Integrated Locker Cover Mechanism for Portable Device Battery Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable electronic devices require separate cover and battery fixing structures, leading to increased accessory counts and assembly costs, and pose risks of damage or burning when non-OEM batteries are used for replacement.

Innovation Solution

A storage structure with an integrated cover and locker design, where the locker serves as a common component for both battery and cover fixation, utilizing a connector and elastic member to provide a simplified and low-cost solution, allowing easy opening and closing of the cover without damaging electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate cover fixing structure and battery fixing structure are used, then the battery can be replaced, but the number of accessories and assembly cost will increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly costVSAvoidnumber of accessories
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cover fixing structure and battery fixing structure into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locker component simultaneously engages with both the cover (via locking portion) and the battery assembly, eliminating the need for separate fixing structures and reducing the total number of accessories required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locker is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions: it acts as both the cover fixing structure (through the locking portion that engages with the protrusion) and the battery fixing structure (through the lifting portion that secures the battery assembly). This universal component replaces multiple specialized parts.

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

2Device complexity

If separate cover fixing structure and battery fixing structure are used, then the battery can be replaced, but the structure cannot satisfy the needs for a simplified design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplificationVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the cover and battery fixing functions into a single locker mechanism, the patent achieves structural simplification. The integrated design reduces the number of components and assembly steps while maintaining the ability to easily replace the battery through the unified locking and lifting actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional battery replacement method is used, then the battery can be replaced, but the battery may easily damage or even burn down electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidbattery replacement safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary protective measures by requiring the cover to be properly locked before battery replacement can occur. The integrated locking mechanism ensures that the device is in a safe state (cover securely closed) before the battery can be accessed, preventing accidental damage or burning of electronic components during the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The locker acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the battery. Instead of directly accessing the battery, the user must first engage with the locking portion to unlock the cover, then use the lifting portion to safely remove the battery assembly. This intermediary process ensures proper safety protocols are followed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 integrated design reduces accessory counts and assembly costs, enhances user convenience by allowing easy battery replacement while preventing accidental damage or burning, and ensures secure closure to protect internal components.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic member connects the housing and the locker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The connector is pivotally connected between the cover and the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS9741980B2Storage structure and device having the same
Publication Date: 2017.08.22 ABILITY ENTERPRISE CO LTD
  • US9741980B2 patent drawing
  • US9741980B2 patent drawing
  • US9741980B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A storage structure including a housing, a locker, a cover and a connector is provided. The housing has a receiving slot. The locker is disposed in the receiving slot, and includes a locking portion. The cover includes a protrusion. The protrusion and the locking portion are engaged with each other. The connector is pivotally connected between the cover and the housing.