Miniature Switch and Battery Holder Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to combine compactness with user access to both battery and switch in portable devices, as they either consume valuable space or do not reliably produce discrete momentary contact pulses for modal control.
Innovation Solution
A miniature switch and battery module where the mechanical switch element provides contact to one battery pole, and the battery harness provides contact to the other, integrated with a printed circuit board, allowing for compact assembly and activation by compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional switches (slide, rotary, pushbutton, toggle) are used, then user access and reliability are maintained, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery holder and switch into a single integrated assembly. The battery holder structure incorporates a movable contact element that acts as the switch, eliminating the need for separate switch components. This merging reduces device volume while maintaining both battery functionality and switching capability through a unified mechanical structure.
2Volume of moving object
If miniature diaphragm momentary contact switches are used, then device size is reduced and multiple actuations are enabled, but switch access and circuit board area are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The switch mechanism is merged with the battery holder structure. The movable contact element is part of the battery holder assembly, allowing the switch to be actuated through the same user interface used for battery insertion/removal. This integration maintains ease of operation while minimizing the space required for the switch mechanism.
3Device complexity
If intermediate coil or leaf spring actuators are used, then traditional switch is eliminated, but weight, bulk, and complexity are not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components such as coils and leaf springs. The switching action is achieved directly through the movable contact element of the battery holder itself, which makes and breaks the circuit through simple mechanical movement. This extraction of redundant components reduces both weight and complexity while maintaining the required switching functionality.
4Volume of moving object
If compact switch and battery assembly is created, then device miniaturization is enabled, but user access to both components may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The battery holder assembly serves multiple functions: it holds the battery, provides electrical contacts, and acts as the switch mechanism. The same user interaction that inserts or removes the battery also actuates the switch through the movable contact element. This multi-functionality allows compact integration while maintaining full user access to both power and control functions through a single interface.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A miniature switch module includes a battery harness attached to a circuit board. A diaphragm or pushbutton type switch and a battery are sandwiched between the retainer and circuit board.