Battery Adapter With Articulating Joint For Multi-Size Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered electronic devices are often limited to a specific battery size, such as AA-size, making them unusable with differently sized batteries like AAA-size, and there is a need for a solution to power these devices with smaller batteries to reduce bulk and weight, especially in portable applications.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with an articulating joint that allows it to be aligned and secured in a battery compartment, enabling the use of either AA-size or AAA-size batteries by articulating between two positions to accommodate different battery sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the battery compartment is designed to receive a specific battery size (e.g., AA-size), then the device can be powered by that battery size, but it cannot be powered by differently sized batteries (e.g., AAA-size)
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter enables the battery compartment to accept multiple battery sizes (AA and AAA) through a single universal interface. The adapter itself can be configured to receive either AA-size or AAA-size batteries, making the battery compartment multi-functional without requiring multiple dedicated compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the battery compartment and the battery. It mediates the size mismatch by providing a transition interface that allows smaller AAA batteries to be used in a compartment designed for larger AA batteries, or vice versa.
2Weight of moving object
If AA-size batteries are used, then the device can be powered, but the bulk and weight of the batteries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter allows the battery compartment to accommodate both AA-size and AAA-size batteries, giving the user the flexibility to choose lighter AAA batteries when weight is a concern, while maintaining compatibility with the original AA battery design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter enables changing the battery size parameter from AA to AAA, allowing users to optimize for weight reduction by selecting AAA batteries when the application requires portability, while still maintaining functional compatibility with the device.
3Reliability
If the adapter is designed to be securely fixed in the battery compartment, then it remains stable during use, but it becomes difficult to remove and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a resilient portion that can be compressed to disengage from the battery compartment and released to secure in place. This dynamic mechanism allows the adapter to transition between a secured state during use and an easily removable state for replacement, balancing stability with ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for use with a battery compartment of an electronic device is provided. The adapter includes a first section adapted to receive a first portion of at least one first battery. The adapter also includes a second section disposed adjacent to the first section. The second section is adapted to receive a second portion of the at least one first battery. The adapter further includes an articulating joint disposed between the first section and the second section. The articulating joint is adapted to selectively articulate the first section relative to the second section to move the adapter between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the adapter is adapted to be aligned in the battery compartment. In the second position, the adapter is adapted to be removably secured in the battery compartment.