Removable Battery Retainer with Automatic Discharge Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable vital signs monitors with on-board batteries pose disposal challenges due to environmental regulations, requiring battery removal and discharge before monitor disposal, which existing technologies do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A vital signs monitor design featuring a removable battery with a battery discharge circuit that activates upon separation from the equipment housing, ensuring safe and environmentally compliant disposal by draining residual charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable battery is provided in the monitor, then the battery can be removed for disposal compliance, but the complexity of the battery retention and discharge system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery retention function and battery discharge function into a single integrated retainer mechanism. When the retainer is removed from the housing, it simultaneously releases the battery from retention and activates the discharge circuit through a break-contact switch, eliminating the need for separate retention and discharge systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge circuit is pre-configured to automatically activate when the retainer is removed from the housing. The break-contact switch is positioned such that retainer removal automatically closes the discharge circuit, ensuring the battery is discharged before disposal without requiring separate user actions.
2Reliability
If the battery discharge circuit is automatically activated upon battery removal, then safe disposal is ensured, but the circuit complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer serves dual functions: mechanically retaining the battery during use and activating the discharge circuit upon removal. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensors, actuators, or control logic, reducing circuit complexity while ensuring reliable automatic discharge activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The break-contact switch acts as a simple mechanical intermediary that translates the physical act of retainer removal into circuit activation. This straightforward mechanical-to-electrical conversion minimizes circuit complexity and potential failure points compared to electronic sensors or microcontroller-based solutions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the retainer is made separable from the housing to enable battery removal, then disposal compliance is achieved, but the structural integrity and sealing of the housing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a main housing body and a separate removable retainer component. This segmentation allows the retainer to be detached for battery removal while the main housing remains intact and structurally sound, preserving housing integrity while enabling disposal compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed with localized engagement features that interface with specific portions of the housing. This localized interaction minimizes the impact on overall housing structural integrity, as the separation only affects the battery retention area rather than the entire housing structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and compliant disposal of wearable vital signs monitors by ensuring battery discharge upon removal, addressing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a battery discharge circuit... discharge the battery in response to interruption of the electrical communication between the battery and the circuit assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A vital signs monitor includes an equipment housing defining an equipment compartment, a circuit assembly and a battery residing inside the equipment compartment, an electrical connector forming a connection between the battery assembly and the circuit assembly, and a battery discharge circuit. A retainer joined to the equipment housing retains the battery assembly in the housing. The retainer is separable from the housing so that its separation causes a break in the electrical connection and activates the discharge circuit.