Inching Switch Latching Circuit for Compact Rechargeable Battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dry batteries with light-emitting diodes require constant switch activation for illumination, making them inconvenient to use and unsuitable for long-time illumination due to the use of elastic contact switches, especially in small sizes like AA or AAA batteries.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical rechargeable battery with an inching switch and a driving circuit featuring a trigger pin connected to the switch, allowing the light-emitting diodes to toggle on and off with a single press, eliminating the need for constant switch activation and enabling a more compact and reliable design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If an elastic contact switch is used in a small size battery, then the battery can be compact, but the switch requires constant pressing during illumination which causes inconvenience in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery sizeVSAvoidswitch operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static switch state into a dynamic toggling system. The inching switch combined with the driving circuit creates a bistable system that automatically maintains its state (on or off) without requiring continuous user input. The circuit dynamically switches between two stable states based on brief trigger inputs, resolving the contradiction between compact size and operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The driving circuit performs preliminary action by preparing the illumination state in advance. When the switch is pressed once, the driving circuit pre-establishes the on-state condition and maintains it automatically. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for continuous switch pressing, as the circuit has already prepared and sustained the illumination state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If a self-locking switch or toggle switch is configured to meet long time illumination requirement, then the illumination duration is extended, but the battery size and complexity increase making it impossible for AA or AAA batteries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination durationVSAvoidbattery size
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical self-locking switch or toggle switch with an electronic driving circuit controlled by a simple inching switch. The electronic circuit provides the latching function that would otherwise require complex mechanical components. This substitution enables long-duration illumination while maintaining the compact battery form factor, as electronic components are significantly smaller and more integration-friendly than their mechanical counterparts.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The driving circuit performs multiple functions within a compact design: it acts as a latch to maintain state, a regulator to control current, and a trigger response system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical switching mechanisms, allowing AA or AAA batteries to achieve long illumination duration without increasing size or complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the switch position is pressed constantly during illumination period, then the illumination can be maintained, but the user convenience deteriorates and the switch contacts wear out faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination periodVSAvoidswitch durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The driving circuit maintains continuous useful action (illumination) without requiring continuous switch activation. Once triggered, the circuit continuously sustains the on-state through its latching mechanism, eliminating the need for constant user pressing. This continuous electronic maintenance of the state preserves switch contacts from repetitive mechanical wear while ensuring uninterrupted illumination throughout the intended period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution provides a convenient and durable lighting solution that can be used in various applications, including outdoor activities, as it allows for sustained operation without continuous switch contact, enabling a lighter, thinner, and more reliable switch, and is compatible with standard cylindrical rechargeable batteries.

Implementation Method 1

light-emitting diodes, wherein the switch is an inching switch, and the driving circuit has a trigger pin which is connected to the switch whereby a trigger signal is acquired to control the driving circuit operate or stop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8866397B2Lighting battery
Publication Date: 2014.10.21 GUANGZHOU TIGER HEAD BATTERY GROUP
  • US8866397B2 patent drawing
  • US8866397B2 patent drawing
  • US8866397B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lighting battery relates to a cylindrical rechargeable battery. The lighting battery comprises a battery body, a driving circuit, a switch and light-emitting diodes, wherein the switch is an inching switch, and the driving circuit has a trigger pin which is connected to the switch whereby a trigger signal is acquired to control the driving circuit operate or stop. The power pin and grounding pin of the driving circuit is respectively connected to the positive pole and the negative pole of the battery body, as well as the output pin of the driving circuit is connected to the light-emitting diodes.