Double Locking Battery Latch Mechanism for Shock Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery latching mechanisms in mobile devices are inadequate for retaining batteries due to the weight of the battery exceeding the mechanism's ability, leading to dislodgment under external shocks, causing inconvenience and potential device damage.

Innovation Solution

A double locking battery latch mechanism with a fixed end, a cover contacting latch, and a battery contacting latch, which engages with protruding catches on the battery and cover to securely retain the battery in the device housing, preventing dislodgment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional battery latching mechanisms are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the battery cannot be securely retained under weight and shock forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery retentionVSAvoidlatching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism is divided into two separate functional latches: a first latch that engages with a first catch on the battery to prevent lateral dislodgment, and a second latch that engages with a second catch on the battery to prevent longitudinal dislodgment. This segmentation allows each latch to be optimized for specific directional forces, improving overall battery retention reliability without requiring a single overly complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If thinner and lighter housing materials are used, then device weight is reduced, but the latching mechanism becomes inadequate for retaining the battery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoidbattery retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latching function is extracted from the housing structure itself and implemented as separate, dedicated latch components. This allows the housing to remain thin and lightweight while the extracted latching elements provide the necessary mechanical strength and retention capability through their specific geometry and engagement design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a single latch mechanism is used, then device complexity is minimized, but the battery can be dislodged under external shock forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery retentionVSAvoidlatching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the latching system are designed with different qualities and functions: the first latch and second latch are positioned and dimensioned to address different shock force directions, the first and second catches are located at different positions on the battery, and the transitions are designed with specific radii to distribute stresses appropriately. This local differentiation allows the system to handle multi-directional shock forces effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If the battery weight is increased, then battery capacity is improved, but the conventional latching mechanism becomes inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery retentionVSAvoidbattery weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The latching system employs asymmetric design elements: the first latch and second latch are positioned asymmetrically relative to the battery, the catches are located at different positions and orientations, and the transitions have different curvature radii. This asymmetric configuration allows the latching mechanism to effectively counterbalance the increased battery weight and prevent dislodgment under various shock conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10312483B2Double locking mechanism on a battery latch
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 HAND HELD PRODS INC
  • US10312483B2 patent drawing
  • US10312483B2 patent drawing
  • US10312483B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A double locking battery latch typically includes a fixed end having a fastening portion, a free end opposite the fixed end having a cover contacting latch, and a battery contacting latch positioned between the fastening portion and the cover contacting latch. The double locking battery latch may include a fasting portion which extends in a first plane. The double locking batter latch may also include a first transition extending continuously from the fastening portion to the battery contacting latch.