Conductive Contact Chassis Detection for Safe Battery Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices face risks of damage due to exposure of internal components when the battery is powered on during disassembly, as mechanical switches are prone to damage and manual battery disconnection is cumbersome and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A chassis separation detection system using conductive contacts and pads on the circuit board and chassis, which automatically powers down the battery when the chassis is detached, ensuring reliable and safe disassembly by maintaining or disconnecting power based on contact status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches are used to detect chassis separation, then the device can detect when components are exposed, but the mechanical switches are prone to damage and reduce device reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with an electrical detection system using conductive contacts and pads. The chassis contains conductive contacts that electrically connect to conductive pads on the circuit board when properly assembled. When the chassis is separated, the electrical connection is lost, providing a reliable damage-free detection method for chassis separation status.
2Ease of operation
If manual battery disconnection is implemented, then power can be disconnected during disassembly, but the process is cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic battery power management through the electrical connection detection. When the chassis is properly assembled with conductive contacts connected to pads, the battery remains powered. When separation is detected through loss of electrical connection, the system automatically disconnects or powers down the battery, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors.
3Reliability
If conductive contacts and pads are used for chassis separation detection, then the system becomes more durable and space-efficient, but the electrical connection status must be reliably monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive contacts and pads serve multiple functions: they provide structural alignment between chassis and circuit board, enable electrical connection for power and signal transmission, and simultaneously serve as the detection mechanism for chassis separation status. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system while maintaining high reliability.
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 system provides a cost-effective, durable, and space-efficient solution that prevents unintended battery shutdowns and damage by ensuring reliable power management during device disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
A chassis separation detection system using conductive contacts and pads on the circuit board and chassis
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device comprises a chassis comprising a plurality of conductive contacts and a user interactive surface removably secured to the chassis. A circuit board is electrically coupled to a battery and comprises a plurality of conductive pads. Each conductive pad is operatively configured to contact a corresponding conductive contact of the chassis when the chassis is removably secured to the user interactive surface. A memory stores instructions executable by a processor to detect when the chassis is separated from the user interactive surface, with the instructions executable to, when the battery is in a powered-on state: determine that none of the conductive contacts are contacting a conductive pad; and on condition that none of the conductive contacts are contacting a conductive pad, either disconnect the battery from providing power to the computing device or transition the battery to a powered-off state.