Battery Pack Retention With Auxiliary Latch Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fastening mechanisms for removable battery packs in computing devices often lead to accidental dropping of the battery pack when it is disengaged, resulting in potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a housing that includes a battery chamber, a latch system to retain and disengage the battery pack, and an auxiliary retainer that engages with a complementary structure on the battery pack to prevent it from falling out, even when the latch is disengaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastening mechanism is used to couple the battery pack to the computing device, then the battery pack can be securely retained during operation, but the battery pack may fall from the device when the fastening mechanism is disabled for battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into two independent components: a primary fastening mechanism (latch) for secure retention during operation, and a secondary auxiliary retainer as a safety backup. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the latch provides strong retention when engaged, while the auxiliary retainer prevents accidental drops when the latch is disengaged for battery replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary retainer is pre-configured to engage with the battery pack before the primary latch is disengaged. This preliminary action ensures that when the operator opens the latch to replace the battery, the auxiliary retainer is already in position to prevent the battery pack from falling, eliminating the need for operators to worry about accidental drops during battery replacement
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device includes: a housing defining a battery chamber; an electrical contact disposed on a wall of the battery chamber; a latch extending into the battery chamber, the latch movable between (i) a first position to retain a battery pack within the battery chamber and engage the battery pack with the electrical contact, and (ii) a second position to disengage from the battery pack; an auxiliary retainer in communication with the battery chamber, the auxiliary retainer configured to retain the battery pack within the battery chamber, independently of the latch, via engagement with a complementary retaining structure of the battery pack.