Battery Pack Lever Mechanism for Secure Detachment on Inclined Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with detachable battery packs face challenges in secure and easy detachment, especially when the device is in an inclined position, as existing mechanisms may not prevent the battery from sliding out or require complex operations.

Innovation Solution

A detaching/attaching mechanism using an operating lever that moves in two directions to create a gap for finger insertion, combined with protrusions and a holding mechanism involving a coil spring to securely lock and unlock the battery pack, ensuring easy detachment and secure attachment without external hooks on the device's surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple latch mechanism is used to attach the battery pack, then the device complexity is reduced, but the battery pack may slide out when the device is in an inclined position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatch mechanism complexityVSAvoidbattery pack retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operating lever is moved in advance to a specific position that creates a gap between the battery pack and mounting part, allowing the user to insert a finger for detachment. This preliminary action prepares the system for easy user intervention without requiring complex sensors or actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion on the operating lever acts as an intermediary element that directly engages with the battery pack. When the lever is moved, the protrusion creates the gap and provides a mechanical interface for the user's finger, simplifying the detachment process while ensuring reliable retention during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If no gap is formed between the battery pack and mounting part, then the attachment is more secure, but the user cannot easily detach the battery pack

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddetachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating lever is designed to be movable between a first position (where the battery pack is securely attached) and a second position (where a gap is created for detachment). This dynamic transition allows the system to switch between secure attachment and easy detachment states based on user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Before the user attempts to detach the battery pack, the operating lever is moved to create a gap between the battery pack and mounting part. This preliminary action prepares the system by providing finger access space, making the detachment operation easy and intuitive without requiring force or complex maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If external hooks are added to the device surface to prevent battery sliding, then the battery retention is improved, but the device外观 (appearance) is compromised and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery retentionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating lever is integrated with the housing structure, combining the functions of a release mechanism and a retention structure. The lever's protrusion works in conjunction with the mounting part's geometry to provide both secure attachment and controlled detachment, eliminating the need for separate external hooks or retention features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating lever serves multiple functions: it acts as a release mechanism to create a gap for detachment, and simultaneously serves as a retention structure that prevents the battery pack from sliding out during normal operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional external hooks or retention features.

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

Enables secure and easy detachment of the battery pack from the device, even when inclined, by forming a gap for finger access and using a holding mechanism to prevent unintended movement, thus improving usability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a holding mechanism involving a coil spring to securely lock and unlock the battery pack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4142268B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 DYNABOOK INC
  • EP4142268B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4142268B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4142268B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (100) includes a housing (10) including a mounting part (30), installation component (20) installed in the mounting part (30), and detaching/attaching mechanism (110) capable of detaching the installation component (20) in a first direction. The detaching/attaching mechanism (110) includes an operating lever (40) including a first protrusion (43) which includes a first abutting face (431) and second abutting face (432), a second protrusion (27) which includes a third abutting face (271), and a third protrusion (26) which includes a fourth abutting face (261). At least one of the first abutting face (431) and third abutting face (271) is inclined, and at least one of the second abutting face (432) and fourth abutting face (261) is inclined.