Battery Adapter Latch for Secure Press Tool Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulically or electromotively operated tools face issues with adapters detaching easily from the device shaft, leading to potential malfunctions and the need for secure, non-destructive attachment to ensure compatibility with specific batteries and prevent accidental removal during battery changes or recharging.

Innovation Solution

A snap-in connection mechanism for the adapter to the device shaft, equipped with additional contacts for temperature and state of charge monitoring, and a power interruption circuit to ensure safety, along with optional signaling for critical events, allows secure attachment and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an adapter is designed to be easily detachable from the device shaft, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential accidental removal and malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adapter attachmentVSAvoidstability of adapter connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter connection system is segmented into two distinct parts: a reversible snap-in connection for easy attachment/detachment, and an irreversible latching connection for secure fixation. The latching part includes a latching element that engages with a latching recess, creating a permanent mechanical lock that prevents accidental removal while maintaining easy initial attachment through the snap-in mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the adapter is made secure and non-removable, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to inability to remove without damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of adapter connectionVSAvoidremovability of adapter
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter employs a dynamic connection system that transitions from a reversible state (snap-in) to an irreversible state (latched). The latching mechanism remains engaged during normal operation, providing secure connection. When removal is intentionally required, the system allows controlled disengagement through specific actions (applying force to overcome the latching element), enabling removal without damage while maintaining security during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If additional monitoring contacts are added to the adapter, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety monitoring capabilityVSAvoidnumber of contacts and circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: mechanical connection (snap-in and latching), electrical power transmission (plus and minus contacts), and safety monitoring (temperature and state of charge contacts). All these functions are merged into one adapter unit, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate components for each function while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2855101B1Tool
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 GUSTAV KLAUKE GMBH
  • EP2855101B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2855101B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2855101B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydraulically or electromotively operated tool (1), for example a pressing device, comprising a device shaft (2), which has at least a first and a second electrical contact, and comprising a rechargeable battery (3), which can be connected to the device shaft (2) by snap-in engagement, wherein an adapter (4) is provided between the device shaft (2) and the rechargeable battery (3) and can be secured to the device shaft (2) by means of a snap-in connection with respect to the device shaft (2) and the rechargeable battery (3). To provide a favourable connection of an adapter to a device shaft of such a device, it is proposed that the snap-in connection with respect to the device shaft (2) can only be disconnected by actuating a release part arranged in the interior of the adapter (4).