Portable Battery Pack Housing With Tool-Free Watertight Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable battery packs require tools to open and close, are often not watertight, and are poorly suited for applications involving significant movement, such as on bicycles or game structures.
Innovation Solution
A portable power device with a housing that has a top portion connected to a bottom portion by at least one hinge, a gasket to inhibit moisture, and clasps to maintain the housing closed without tools. The device includes an attachment strap and bracket for secure mounting to various objects, and it can selectively use an internal or external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to attach the cover, then the battery pack can be securely closed, but tools are required to open and close the pack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit plastic latch system. The latch includes a movable arm that engages with a corresponding feature on the cover, allowing the battery pack to be securely closed without tools while enabling easy one-handed opening by pressing a release button that disengages the latch.
2Ease of operation
If a sliding cover is used, then the battery pack is easy to open and close, but it is not watertight and poorly suited for applications with significant movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible gasket made of elastomeric material between the battery pack housing and the cover. This gasket deforms to conform to the mating surfaces, creating a watertight seal that maintains protection against moisture and dust while allowing the snap-fit latch mechanism to provide secure closure without requiring a rigid sliding cover.
3Ease of manufacture
If the battery pack is designed for single application, then the design can be optimized for that specific use, but it cannot support multiple applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the battery pack with universal mounting features including attachment straps with buckles and mounting brackets that can be configured for various applications such as bicycle illumination, game board lighting, and tent canopy illumination. The standardized housing design with consistent electrical connectors and mounting interfaces allows the same battery pack to serve multiple functions across different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable power device may comprise a housing configured to contain an internal power supply and an attachment strap releasably connected to the housing for securing the device to an object or with space. The housing may comprise a top portion connected to a bottom portion by at least one hinge, and a gasket may be disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion to inhibit moisture from entering the housing. At least one clasp may be disposed on a side of the housing opposite the at least one hinge, the at least one clasp being configured to maintain the housing in a closed position without the use of tools. An attachment bracket may be provided that is releasably connected to the housing.