Magnetic Optical Mounting for Tool-Free Battery Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices, such as cameras and spot lights, face challenges in easy battery replacement and functional flexibility, particularly in battery-powered devices, which often require tools and disrupt the device's orientation during battery exchange.
Innovation Solution
A battery housing with elongated oval cross-sectional shape and grooves for secure engagement, a flexible tab for easy handling, and a removable optical portion with magnetic mounting for quick battery and component exchange without altering the device's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional battery housing designs are used, then battery replacement requires tools and disrupts device orientation, but the patent introduces grooves and detents for tool-free engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The battery housing is segmented into distinct functional elements: an elongated outer wall with grooves, detents for engagement, and a flexible tab for handling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling tool-free battery replacement while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tab acts as an intermediary element between the user and the battery housing. It provides a grasping surface that mediates the force application during battery insertion and removal, eliminating the need for tools while protecting the user from direct contact with potential sharp edges or difficult-to-grasp surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed optical devices are used, then functional flexibility is limited, but the patent enables removable optical portions for quick exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device is divided into a mounting portion and a removable optical portion. This segmentation allows the optical components (lens, sensor, etc.) to be exchanged independently from the mounting structure, providing functional flexibility while keeping the mounting infrastructure simple and reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic mounting system. The magnet provides sufficient holding force for the optical portion while allowing easy removal and reattachment, reducing mechanical complexity and enabling quick functional changes.
3Productivity
If tools are required for battery replacement, then operational efficiency decreases, but the patent enables tool-free exchange through integrated engagement features
Solution Approach 1:
The battery housing's grooves and detents are designed to self-align and self-lock with corresponding features in the device housing during insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for tools or complex alignment procedures, enabling rapid battery replacement while maintaining secure engagement.
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
Facilitates easy battery replacement and functional flexibility by allowing tool-free exchange of optical components while maintaining the device's orientation, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet can be disposed inside the housing and can provide a magnetic force to hold the optical device on the support
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device, such as a camera or spot light, having first and second removably engagable components. Disengagement of the components exposes a battery compartment in the second component. The first component can include all optical components of the optical device, such as a camera or light. A magnetic mount can provide a secure and adjustable mounting for the optical device housing on a support.