Battery Locking Unit for One-Handed Power Tool Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held power tools face challenges in easily and ergonomically exchanging heavy or bulky battery devices due to complex actuation and locking mechanisms, which require multiple steps and can lead to wear and detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
An actuating unit with a locking element that transitions between a retaining and release state using positive and frictional fits, facilitated by spring elements, allows one-handed detachment and automatic relocking during battery insertion, simplifying the battery exchange process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex actuation and locking mechanism is used to secure heavy or bulky battery devices, then the battery device can be securely held, but the exchange process becomes difficult and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to dynamically transition between a locked position (where it engages with the battery device) and an unlocked position (where it releases the battery device). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to automatically adapt to the battery insertion/removal process, providing secure holding during operation while enabling easy exchange when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating unit is designed to automatically detect when a battery device is inserted or removed and self-actuate the locking element accordingly. When a battery is inserted, the locking element automatically engages without requiring manual intervention. When a battery is removed, the locking element automatically returns to its initial position. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex multi-step manual actuation while maintaining secure attachment, thereby resolving the contradiction
2Reliability
If a complex actuation mechanism is used to lock the battery device, then secure attachment is achieved, but wear and detachment issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating unit automatically detects battery insertion and removal events and self-actuates the locking element without requiring manual operation. This eliminates repeated manual actuation cycles that cause wear to mechanical components. The spring element provides continuous pre-tensioning force, ensuring the locking element remains engaged during operation, thereby reducing detachment issues and extending the mechanism's service life while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-tensioned to provide continuous force on the locking element, cushioning it against sudden impacts or vibrations during operation. This pre-tensioning ensures the locking element maintains constant contact with the battery device, preventing wear-induced loosening and detachment over time, thus extending the mechanism's durable action while maintaining reliable attachment
3Power
If heavy or bulky battery devices are used to provide sufficient energy, then power requirements are met, but the detachment process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating unit automatically detects when a heavy or bulky battery device is inserted or removed and self-actuates the locking element without requiring manual force. The spring element provides sufficient pre-tensioning force to overcome the weight and size of the battery device, automatically engaging the locking element to secure the battery during operation. During removal, the locking element automatically releases without requiring the operator to overcome the battery's weight, thus maintaining ease of operation while supporting high power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to dynamically adapt to the weight and size of the battery device. The spring element's pre-tensioning force automatically adjusts to provide adequate holding force for heavy or bulky batteries during operation, while the automatic release mechanism ensures that detachment requires minimal effort regardless of battery weight, resolving the contradiction between power capacity and ease of detachment
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 easy, ergonomic, and reliable battery exchange with reduced wear and play, ensuring secure attachment and detachment of battery devices, even with heavy or bulky designs.
Implementation Method 1
spring element, which is provided to exert a pre-tensioning force on the locking element
Implementation Method 2
holding the locking element in the release state with a positive fit and/or with a frictional fit
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating unit for releasing a battery device for a hand-held power tool having a locking element for locking the actuating unit and having an actuating element that is provided to move the locking element from a retaining state into a release state of the actuating unit. It is provided that in the release state, the locking element is held with a positive fit and/or with a frictional fit.