Button Cell Anti-removal System with Rotating Lugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional enclosures with button batteries pose a risk as children can inadvertently open the hatch and access the battery, leading to potential ingestion, necessitating a more effective anti-removal system to prevent unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A box design featuring a frame with a low step and high step, an anti-removal system comprising a plate with radially extending flexible tongues and fixing lugs that require both rotation and lifting to unlock, ensuring the battery is difficult to access without proper action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hatch is used to access the battery, then the battery is easily replaceable, but children can open the hatch and access the battery creating a safety risk
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-removal system uses a dynamic mechanism where the flexible tongue can move between a locked position (pressing against the frame) and an unlocked position. The system transitions from a static hatch to a dynamic locking mechanism that requires specific actions (rotation + lifting) to change state, thereby preventing accidental opening by children while allowing intentional access by adults.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-removal system is divided into separate functional components: the plate with fixing lugs for attachment, the flexible tongue for locking/unlocking, and the notches/slots in the frame. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to create a secure yet accessible battery compartment.
2Reliability
If a simple latch is used to secure the battery, then the structure is simple, but the battery can be removed too easily
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tongue acts as a thin, deformable element that provides the locking function. Its flexibility allows it to be deflected during installation and operation, enabling the tongue to press against the frame for locking and be lifted for unlocking. This use of a flexible element achieves secure battery retention with relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing lugs engage with the frame through a two-stage process: first translating into notches, then rotating into slots. This adds a rotational dimension to the otherwise linear insertion motion, creating a more secure attachment that requires multiple degrees of freedom to disengage, thereby increasing battery security without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the fixing lugs are directly fixed to the frame, then installation is simple, but the battery can be accessed without proper unlocking actions
Solution Approach 1:
During installation, the fixing lugs are first introduced into the notches by displacement parallel to the battery axis, establishing the initial connection. Then the anti-removal system is rotated to engage the lugs in the slots, which are positioned lower than the notches. This preliminary engagement in notches followed by rotation into slots ensures secure attachment while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tongue serves as an intermediary element between the plate and the frame. It allows the plate to be securely attached to the frame through the fixing lugs engaging with notches and slots, while also providing the unlocking mechanism. The tongue mediates between the need for secure attachment and the need for controlled access.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a housing (100) comprising a chassis (104) with a recess (106), a lower step (116), and an upper step (118), a button cell battery (102) in the recess (106), and an anti-removal system with a plate, two retaining tabs, and a flexible tab. For each retaining tab, the chassis (104) has a notch (110) and a slot (112) opening into the notch (110), into which the retaining tab is inserted. The tab is positioned on the upper step (118) when the retaining tabs are in the notches (110) and on the lower step (116) when the retaining tabs are in the slots (112). Thanks to this anti-removal system, which requires unlocking the rotation, the button cell battery is difficult to access.