Adjustable Battery Lock Device With Rotatable Latch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery holder designs are cumbersome and costly, requiring the removal and reattachment of components to accommodate different battery sizes and shapes, leading to inefficiency and potential loss or damage of parts.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable battery lock device with a spring-loaded rotatable retention latch that can be secured in multiple positions using a cylindrical gear or splined projection, allowing for easy rotation to release or secure batteries without detaching any components, enabling quick adaptation to various battery sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple screw columns of varying heights and locations are used to accommodate different battery sizes, then adaptability to different battery dimensions is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different battery sizesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery holder is divided into multiple recesses of different depths, each capable of accommodating batteries of different sizes. This segmentation allows the same holder structure to adapt to various battery dimensions without requiring multiple different holders or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single battery holder structure serves multiple functions by incorporating recesses of varying depths. The same holder can securely hold different battery sizes (e.g., 18650, 26650, 32650) without requiring separate holders for each battery type, thus achieving multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the clip/cover is entirely removed from the column to change battery size, then adaptability is improved, but time consumption and risk of component loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different battery sizesVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The battery holder incorporates a movable retaining mechanism that can be dynamically adjusted between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic design allows the user to quickly release and reposition the holder for different battery sizes without completely removing and reattaching components, significantly reducing the time required for battery replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple columns are used to accommodate multiple battery sizes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different battery sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional columns that would traditionally be separate components are merged into a single integrated battery holder structure. The holder combines multiple recesses of different depths and a retaining mechanism into one piece, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the ability to accommodate various battery sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple columns of varying heights are used, then adaptability to different battery shapes is improved, but user confusion and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different battery shapesVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different recesses within the battery holder are marked with distinct color codes that correspond to specific battery sizes and types. This visual coding system guides users to select the appropriate recess for their battery, eliminating confusion about which column or recess to use and simplifying the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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

The solution simplifies the process of accommodating different batteries, reducing time and manufacturing costs while minimizing the risk of component loss or damage, providing a convenient and efficient method for securing batteries of various dimensions.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustable battery lock device with a spring-loaded rotatable retention latch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring (elasticity): Spring

Implementation Method 2

secured in multiple positions using a cylindrical gear or splined projection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS9716257B2Adjustable battery lock device and method
Publication Date: 2017.07.25 RESIDEO LLC
  • US9716257B2 patent drawing
  • US9716257B2 patent drawing
  • US9716257B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery locking device and method are provided, wherein the devices comprises a shaft, a rotatable latch, a deformable biasing member, and a stop member. The rotatable latch extends between a proximal portion carried on the shaft and a distal portion opposite of the proximal portion at a distance from the shaft. The proximal portion has opposing first and second ends with the first end having a cylindrical projection with a splined outer profile comprising a plurality of spaced-apart teeth. The distal portion has a configuration for engaging at least a portion of a battery. The deformable biasing member is carried on the shaft adjacent the second end of the proximal portion of the rotatable latch. The stop member is positioned adjacent the cylindrical projection and has a free end engagable with the splined outer profile to prevent rotation of the rotatable latch about the shaft in a first direction.