Battery Pack Latch Mechanism With Segmented Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
As rechargeable battery packs increase in size to meet growing power requirements, ergonomic modifications are needed to allow users to grasp and access controls on larger packs, while ensuring secure engagement with device receptacles.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a first linkage member and a second linkage member, coupled to a locking pawl, which allows for ergonomic positioning of user-accessible buttons and mechanical advantage for easy engagement and disengagement, maintaining secure coupling with battery pack receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the battery pack size is increased to meet growing power requirements, then the power capacity is improved, but the ergonomics deteriorate making it difficult for users to grasp and access controls
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate linkage members (first linkage member, second linkage member) that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows the contact surface to be located at the bottom of the housing for easy user access, while the locking pawl operates at the top near the receptacle interface, resolving the ergonomic conflict in larger battery packs.
2Ease of operation
If the contact surface is positioned for easy user access from outside the housing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanical advantage for secure engagement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The second linkage member acts as an intermediary between the first linkage member (contact surface) and the locking pawl. Force applied by the user at the contact surface is transmitted through the linkage members, which provide mechanical advantage through their lever arm geometry, to securely engage the locking pawl with the receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage members are positioned at different locations along the housing (contact surface near bottom wall, locking pawl near top wall), utilizing the vertical dimension to create a long lever arm. This dimensional arrangement provides mechanical advantage while maintaining easy user access to the contact surface.
3Ease of operation
If a latch mechanism with multiple linkage members is implemented to provide ergonomic operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second linkage members serve multiple functions: they transmit force from the user input to the locking pawl, provide mechanical advantage through their lever arm configuration, and enable ergonomic positioning of the contact surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission function and the mechanical advantage function are merged into a single continuous linkage system. The first linkage member and second linkage member work together as an integrated force transmission path, eliminating the need for separate force transmission and mechanical advantage mechanisms.
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
Enables secure and ergonomic operation of larger battery packs by allowing easy access to controls and providing mechanical advantage for user input, ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement with power tools and devices.
Implementation Method 1
Force is transmitted between the first linkage member and the second linkage member via the first engagement point and the second engagement point
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery pack including a housing including a bottom wall and a top wall opposite the bottom wall, a plurality of battery cells at least partially positioned within the housing, and a latch mechanism. Where the latch mechanism includes a first linkage member having a contact surface accessible by the user from outside the housing, and where the contact surface is positioned proximate the bottom wall of the housing, a locking pawl movable with respect to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position and in operable communication with the first linkage member, and where the locking pawl is positioned proximate the top wall of the housing.