Battery Locking Mechanism for Mobile Device Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile devices with reduced thickness fail to securely retain batteries, leading to unintended ejection during operation due to inadequate adhesives, which increase downtime and reduce operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism is integrated into the mobile device, comprising a latch and cavity configuration that limits battery movement, preventing contact between the battery and the latch to maintain the locking mechanism in a locked position, thus securing the battery within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If adhesive is used to retain the battery in thin mobile devices, then the device thickness is reduced, but the battery retention reliability deteriorates causing unintended ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive system with a mechanical locking system consisting of a latch mechanism and cavity structure. The latch engages with the battery to provide mechanical retention, eliminating reliance on adhesive bonding while maintaining thin device profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery retention system is segmented into distinct functional components: a cavity structure with specific geometric features and a separate latch mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function while maintaining overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the battery, then the battery retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated with the device body structure, merging the locking function into the existing device architecture rather than adding a completely separate system. The cavity structure serves dual purposes as both battery housing and locking mechanism interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on battery insertion and removal actions. The spring-loaded latch self-actuates when the battery is inserted into the cavity, eliminating the need for separate locking actions or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the cavity is dimensioned to limit battery movement, then the battery ejection is prevented, but the ease of battery installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity dimensions and latch positioning are designed to dynamically adapt to the battery insertion process. During installation, the spring-loaded latch allows sufficient movement freedom for battery insertion, then automatically transitions to a locked state that prevents ejection during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, assemblies, and associated methods are provided for mobile devices. An example mobile device includes a body defining a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a cavity at the second surface that receives a battery therein. The mobile device includes a locking mechanism coupled with the cavity of the body that moves between an unlocked position and a locked position at which the locking mechanism secures the battery within the cavity in an instance in which the battery is received by the cavity. The cavity and the locking mechanism are configured to prevent a contact between the battery and the locking mechanism that results in movement of the locking mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position.