Battery Pack Latch Structure for Compact Low-Part Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery packs for electrical equipment have a complex latch mechanism that increases the number of components and assembly steps, hindering miniaturization and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The battery pack design incorporates a simplified latch mechanism where the latch part is supported by an insulator within the pack, reducing the number of components and using ribs on the separator to guide the latch movement, thereby enhancing smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate cover member is used to hold the latch mechanism, then the latch mechanism can be securely mounted, but the number of components increases and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover member and latch mechanism into a single integrated component. The latch mechanism is directly mounted on the case without requiring a separate cover member, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining secure mounting through direct attachment structures built into the case itself.
2Reliability
If a separate cover member is used to hold the latch mechanism, then the latch mechanism can be securely mounted, but the number of assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the latch mechanism directly into the case structure, the patent eliminates the separate assembly step of attaching a cover member. The latch mechanism is positioned and secured during the main case assembly process, reducing assembly steps and improving productivity.
3Volume of moving object
If the battery pack size is reduced for miniaturization, then portability improves, but space for latch mechanism components becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the latch mechanism into the case structure eliminates the need for separate housing space for the latch components. This allows the battery pack to be miniaturized while maintaining all necessary functional components, as the latch mechanism utilizes the existing case structure rather than requiring additional dedicated space.
Solution Approach 2:
The case structure serves multiple functions: it houses the battery cells, provides structural support, and integrates the latch mechanism mounting. This multi-functionality allows the battery pack to be compact while accommodating all necessary components without requiring additional space for dedicated latch housing.
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
This design reduces the vertical height of the battery pack, minimizes the number of components, and improves assembly efficiency, leading to a more compact and efficient battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing part which biases the manipulation part to an outside of the housing
Implementation Method 2
the latch mechanism of the battery pack holds the latch claw in the state of being engaged with the latch hole on the electrical equipment main body side by the action of a spring
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a battery pack which is miniaturized by reducing the number of components of a latch mechanism of the battery pack. In the battery pack comprising housings that accommodate a plurality of battery cells, and detachable latches, the latches have manipulation parts that are manipulated by an operator, springs that bias the manipulation parts to the outside of the housings, and first abutting parts on which ends of the springs abut. The manipulation parts move horizontally below the upper wall of the housing, and portions thereof are exposed to the outside from through holes formed in the housing. Furthermore, the latches are supported from below by any one among a separator holding the battery cell, a circuit board, and a lower case.