Exchangeable Battery Pack Unlocking Interface for Jam-Free Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack connection systems face challenges in optimizing the unlocking and removal process, leading to difficulties in detachably connecting and disconnecting battery packs from consumers, particularly due to ergonomic design issues and potential jamming during operation.
Innovation Solution
A consumer device with a mechanical interface featuring a movably arranged unlocking element and actuating element, coupled to a locking element, allows for ergonomic actuation and simplified removal through a removal aid, ensuring smooth detachment of the battery pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is used to secure the battery pack to the consumer, then connection reliability is improved, but the unlocking operation becomes more complex and difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism by placing the unlocking element on the consumer side rather than on the battery pack side. The unlocking element in the consumer mechanically engages with the locking element on the battery pack, allowing the user to actuate the lock from the consumer rather than from the battery pack itself. This inversion simplifies the unlocking operation while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking element acts as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. Instead of directly actuating the locking element on the battery pack, the user operates the unlocking element in the consumer, which then transmits the actuation force to the locking element through mechanical engagement. This intermediary simplifies the user interface while maintaining the security of the locking mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If the battery pack design is simplified for easy manufacturing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the connection and detachment process may become less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into two independent parts: a simplified battery pack with a basic locking element and a more complex consumer with an unlocking element and removal aid. This segmentation allows the battery pack to be manufactured simply while the consumer handles the complexity of reliable connection and detachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The consumer acts as an intermediary that compensates for the simplicity of the battery pack design. The unlocking element and removal aid in the consumer provide the necessary mechanical complexity to ensure reliable connection and detachment, allowing the battery pack itself to remain simple and easy to manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If a removal aid is added to facilitate battery pack removal, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the unlocking function and the removal assistance function into a single integrated consumer device. The removal aid is combined with the unlocking element and the actuating element mechanisms, so that one actuation performs both the unlocking and the removal assistance functions, rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The consumer device is designed with multi-functionality: the same mechanical structures serve both as locking/unlocking mechanisms and as removal aids. The actuating element and unlocking element serve dual purposes of securing the battery pack and facilitating its removal, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A consumer includes an electrical interface and a mechanical interface for connection to an exchangeable battery pack is disclosed. The electrical interface includes at least two contact elements. The mechanical interface includes at least one locking element receptacle. The consumer further includes an unlocking element that is movably arranged in the locking element receptacle.