Battery Contact Spring Mechanism for Reliable Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for making contact with the distal terminal of batteries in electronic devices, such as flameless candles, are prone to failure and often expensive, using conductive materials like metal, which may not be cost-effective compared to plastics.
Innovation Solution
A design featuring a shell with a first electrical conductor having a vertical and horizontal portion, where the horizontal portion includes loops, and a cap with a second electrical conductor that includes a spring to compress and maintain contact with the battery terminal, ensuring reliable electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive materials like metal are used to make contact with the distal terminal, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material structure where a plastic housing is combined with an embedded conductive element (such as a metal strip or foil). This composite approach allows the housing to provide structural support and insulation while the embedded conductive element establishes reliable electrical contact with the battery terminal, thereby achieving both cost-effectiveness and connection reliability without requiring the entire housing to be made of expensive conductive material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conductive component (such as a conductive strip, foil, or contact element) that mediates between the plastic housing and the battery terminal. This intermediary element provides the necessary electrical conductivity for reliable contact while allowing the main housing structure to remain made of cost-effective plastic material, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing cost
2Device complexity
If existing contact techniques are used, then device assembly is simplified, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing structure with the electrical contact function by integrating a conductive element directly into the housing design. This integration allows the housing to simultaneously provide structural support and establish electrical contact with the battery terminal, maintaining simple assembly procedures while significantly improving connection reliability compared to separate contact components that may loosen or fail
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
This configuration provides a reliable and cost-effective method to maintain contact with the battery terminal, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the electrical connection in electronic devices like flameless candles.
Implementation Method 1
The second electrical conductor may include a spring that contacts a battery terminal when the cap is mated
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device includes a first electrical conductor located in a shell. The first electrical conductor has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion at the bottom of the vertical portion. A cap has a second electrical conductor and can be mated with the shell. After mating, the second electrical conductor contacts the horizontal portion of the first electrical conductor.