Articulating Battery Pack Connector for Waterproof Device Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery packs for portable electronic devices often compromise the waterproof integrity of the devices during energy extension, as they lack effective sealing mechanisms and flexible interconnection solutions.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack with a pivotable frame structure and a connector mechanism that articulates to form a waterproof seal with the device connector, using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) components for flexibility and sealing, allowing direct access to user interface components while securing the device within a closed frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid connector mechanism is used to interconnect with the device connector, then electrical connection is established, but waterproof integrity is compromised due to inability to accommodate misalignment and movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof integrityVSAvoidconnector alignment tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane seal that can deform and articulate to accommodate misalignment between the battery pack connector and device connector. This flexible membrane maintains the waterproof barrier while adapting to positional variations, resolving the contradiction between rigid sealing and alignment tolerance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connector mechanism incorporates dynamic, movable components including an articulating connector body and flexible membrane seal that can shift and deform. This dynamic design allows the connector to self-adjust during insertion and maintain waterproof integrity despite misalignment, eliminating the need for precise rigid positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the connector mechanism is positioned on the exterior of the battery pack, then access is simplified, but waterproof seal formation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector accessVSAvoidseal formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector mechanism is nested within the battery pack housing, with the flexible membrane seal positioned inside the housing cavity. The membrane extends through an opening in the housing, allowing external access while maintaining internal sealing. This nested configuration enables both ease of connection and reliable waterproof sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed, non-articulating connector is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but damage risk during installation increases due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidinstallation damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane seal acts as a cushioning element that absorbs misalignment stresses before they can damage the rigid connector components or device. The membrane's elasticity provides a buffer zone during insertion, preventing harmful forces from reaching critical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector mechanism changes its physical parameters (shape, position, orientation) through articulation and membrane deformation. This parameter change capability allows the connector to adapt to misalignment conditions, reducing installation damage risk while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized flexible seal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If the battery pack uses a closed frame structure to secure the device, then device stability is improved, but access to user interface components is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoiduser interface access

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack housing is segmented with strategically positioned openings that provide access to user interface components (buttons, ports, displays) while maintaining the overall closed protective structure. This segmentation allows selective access to specific areas without compromising the general device security provided by the closed frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11876329B2Battery pack with electrical connector mechanism that maintains waterproof integrity of portable electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 ALLIANCE BRANDS LLC

AI summary

A battery pack for electrically coupling with and securing to a portable electronic device having a device connector and one or more user interface components includes an electronics section and a latch section. The electronics section includes a battery compartment configured to hold one or more batteries and a connector mechanism configured to interconnect with and form a waterproof seal around the device connector. The latch section is pivotably coupled to the base portion and configured to pivot relative to the base portion to transition the battery pack between open and closed states. In the open state, the electronics section and the latch section form an open frame structure configured to enable installation of the portable electronic device in the battery pack. In the closed state, the electronics section and the latch section form a closed frame structure configured to secure the portable electronic device within an opening defined by the closed frame structure.