Common Radio Battery Interface With VAA Retention Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld radios such as the Thales AN/PRC-148D and L3 Harris AN/PRC-163 require different batteries due to distinct radio-to-battery interfaces and varying battery sizes, leading to incompatibilities and alignment issues, particularly with Vehicular Amplifier Adapters (VAAs).
Innovation Solution
A common battery design featuring a raised concentric wall edge and circular piloting interface that aligns with the bayonet connector of both radios, allowing it to lock in place within VAAs, ensuring compatibility with both Thales and L3 Harris radios without the need for adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If different batteries are used for AN/PRC-148D and AN/PRC-163 radios to match their specific interface requirements, then each radio achieves proper alignment and connection, but battery incompatibility increases and logistics complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a common battery format that can be used across multiple radio types (AN/PRC-148D, AN/PRC-163, and future variants). The standardized battery incorporates interface features that work with different radio connectors, eliminating the need for type-specific batteries and enabling a single battery design to serve multiple functions and platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the battery interface into standardized components: a common battery body with standardized dimensions, a separate piloting channel mechanism for alignment, and modular connector features. This segmentation allows the battery to maintain a universal form factor while accommodating different radio-specific interface requirements through standardized sub-components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a common battery size is adopted for multiple radio types, then battery compatibility improves and logistics simplifies, but alignment precision and connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a piloting channel as an intermediary alignment mechanism between the common battery and different radio types. This piloting channel features precision-machined surfaces and geometric constraints that guide the battery into correct alignment with various radio connectors, mediating between the standardized battery form factor and the specific interface requirements of different radio models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying specific geometric parameters of the piloting channel and connector interfaces while maintaining the overall battery dimensions constant. By adjusting angles, radii, and positioning features within the piloting channel design, the system achieves precise alignment for different radio types without changing the fundamental battery size or form factor.
3Reliability
If radio-specific batteries are used to ensure proper VAA retention, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the VAA retention mechanism to work with a standardized battery format. The common battery includes standardized retention features and dimensional specifications that ensure reliable engagement with vehicular amplifier adapters across different radio platforms, eliminating the need for radio-specific retention designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-configuring the common battery with standardized retention features and alignment elements during manufacturing. These pre-built features ensure that when the battery is installed in any supported radio or VAA, proper retention and alignment are automatically achieved without requiring additional adjustment or radio-specific modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A common battery for providing power to a first of a plurality of radios. The plurality of radios includes at least a first radio and a second radio. The common battery has a size of the smallest of at least two batteries. The common battery comprises a raised concentric wall edge for enabling the common battery to lock in place when used in place of a larger of the first battery and the second battery, such as within a Vehicular Adaptor Amplifier. The raised concentric wall edge has a height of a difference between a height of the first battery and a height of the second battery. In one variation, the common battery comprises a circular piloting interface that uses an outside radius of a respective bayonet connector on the first and second radios to align the common battery to the respective radio.