Gravity Locking Structure for Battery Line Mobile Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning apparatuses for mobile apparatuses in machineries, particularly in battery production lines, often have complex mechanical structures and electrical controls, leading to high manufacturing and maintenance costs while compromising reliability.

Innovation Solution

A positioning apparatus with a locking rod and a locking block that utilize gravity and eccentric structures to achieve reliable locking and positioning, featuring a simple design that includes a locking block with a first end capable of moving vertically and an eccentric shaft for enhanced sensitivity and protection, along with a sensing member and sensor for automated operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex mechanical structures and electrical controls are used in positioning apparatuses, then positioning precision can be improved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning apparatus utilizes the mobile apparatus's own movement and gravity to achieve locking and positioning functions. The locking block automatically locks into the locking rod's accommodating region when the mobile apparatus reaches the preset position, eliminating the need for complex external control systems and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electrical control systems with a simple mechanical gravity-based locking mechanism. The locking block uses gravitational force to automatically engage with the locking rod, substituting electronic sensors, motors, and control circuits with a passive mechanical system that achieves the same positioning function at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If complex mechanical structures and electrical controls are used in positioning apparatuses, then positioning precision can be improved, but maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning apparatus is designed to automatically perform its locking function without requiring external maintenance or intervention. The simple mechanical structure with moving parts naturally resistant to wear and the gravity-based operation eliminate the need for complex maintenance procedures associated with electrical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes complex electrical control components from the positioning system, retaining only the essential mechanical locking elements. This extraction of unnecessary complexity directly reduces maintenance requirements and costs while preserving the core positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple structures are used in positioning apparatuses, then manufacturing cost decreases, but positioning reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidpositioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking block incorporates an eccentric circular structure that rotates during the locking process. This curved geometric design ensures smooth engagement and disengagement while maintaining reliable locking through the inherent mechanical advantage of the eccentric geometry, achieving both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking block features an asymmetric eccentric structure with the eccentric hole offset from the center. This asymmetric design creates a natural locking mechanism where the center of gravity shifts during rotation, ensuring positive engagement with the locking rod and preventing accidental disengagement, thereby maintaining high reliability with simple construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 apparatus achieves reliable locking and positioning with low manufacturing and maintenance costs, ensuring high positioning reliability and user experience through a simple, cost-effective design that integrates gravity and eccentric mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the first end of the locking block falls into the accommodating region of the locking rod under the action of gravity to lock the locking rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The locking block is an eccentric structure. An eccentric hole is formed in a region where a second end of the locking block is located. An eccentric shaft is arranged in the eccentric hole.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4391121B1Positioning device of moving device and battery production line
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • EP4391121B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4391121B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4391121B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A positioning apparatus for a mobile apparatus and a battery production line are provided. The positioning apparatus (200) for a mobile apparatus includes: a locking rod (310) arranged on the mobile apparatus (300), the locking rod (310) being provided with an accommodating region (311); a bracket (210) arranged at a preset place; and a locking block (220) arranged on the bracket (210) and having a first end (221) that moves vertically in a gravity direction (y); wherein the locking block (220) is configured to: when the mobile apparatus (300) moves toward the bracket (210) in a horizontal direction (x), the first end (221) of the locking block (220) is pushed by the locking rod (310) to move upward, and when the locking rod (310) moves to a preset position, the first end (221) of the locking block (220) falls into the accommodating region (311) of the locking rod (310) under the action of gravity to lock the locking rod (310). The positioning apparatus and the battery production line can achieve reliable locking and have a low cost.