Pivoting Latch Mechanism for Secure Battery Pack Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools lack an efficient and secure mechanism for connecting battery packs, which can lead to unstable power supply and easy disconnection during use.

Innovation Solution

A power tool assembly with a battery support portion and a pivoting latch mechanism that secures the battery pack along a specific axis, ensuring stable engagement and disengagement of electrical contacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple battery connection mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of power supply and connection stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery connection mechanismVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one, allowing the battery pack to be easily inserted and removed while maintaining secure engagement during operation. The movable latch member enables the connection state to change between locked and unlocked positions, providing both ease of operation and reliable power supply stability when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure latching mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of battery connection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery connection stabilityVSAvoidlatching mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the battery pack is inserted, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The movable latch member is positioned and configured to automatically interact with the battery pack features, providing secure connection without requiring additional user actions or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a latch mechanism with wide movement range is used, then the ease of operation for battery removal is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery removal easeVSAvoidlatch pivot axis alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism utilizes rotational movement about a pivot axis that is transverse to the battery insertion axis, adding a dimensional aspect to the connection mechanism. This rotational degree of freedom allows the latch to engage and disengage the battery pack through pivoting motion, providing ease of operation while the specific geometric configuration of the pivot axis and latch geometry manages the manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 mechanism provides a secure and reliable connection of the battery pack to the power tool, maintaining power supply stability and easy removal, enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

pivoting a latch about a pivot axis transverse to the battery insertion axis, thereby applying a clamping force to one of the battery pack or the battery support portion for securing the battery pack to the battery support portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3656509B1Latching mechanism for a battery pack
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 TECHTRONIC CORDLESS GP
  • EP3656509B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3656509B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3656509B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power tool assembly includes a power tool having a battery support portion that defines a battery insertion axis and a battery operatively engageable with the power tool support portion along the battery insertion axis to provide power to the power tool. The power tool assembly also includes a battery latching mechanism having a latch pivotable about a pivot axis transverse to the battery insertion axis and engageable with one of the battery pack or the battery support portion for securing the battery pack to the battery support portion. The battery latching mechanism further includes a handle coupled for pivoting movement with the latch about the pivot axis.