Flow Meter Battery Fixation via PCB Connector Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters face challenges in reducing parts and material costs while maintaining reliable electrical connections, especially under external vibrations, due to the need for a battery holder to secure batteries relative to the PCB.
Innovation Solution
The flow meter design eliminates the battery holder by using elongate connector elements that securely connect batteries to the PCB, maintaining electrical contact and stability through inward protrusions and resilient deformation, allowing for axial, lateral, and vertical fixation without the need for a separate holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery holder is used to secure the battery relative to the PCB, then the battery is fixed in position, but the number of parts and material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery holder function into the PCB structure by integrating connector elements directly into the PCB. The connector elements serve dual purposes: providing electrical connection and mechanical fixation for the battery. This eliminates the need for a separate battery holder component while maintaining reliable battery positioning and electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector elements on the PCB perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connection between the battery and PCB, mechanical support for the battery, and positioning features (such as recesses or protrusions) to secure the battery in the correct location. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require a separate dedicated battery holder.
2Ease of manufacture
If the battery is allowed to move freely to simplify assembly, then assembly is easier, but the risk of loosening electric contacts during vibrations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB structure includes pre-formed connector elements with positioning features (recesses, protrusions, or elastic elements) that are prepared in advance to secure the battery upon insertion. These features are built into the PCB before assembly, so that when the battery is installed, it is immediately positioned and constrained correctly without requiring additional fixation steps, preventing contact loosening during operation.
3Reliability
If the battery is held at a fixed distance from the PCB, then electrical connection is stable, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The distance maintenance function is merged into the PCB structure through integrated connector elements that physically position the battery at the correct distance. Features such as elastic connector elements, protrusions, or recesses built into the PCB automatically maintain the optimal battery-PCB distance without requiring a separate spacing component, thereby ensuring stable electrical connection while avoiding additional structural complexity.
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
This design reduces the risk of loosening electric contacts during vibrations, saves material by eliminating the battery holder, and facilitates a more compact configuration with pre-assembled sub-units for efficient assembly, enhancing the flow meter's reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The second end sections of each pair of the at least one pair of elongate connector elements are resiliently deformed and preloaded by axially abutting against the inward protrusions
Data Source
AI summary
A flow meter (1) includes a flow tube (3) and sensors (19a, 19b), that generate signals for measuring a fluid flow through the flow tube. An electronics housing (5) accommodates a battery (23) and a printed circuit board, PCB (15). The PCB is equipped with electronics. A pair of elongate connector elements (29) electrically connect axial end contacts (27) of the battery with the PCB for powering the electronics and/or sensors by the battery. The battery is arranged at a distance (D3) to the PCB. The pair of elongate connector elements includes a first end section (31), connected to the PCB, a contact section (33), connected to one of the end contacts of the battery, and a second end section (35). The electronics housing includes inward protrusions. The second end sections of the pair of elongate connector elements abut axially against the inward protrusions to fix the battery axially.