Battery Case Locking Linkage for Precise Wear-Free Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery case unlocking mechanisms suffer from wear and poor accuracy due to hard contact between unlocking and locking components, leading to incomplete unlocking and reduced efficiency in battery replacement processes.

Innovation Solution

A battery case unlocking apparatus featuring an extensible/retractable mechanism and transmission mechanism that transfers torque to a locking mechanism, utilizing a complex linkage system with guiding holes and reset springs to ensure precise and efficient unlocking and locking, integrating multiple functional parts for one-point action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hard contact unlocking method is used between replacement device and battery case locking mechanism, then unlocking function is achieved, but wear of parts occurs and unlocking accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking reliabilityVSAvoidwear of locking and unlocking parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transmission mechanism as an intermediary between the extensible/retractable mechanism and the locking mechanism. This transmission mechanism includes a driving rod, connecting rod, active pole, and driven pole that transfer the unlocking force through a coordinated mechanical linkage system, avoiding direct hard contact between the replacement device and the locking mechanism, thereby reducing wear while maintaining reliable unlocking functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional direct mechanical hard contact unlocking method with a sophisticated transmission mechanism system. The extensible/retractable mechanism drives the active pole, which through the connecting rod and driven pole, actuates the locking mechanism. This substitution of the direct mechanical contact with a multi-component transmission system reduces wear on individual parts while maintaining unlocking reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If hard contact unlocking method is used, then unlocking function is achieved, but unlocking accuracy becomes poor and incomplete unlocking may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking completenessVSAvoidunlocking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission mechanism serves as a precision intermediary that translates the linear motion of the extensible/retractable mechanism into precise actuation of the locking mechanism. The connecting rod and driven pole linkage ensures accurate force transmission and positioning, preventing incomplete unlocking while maintaining high unlocking accuracy through the coordinated movement of multiple components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic transmission mechanism where the connecting rod can rotate around the active pole and driven pole axes, allowing the system to adapt to slight misalignments and maintain precise unlocking action. This dynamic capability ensures complete and accurate unlocking even with variations in assembly tolerances or operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If locking mechanism is set on both sides of battery case, then locking stability is improved, but device complexity and alignment operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking stabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of unlocking apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of both side locking mechanisms into a single extensible/retractable mechanism. The active pole and connecting rod system simultaneously actuates both locking mechanisms through one coordinated motion, maintaining the stability benefit of dual-side locking while reducing the complexity of having separate control systems for each side

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission mechanism serves multiple functions: it converts linear motion to rotational motion, simultaneously actuates both locking mechanisms, and provides precise force transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by consolidating multiple operations into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each locking point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves high unlocking accuracy and reliability, preventing damage to locking and unlocking parts, and significantly reduces the time required for battery replacement, doubling efficiency compared to prior art.

Implementation Method 1

an extensible/retractable mechanism (2), wherein the locking mechanism (4) is used for locking and fixing a body (6) of the battery case to a battery holder (7) of an electric vehicle; the extensible/retractable mechanism (2) passes through the mount (1) and carries out extension/retraction movement in the mount (1) relative to the transmission mechanism (3) under an unlocking external force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a transmission mechanism (3), wherein one end of the transmission mechanism (3) is connected with the extensible/retractable mechanism (2), the other end of the transmission mechanism (3) is connected with the locking mechanism (4); the extension/retraction movement of the extensible/retractable mechanism (2) drives the transmission mechanism (3) to move between the extensible/retractable mechanism (2) and the locking mechanism (4), and the movement of the transmission mechanism (3) controls the locking or unlocking of the locking mechanism (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS11837746B2Battery case unlocking apparatus, battery case, and quick battery case replacement system
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 SHANGHAI DIANBA NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US11837746B2 patent drawing
  • US11837746B2 patent drawing
  • US11837746B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery case unlocking apparatus, a battery case, and a quick battery case replacement system. The battery case unlocking apparatus comprises: a mount (1), an extensible/retractable mechanism (2), a transmission mechanism (3), and a locking mechanism (4). The locking mechanism (4) is used for locking and fixing a body (6) of a battery case to a battery holder (7) of an electric vehicle. The extensible/retractable mechanism (2) passes through the mount (1) and carries out extension/retraction movement in the mount (1) relative to the transmission mechanism (3) to drive the transmission mechanism (3) to move between the extensible/retractable mechanism (2) and the locking mechanism (4), thereby controlling the locking or unlocking of the locking mechanism (4). The battery case comprises the body (6) and the battery case unlocking apparatus. The quick battery case replacement system comprises: the battery holder (7), a replacement device (8), and the battery case.