Dual Power Source Housing Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) face challenges with lead-acid batteries, which are heavy, bulky, and require labor-intensive replacement, leading to downtime and inefficiencies in power supply during transport or AC power loss.
Innovation Solution
A dual power source system with a lock element allows for hot-swapping of batteries within the IABP, ensuring uninterrupted power by preventing simultaneous removal of both power sources, enabling replacement of one battery while the other continues to power the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead-acid battery is used to power the IABP, then the device can operate during transport or AC power loss, but the battery becomes heavy and bulky requiring heavy brackets for securement
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into modular battery units that can be individually removed and replaced. Each battery is a separate replaceable module rather than a single integrated heavy battery system, allowing the IABP to maintain power reliability while reducing the weight burden on the moving device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional lead-acid battery parameters (heavy, bulky) to lithium-ion battery parameters (lighter, more compact). This parameter change in battery technology maintains the reliability function while significantly reducing the weight and size of the power source.
2Ease of repair
If traditional battery replacement procedure is used, then the battery can be replaced, but the process is labor intensive requiring disassembly of the IABP and battery compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is pre-configured as a self-contained module with all necessary connections and mounting features already in place. This preliminary preparation allows the battery to be installed or removed as a complete unit without requiring intermediate disassembly steps, significantly reducing replacement time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery compartment incorporates dynamic locking mechanisms that automatically engage or disengage during battery insertion or removal. This dynamic system eliminates the need for manual disassembly of the battery compartment, making the replacement process faster and easier while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
3Reliability
If the battery is integrated into an internal battery compartment, then the battery is protected, but it is not readily accessible for replacement while the IABP is in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment is segmented into an accessible external interface and an internal protected chamber. The battery module itself is segmented as a separate replaceable unit, allowing it to be easily accessed through an external opening while the internal compartment structure provides protection when the battery is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the battery module and the battery compartment. This intermediary component provides automatic protection when engaged while allowing easy access when disengaged, reconciling the need for both battery protection and accessibility for replacement.
4Reliability
If a lock element is added to prevent simultaneous removal of both power sources, then power disruption is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock element serves as a simple intermediary mechanism that coordinates between the two battery compartments. Rather than requiring a complex control system, the lock element provides a straightforward mechanical or electromagnetic interface that prevents simultaneous removal while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock element operates automatically based on the state of the battery compartments, requiring minimal external control. When one battery is removed, the lock element self-activates to prevent removal of the second battery, providing automatic protection against power disruption without adding complex control logic to the system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
A multiple power-source housing adapted to prevent simultaneous removal of more than a single power source, such as a battery, at a time. In an example embodiment, the power-source housing is used to house batteries for an intra-aortic balloon pump, which use battery power during transport. The power-source housing holds a first and second power source. When the first power source is removed, a mechanism, such as a knob, prevents simultaneous removal of the second power source or removal of the second power source until the first power source is replaced. Similarly, when the second power source is removed the mechanism prevents simultaneous removal of the first power source or removal of the first power source until the second power source is replaced.