Recessed Integral Handle for Compact Battery Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lead acid batteries require separate manufacturing of handles, increasing costs and space requirements, especially when stored in large numbers.

Innovation Solution

An integrally formed handle is recessed into the casing's upper surface, reducing the overall volume and allowing for more efficient storage by utilizing the headspace above the electrolyte, with options for both recessed and projecting handles to accommodate different configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a handle is manufactured separately from the casing, then the handle can be easily formed and assembled, but the manufacturing cost increases and additional space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle formationVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is formed integrally with the casing as a single molded piece, eliminating the need for separate handle components and assembly steps. This merging of the handle and casing reduces manufacturing complexity and component count while maintaining ease of production through single-step molding processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a handle is manufactured separately from the casing, then the handle can be independently designed, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle design flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is integrated into the casing as a single molded component, eliminating separate manufacturing and assembly operations. This reduces manufacturing cost while the molding process itself allows for design flexibility in handle shape and configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a conventional handle is used, then the battery can be easily handled, but more cabinet space is required for storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle graspabilityVSAvoidbattery storage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is recessed into the casing, nesting the handle structure within the existing battery envelope rather than adding external protrusions. This allows the handle to be fully functional for grasping while minimizing the external dimensions and storage volume of the battery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Volume of stationary object

If the handle is recessed into the casing, then the storage space is reduced, but the handle may be less accessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery volumeVSAvoidhandle accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The casing is locally shaped to project inwardly and define a recessed handle area, creating sufficient finger room around the handle member while maintaining overall compact dimensions. The local geometric modification ensures both space efficiency and operational accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8691433B2Battery

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 ENERSYS LTD

AI summary

The invention relates to a battery comprising a casing having at least one handle, which is formed integrally with the casing and is at least partially recessed into the upper surface of the casing.