Water Resistant Battery Box with Lip Seal and Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available battery boxes are inadequate for humid environments and fail to accommodate both AA and C cell batteries, lacking protection against corrosive chemicals and offering limited choice in battery options.
Innovation Solution
A battery box design featuring a lower housing with an internal chamber for two groups of batteries, an upper housing with a V-shaped lip seal for water sealing and gas venting, and an adapter for accommodating either AA or C cell batteries, using polymer materials and conductive rivets for electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hermetically sealed boxes with multiple seals and vents are used, then protection against humidity and corrosive chemicals is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery box is divided into two separate housing parts (first and second housing parts) that can be assembled together to form the complete sealed enclosure. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of each individual part while achieving the required protection when assembled, reducing the complexity of producing a single complex hermetic seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple gasket seal rather than complex hermetic sealing systems with multiple seals and vents. This simpler sealing approach reduces manufacturing cost and device complexity while providing adequate protection for the battery compartment in humid and corrosive environments.
2Manufacturing precision
If battery boxes are designed for single battery size, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery box internal chamber is designed with universal dimensions that can accommodate different battery types (AA and C cells) despite their different sizes. The chamber geometry and electrical contact positioning are optimized to work with both battery sizes, allowing customers to choose their preferred battery type without requiring different battery box models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the internal chamber dimensions and electrical contact configurations to accommodate varying battery parameters (size, voltage, energy capacity). By adjusting these parameters within the design, the battery box can handle both AA batteries (smaller, lower energy) and C batteries (larger, higher energy) effectively.
3Ease of manufacture
If open battery holders are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but protection against ambient conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible gasket seal between the two housing parts to create a protective barrier against humidity and corrosive chemicals. This simple flexible sealing element provides effective protection while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward and cost-effective, avoiding the need for complex hermetic sealing systems.
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 design provides protection against humidity and corrosive exposure, allows for interchangeable battery types, and ensures reliable electrical connectivity while preventing water ingress and hydrogen gas buildup.
Implementation Method 1
The upper housing includes a lip seal to engage an inner surface of the lower housing. The lip seal includes a v-shaped cross-section to facilitate sealing against external water and venting gas pressure from within the lower housing.
Implementation Method 2
The lip seal includes a v-shaped cross-section to facilitate sealing against external water and venting gas pressure from within the lower housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A water resistant battery box for use with electronic faucets. The battery box includes a lower housing, a cover supported by the lower housing, and an upper housing positioned between the lower housing and the cover. The upper housing includes a lip seal cooperating with the lower housing to prevent water from leaking into the housing while permitting for internal pressure within the battery box to be relieved.