Deformable Battery Compartment for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated devices often require users to manually remove and dispose of batteries, which can be inconvenient, especially for users with poor eyesight or dexterity, and may involve additional handling steps, such as screw closures or prying, which can be difficult.
Innovation Solution
A battery-operated device with a deformable battery compartment that allows easy battery removal by rupturing its top surface, similar to removing a drug capsule from a blister pack, using a deformable plastic substrate and a rupturable foil arrangement with electrical contacts for secure battery connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw closure or slidable cover is used to secure the battery compartment, then the battery is securely retained in the device, but the battery removal process becomes complex and difficult for users with poor eyesight or dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment is segmented into a deformable base layer and a separate top surface layer (foil arrangement). The top surface can be ruptured independently from the base, allowing the battery to be accessed without manipulating complex closures. This segmentation enables simple one-handed operation while maintaining secure battery retention through the deformable base structure.
2Reliability
If a rigid battery compartment structure is used, then the battery is securely held in place, but the compartment cannot be easily deformed to enable simple battery removal
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment base is made dynamically deformable rather than rigid. The deformable base can be temporarily deformed by the user to rupture the top surface and access the battery, then returns to its original shape to securely retain the battery during normal operation. This dynamic property enables both secure retention and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartment incorporates a flexible deformable base and a thin foil top surface. The foil arrangement can be ruptured by deforming the base, enabling simple battery removal. The flexible nature of these components allows the compartment to adapt to user manipulation while maintaining structural integrity for battery retention.
3Reliability
If the battery compartment top surface is made of a rigid material, then the electrical contacts are protected, but the surface cannot be ruptured to enable battery removal
Solution Approach 1:
The top surface is made of a thin foil arrangement that can be ruptured by deforming the base. Despite being ruptureable, the foil provides adequate protection for the electrical contacts during normal use. The foil's thin nature allows it to be penetrated by deformation while still serving as a protective barrier against contamination and physical damage to the contacts.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery operated device and method of removing a battery therefrom are described. The battery operated device includes a battery compartment, a battery in the battery compartment, and an electric component powered by the battery. The battery compartment is mounted on a deformable base and includes a top surface which is adapted to be ruptured by deforming the deformable base, thereby enabling removal of the battery from the battery compartment. The method of removing a battery from a battery compartment of a battery operated device includes rupturing a top surface of the battery compartment by deforming a deformable base of the battery compartment, and removing the battery from the battery compartment.