Lock Mechanism for Secure Battery Docking and Power Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often fail to completely secure power inputs, such as battery packs, in electronic devices, leading to potential power loss during transit or when the electrical connection is disturbed, despite the presence of locks or retaining structures.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design that includes a lock that can move between locked and unlocked states, ensuring the power input is securely locked and electrically coupled to prevent disconnection, featuring a mechanism where the power input is only powered when properly locked in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock or retaining structure is provided to secure the power input, then the security of the power input is improved, but users may still fail to completely secure the power input, leading to potential power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects whether the power input is securely locked and autonomously controls the power supply state accordingly. The processor monitors the lock state and automatically disconnects or connects power without requiring user judgment or additional actions, making the system self-protecting against improper securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the lock state of the power input and uses this feedback information to control the power supply. The processor receives feedback about whether the lock is engaged and adjusts the power connection state based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures proper securing before allowing power flow.
2Ease of operation
If the power input is easily accessible for docking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against accidental disconnection during transit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a temporary, state-based control mechanism rather than a permanent physical constraint. The power connection is designed to be transient and controllable - it can be easily established when docked but is automatically terminated if the lock state changes, replacing the need for complex permanent mechanical retention systems with a simple electronic control approach.
3Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to secure the power input, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention of the power input, triggers an electrical signal to indicate secure docking, and acts as a switch for the power supply control circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical locking function with the electrical connection control into a single integrated system. The lock mechanism is merged with the power supply control circuitry so that one action (engaging the lock) simultaneously achieves mechanical security and electrical power enablement, eliminating the need for separate locking and electrical control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an electronic device includes an electronic component, a battery pack that is dockable to the electronic component, and a lock to lock a docked battery pack to the electronic device. In some examples, the lock is to move to a locked state in which the docked battery pack is to be locked to the electronic device and electrically coupled to the electronic component to power the electronic component using the docked battery pack and the lock is to move to an unlocked state in which the docked battery pack is to be unlocked from the electronic device and electrically isolated from the electronic component.