Removable Isolator for High Current Battery Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face integrity and economical issues during shipment due to battery discharge and the need for extensive charging, leading to unnecessary service calls and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A removable isolator system for high current connectors that allows a removable battery to be shipped in tact within the information handling system, using a pair of conductive prongs with varying lengths to prevent initial conduction and enable power flow when needed, reducing packaging and charging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the battery is shipped in tact within the information handling system, then packaging costs are reduced, but the battery may discharge during shipment causing system failure
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive isolator is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery terminals and the system circuit board. This isolator prevents electrical discharge during shipment while allowing easy removal before operation, enabling the battery to be shipped in tact without compromising charge retention or requiring excessive packaging
2Device complexity
If the battery is shipped in tact within the information handling system, then shipping complexity is reduced, but the battery may require extensive charging time before use
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive isolator serves as a simple mechanical barrier that prevents discharge during shipment but is easily removable by the user. This allows the battery to maintain its charge during transit without requiring complex isolation mechanisms or extended charging procedures, thus reducing both shipping complexity and charging time
3Reliability
If a removable isolator is used to prevent battery discharge, then battery charge retention is improved, but the connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator is designed as a separate, removable component distinct from the battery and system connectors. This segmentation allows the isolator to be easily removed before operation without modifying the permanent connector structures, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity to the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator is designed as a simple, low-cost, single-use component that is removed before system operation. Its temporary nature and simplicity keep the added complexity minimal while effectively preventing battery discharge during shipment
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
This solution reduces packaging costs, prevents battery discharge during shipment, and minimizes unnecessary service calls by allowing the battery to maintain sufficient charge and simplifying user installation.
Implementation Method 1
The two high current connectors are operable to conductively mate with one another to allow current to flow from the battery to the information handling system
Implementation Method 2
When the isolator encloses the pair of conductive prongs, the first high current connector and the second high current connector do not conductively mate
Data Source
AI summary
Shipment and storage of systems poses integrity and economical issues. Such systems may require substantial packaging to protect components of the system during shipment and storage. Some components, such as a battery, may need to be separated from the system during shipment to prevent either actual or perceived damage by the user of the system. A battery directly connected to a system may discharge so as to be incapable of providing sufficient power to the system. Users may erroneously believe that the system is defective and place unnecessary service calls. Such service calls increase costs and affect future business activity. Configuring the terminals of high current connectors coupled to the battery and the system allow for an isolator to be inserted between the high current connectors to prevent conduction while allowing the connectors to mate which results in feasibly shipping the battery in tact within the system.