Battery Terminal Retention via Angled Guide Force Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery terminal retention systems face challenges in securely connecting to tapered battery posts, particularly under extreme conditions, as the terminal tends to dislodge due to the taper design, leading to potential disconnection during crashes or forceful events.
Innovation Solution
A battery terminal design featuring a post clamp with a mounting clamp and fastener system that applies a vertical pressing force, which is converted into a horizontal fastening force using angled guides, effectively reducing the opening between connector ends to securely enclose the battery post and enhance retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery post is designed with a taper to ensure easier terminal installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the terminal naturally travels in the direction of the taper and can be removed in extreme force conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing a retention mechanism that pre-counters the taper-induced dislodging force. The retention tab and slot assembly creates a mechanical interlock that opposes the natural tendency of the terminal to travel along the taper direction, preventing removal even under extreme force conditions while maintaining easy installation
2Reliability
If the terminal is designed to securely enclose the battery post, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional mounting clamp and fastener system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the terminal into distinct functional components: a post clamp portion for enclosing the battery post, a mounting clamp assembly with retention tabs, and a fastener system. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity
3Reliability
If the opening between connector ends is reduced to enhance retention, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the mounting clamp assembly with movable retention tabs that can flex and adapt during the fastening process. The retention tabs are positioned to engage with slots in the post clamp, creating a dynamic mechanical interlock that reduces the opening between connector ends through controlled deformation rather than requiring precise static manufacturing dimensions
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
The solution provides a robust and secure connection to the battery post, ensuring optimal retention and electrical conduction, even under extreme conditions, by reducing the opening between connector ends and utilizing ribbed features for anti-rotation and increased clamp load.
Implementation Method 1
A battery terminal design featuring a post clamp with a mounting clamp and fastener system that applies a vertical pressing force, which is converted into a horizontal fastening force using angled guides
Implementation Method 2
The mounting clamp and fastener system that applies a vertical pressing force, which is converted into a horizontal fastening force using angled guides, effectively reducing the opening between connector ends
Implementation Method 3
utilizing ribbed features for anti-rotation and increased clamp load
Data Source
AI summary
A battery terminal includes a post clamp for connecting to a battery post. The post clamp includes a post connector having a first connector end and a second connector end with an opening therebetween. The post connector is configured to substantially enclose a first surface of the battery post. A mounting clamp is provided for reducing the opening between the first connector end and the second connector end. A fastener is disposed vertically above the mounting clamp and the post connector. The fastener is configured to be provided vertically above the second surface of the battery post for fastening the mounting clamp to the post clamp.