Battery Module Mount with Segmented Latch Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module retention mechanisms in handheld devices require the use of both hands for disengagement, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A battery module mount with two latch elements and elongate resilient wires that allow for one-handed operation, where the latch elements are movable between a latched and unlatched position, enabling secure attachment and easy removal of the battery module using a single hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a button-operated latch arrangement is used to secure the battery module, then the battery module can be securely retained, but both hands are required to disengage the battery module
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into two separate latch elements (first and second latch elements) positioned at opposite sides of the housing. Each latch element is independently biased by its own resilient wire, allowing one latch to be operated while the other maintains securing force, enabling one-handed disengagement
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient wires provide dynamic biasing force to the latch elements, allowing them to automatically return to the latched position after being pressed. This dynamic behavior enables the latch to be released by pressing a single button while the resilient wire automatically re-engages the latch element
2Reliability
If traditional retention means are used, then the battery module is securely held, but the user must use both hands for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into two independent latch mechanisms operating on opposite sides of the device. This segmentation allows one latch to be quickly released while the other maintains retention, significantly reducing the time required for battery module removal compared to traditional two-handed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient wires automatically bias the latch elements to the latched position, providing self-service retention without requiring continuous user intervention. The latch elements automatically return to the securing position after being pressed, eliminating the need for manual re-engagement
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 secure attachment and effortless one-handed removal of the battery module, improving user convenience and operational efficiency by allowing single-handed operation.
Implementation Method 1
two elongate, resilient wires, each of said two wires having a substantially consistent cross-sectional area and being separately arranged to bias one of the latch elements to the free position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A battery module mount for securing a battery module to a housing of a handheld device, including one or more latch elements attached to the housing and movable between a free position and an unlatched position, with a tab portion, and one or more elongate resilient elements biasing each latch element to the free position. Each latch element is positionable in a latched positions. The mount also includes one or more mating means attached to the battery module with an abutment with which the tab portion is engageable when the latch element is in the latched position, to hold the abutment in a retainable position, thereby securing the battery module to the housing. The tab portion is disengaged from the abutment when the latch element is in the unlatched position, to permit removal of the battery module from the housing