Battery Cover Elastic Tabs Radial Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for mounting batteries in portable electronic equipment face issues such as poor retention, risk of battery rotation leading to corrosion, and difficult installation due to non-secure housing designs.
Innovation Solution
A battery cover with an annular wall and complementary fixing means, including semi-circular tabs and support lugs made of deformable plastic, which securely retain the battery and facilitate easy installation by allowing elastic deformation for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple housing design is used for the battery, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the battery retention is poor and rotation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into functional zones: the main cavity for battery reception, peripheral retaining means with elastic elements for radial retention, and specific geometric features (shoulders, recesses) for rotational locking. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently without overcomplicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means incorporate elastic elements that can deform dynamically during battery insertion and then maintain constant radial pressure on the battery. This dynamic capability allows the housing to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and battery dimensional variations while ensuring reliable retention without requiring an overly complex rigid structure.
2Reliability
If elastic retaining means are added to the housing periphery, then battery retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means are merged with the housing itself, forming an integrated structure where the elastic elements are part of the housing wall rather than separate components. This merging reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while providing effective radial retention through the elastic deformation of the housing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral structure of the housing serves multiple functions: it provides the main cavity for battery reception, incorporates retaining means with elastic elements for radial retention, and includes geometric features for rotational locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the battery must be pushed with force for introduction, then secure retention is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with preliminary features that guide the battery during insertion: entry openings that accommodate battery dimensions, chamfered edges that guide alignment, and progressive engagement of the elastic retaining means. These preliminary actions facilitate smooth battery introduction without requiring excessive force, while still ensuring secure retention once installed.
4Reliability
If the cover and housing use a bayonet locking system, then the cover retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet locking system is segmented into distinct male and female elements: lugs on the cover as male elements and radial housings in the housing as female elements. This segmentation allows for clear functional differentiation and simplified manufacturing of each component while achieving reliable interlocking through their complementary geometry.
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 solution provides reliable radial and rotational retention of the battery, preventing corrosion and simplifying the mounting process while being cost-effective and easy to implement.
Implementation Method 1
the tabs are produced in a deformable plastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A device for mounting an electrical energy source in portable electronic equipment is provided, including a cavity and a cover configured to close the cavity, the cover including a housing configured to receive the energy source, the cover and the portable electronic equipment having complementary fixing means in order to retain the cover on the portable electronic equipment and to seal the cavity, and the cover including means for retaining the energy source in the housing of the cover.