Battery Pack Guide Groove Layout for EMI-Safe Data Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery packs face challenges with accurate data communication due to electromagnetic interference from electrode terminals, increased loads on engaging members causing mechanical stress, limited design flexibility for circuit boards, and difficulties in quickly determining the residual capacity of multiple spare batteries, especially in outdoor or low-light conditions.

Innovation Solution

The battery pack design incorporates a housing with terminal portions and insertion guide grooves that allow for secure mounting and easy identification of the correct orientation, reducing electromagnetic interference and mechanical stress, while also featuring a residual capacity display system that enhances visibility and efficiency in checking battery status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If communication terminals are arranged side by side with electrode terminals, then attachment and detachment convenience is improved, but electromagnetic interference occurs affecting data communication accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment and detachment convenienceVSAvoiddata communication accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack surface is divided into distinct functional regions: electrode terminals are positioned at one end while communication terminals are positioned at the opposite end or in a separated area. This spatial segmentation prevents electromagnetic interference while maintaining ease of attachment and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If engaging members are enlarged to handle increased loads, then mechanical strength is improved, but circuit board design freedom is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengaging member strengthVSAvoidcircuit board design freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging members are extended in the depth direction (third dimension) of the battery pack rather than increasing their width or height. This allows the circuit board to maintain its planar layout and design freedom while the engaging members gain sufficient strength through increased length in the vertical dimension to handle business-use loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Duration of action of moving object

If battery pack size is increased for higher capacity, then use time is improved, but mechanical stress on engaging members increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuse timeVSAvoidmechanical stress on engaging members
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging members are designed with optimized material properties and geometric parameters (increased length in the depth direction, reinforced cross-section) to increase their load-bearing capacity. This allows the battery pack to accommodate larger battery cells for extended use time while the engaging members withstand the increased mechanical stress through enhanced structural parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3118909B1Battery pack
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3118909B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3118909B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3118909B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A battery pack including an insertion groove, in which a protrusion protruding from a battery mounting portion is inserted, and a lock recess, which is larger than the guide groove.