Battery Connector With Vertical and Sliding Coupling for Safe Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing information handling systems face challenges with multiple battery types and connector configurations, leading to increased inventory, manufacturing complexity, and potential system damage during battery handling, especially when the system is in a powered-up state.
Innovation Solution
A battery connector system that allows horizontal sliding or vertical pressing into a receptacle, with an optional switch to enable/disable power transfer, and a detection circuit for hard resets, standardizing connections across various platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery types and connector configurations are used to accommodate different internal space requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery connector is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different battery types and configurations. The connector includes a receptacle with multiple contact points and a housing that can interface with various battery form factors, allowing a single connector design to serve multiple battery types rather than requiring separate connectors for each battery configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a movable component that can shift position within the receptacle. This dynamic element allows the connector to adapt its contact points and engagement geometry to match different battery types, enabling the same connector housing to properly interface with various battery configurations through mechanical adjustment rather than requiring multiple static connector designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery types with different physical dimensions are used, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing portion that provides structural support and alignment features, a receptacle portion that receives the battery connector, and a movable contact portion that makes electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with standard tolerances while the assembly provides the necessary adaptability, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing across the entire connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable component acts as an intermediary between the fixed receptacle structure and the varying battery connector geometries. It provides a buffer zone that absorbs dimensional variations through its range of motion, allowing the connector to maintain proper electrical contact and mechanical alignment even when accommodating batteries with different physical dimensions, thereby reducing stringent manufacturing precision requirements.
3Productivity
If the system remains powered on during battery handling, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a movable component that can be positioned to establish or break electrical contacts in a controlled sequence. Before the battery is fully inserted or removed, the movable component can pre-establish communication contacts or pre-break power contacts, allowing the system to be notified in advance of the battery change and to take protective actions while remaining powered on, thus maintaining productivity without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design includes a movable component that provides a transition zone during battery insertion or removal. This movable element can gradually establish or break electrical contacts rather than allowing sudden disconnection, cushioning the electrical transition and preventing sparks or voltage spikes that could damage the system. This allows safe battery handling even while the system remains powered on.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system battery interfaces with a motherboard through a connector and receptacle that contribute to a standardized coupling arrangement while accommodating a wide variety of footprints and component configurations. The connector terminates to pin terminals that mount to a circuit board and gap terminals that accept a wire to accommodate different coupling arrangements. The connector conductive elements slide horizontally into receptacle conductive members or alternatively press down for a vertical coupling. A battery receptacle accepts the connector with a horizontal sliding insertion or a vertical press insertion.