Battery Locking Lever Mechanism for Vibration-Stable Tool Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems with machine tools and accumulators experience mechanical stresses such as vibrations, leading to relative movements between the machine tool and the accumulator, which can damage the mechanical and electrical connection components.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a locking device with at least a first and second fitting lever element in the accumulator, allowing it to be reversibly locked to the machine tool, thereby reducing relative movement and enhancing the connection between the two.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple plug-socket connection is used to connect the accumulator to the machine tool, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to damage from vibrations and relative movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is divided into multiple functional components: a locking lever with locking elements, a spring element for applying force, and a actuating mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while working together to provide both easy operation and reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element is pre-loaded to automatically apply locking force as soon as the accumulator is connected to the machine tool. This preliminary action ensures that the connection is immediately secured against vibrations without requiring additional manual steps, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a rigid locking mechanism is used to prevent relative movement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidlocking device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device uses a dynamic spring element that automatically adjusts the locking force based on the connection state and vibration conditions. This dynamic mechanism provides reliable connection stability without requiring a complex rigid structure, as the spring adapts to different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed to automatically engage and disengage without manual intervention. The spring element self-adjusts to maintain proper locking force, and the actuating mechanism automatically releases the lock when needed. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex control systems while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the accumulator and machine tool are firmly connected to prevent vibrations, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating mechanism is designed to apply a preliminary releasing action that overcomes the spring locking force. When the user activates the release mechanism, it pre-compsensates for the strong locking force by storing energy in a release spring, making detachment easy despite the firm connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device operates in periodic cycles: automatic locking upon connection, sustained locking during operation, and automatic releasing upon actuation. This periodic action allows the system to maintain strong connection stability during use while enabling easy detachment when needed, switching between these states smoothly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 locking device provides a more stable connection between the machine tool and the accumulator, reducing the risk of damage from vibrations and ensuring a secure power supply.

Implementation Method 1

The second lever element can be designed to be elastic. This can create a preload in the locking device.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4301556B1Lock for a battery
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 HILTI AG
  • EP4301556B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4301556B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4301556B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a system comprising a machine tool and an accumulator for supplying the machine tool with electrical energy. Accumulator for supplying a machine tool with electrical energy. The accumulator contains a locking device for releasably connecting the accumulator to the machine tool, the locking device containing at least a first and a second lever element which are connected to each other in an articulated manner, so that the locking device is movable in a reversible manner from a locking position into a release position, wherein, in the locking position, the accumulator is rigidly connected to the machine tool and, in the release position, the accumulator can be removed from the machine tool.