power banks and smart tool storage is highly competitive and densely patented by major electronics and hardware brands (e.g., DeWalt, Milwaukee, Anker, RYOBI). While this specific combination of a hinged box with internal solar/AC charging logic via lid-contact clips is described here, similar mechanisms for auto-connecting battery modules in cases may be covered by active US utility or design patents. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is strongly recommended before mass production to ensure no infringement of active IP held by other entities.
- Battery Safety Regulations. Integrating lithium-ion batteries into consumer goods triggers strict international safety standards. The design must comply with UN 38.3 for transport and relevant electrical safety certifications (UL/FCC) depending on the final market.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | mAh rating of the internal pack (e.g., 10,000mAh, 20,000mAh) based on cell configuration. |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | Type of photovoltaic cells (monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline) and wattage. |
| Interface Count | Number of USB-A or USB-C ports; inclusion of wireless charging pads. |
| Case Material | ABS, Polycarbonate, or Aluminum alloy shells for durability and heat dissipation. |
| Connector Design | Magnetic contacts vs. mechanical pin-clips for the lid-to-base connection. |
| Color & Branding | Custom molded colors, logo printing, or laser etching on the exterior. |
Things to plan for (US market)
- UN 38.3 - Mandatory testing for shipping lithium-ion batteries by air, sea, or land. Requires a test summary report.
- FCC Part 15 - Certification for electromagnetic interference if the device contains digital switching components (the control panel).
- UL 2056 - Standard for Safety of Portable Power Banks. Highly recommended for retail acceptance in major US chains.
- CPSC Guidelines - General consumer product safety regarding sharp edges, pinch points (hinges), and battery enclosure integrity.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define target battery capacity, solar wattage, port types, and case dimensions.
- Design - CAD modeling of the hinge mechanism, clip alignment tolerances, and PCB layout for the control panel.
- Prototype - 3D printed housings with functional electronics to test the auto-connect mechanism and charging efficiency.
- Pilot Run - Small batch production for drop tests, thermal cycling, and FCC/UL pre-testing.
- Production - Injection molding for cases, PCB assembly, battery pack welding, final assembly, and quality control checks.
Quantities & timeline
Injection molds for the upper and lower covers typically take 4-6 weeks. PCB prototyping and component sourcing depend on chip availability. Battery pack assembly requires certified facilities. Testing for UN 38.3 takes 4-6 weeks. Send us your target capacity, solar wattage, port configuration, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
