Coin-Cell Battery Cover Latch for Jam-Free Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery retaining devices for coin cell batteries in electronic equipment are difficult to use and can become jammed, making access to the battery challenging.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base with a retainer and a depressible cover that includes a detent and a body portion, where the cover is secured to the base by engaging the detent with a shoulder, allowing easy installation and removal of the battery through the application of a force to flex the cover and disengage the detent from the shoulder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coin is used to turn the battery cover to release it, then the battery can be removed, but the device becomes difficult to use and may become jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to transition between a locked position (where the detent engages the shoulder) and an unlocked position (where the cover can be removed), allowing dynamic operation rather than a fixed state. This enables reliable battery access without jamming issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent acts as an intermediary element between the cover and the base, mediating the locking and unlocking functions. The detent engages with the shoulder to secure the cover in place, and disengages to allow removal, providing a reliable intermediate mechanism that prevents direct contact between the cover and base that could cause jamming.
2Reliability
If the cover is made secure to prevent battery removal, then battery retention is reliable, but battery access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover mechanism transitions between a locked state (detent engaged with shoulder for secure retention) and an unlocked state (detent disengaged for easy access). This dynamic design allows the same mechanism to provide both secure retention and easy access without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is segmented into separate functional elements: the detent for secure engagement, the shoulder for positioning, and the cover for access. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally - the detent provides reliable retention while the cover design enables easy access when needed.
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
Provides reliable and accessible battery installation and removal processes, ensuring secure retention and easy access to the battery without jamming issues.
Implementation Method 1
The cover is releasably secured to the base upon engagement of the body portion with the retainer and engagement of the detent with a shoulder of the base
Implementation Method 2
During installation of the depressible cover onto the base, the cover flexes to allow the detent to pass by the shoulder while the body portion of the cover is restrained by the retainer
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a base and a depressible cover. The base defines a battery opening in which to receive a battery having the form factor of a coin-cell. The base includes a retainer located proximate to the battery opening. The depressible cover is disposed in the battery opening and is secured in place against the retainer to prevent removal of the battery from the base while the cover is coupled to the base. The cover includes a detent and a body portion, wherein the cover is releasably secured to the base upon engagement of the body portion with the retainer and engagement of the detent with a shoulder of the base.