Replaceable Battery Pack for Handheld Thermal Imagers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld thermal imaging devices lack a removable battery pack, which is essential for ease of use and durability in harsh environments, as existing devices do not provide a configuration for replacing batteries.
Innovation Solution
A thermal imaging device with a replaceable battery pack that includes a shock-absorbing member, an attachment mechanism, and an electrical contact, allowing the battery pack to be completely separable and providing a seal to protect the internal components from external environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery pack is made removable for ease of use and replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and internal component protection deteriorate due to potential exposure to external environments
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery pack and housing. This seal member includes a first seal portion that contacts the housing interior surface and a second seal portion that contacts the battery pack exterior surface, creating a sealing barrier that protects internal components while allowing the battery pack to remain removable.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple portions: a first seal portion within the housing, a second seal portion on the battery pack, and an intermediate seal portion. This segmentation allows each seal portion to independently contribute to the overall sealing effectiveness, maintaining protection while enabling removability.
2Reliability
If the device is designed to withstand harsh environments and careless handling, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted battery access or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses spring-loaded attachment posts that dynamically adjust to engagement forces. The springs allow the battery pack to be easily inserted and removed while maintaining a secure, protected connection during normal operation, accommodating both durability requirements and ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded attachment posts automatically engage and disengage the battery pack without requiring additional fastening or unfastening actions. The mechanism self-regulates the connection strength, providing secure attachment during use while allowing easy removal when needed.
3Reliability
If the battery pack includes shock-absorbing and sealing components for protection, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing member and seal member are merged into a single integrated component. This combined component provides both shock absorption and sealing functions simultaneously, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining dual protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member serves multiple functions: it seals the interface between the battery pack and housing, provides shock absorption, and maintains environmental protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure while enhancing reliability.
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 solution enhances the durability and usability of handheld thermal imaging devices by enabling easy battery replacement and maintaining internal component protection, ensuring the device functions effectively in various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The shock absorbing member of the replaceable battery pack comprising a layer of material formed over the portion of the battery pack that forms the terminal end of the device
Implementation Method 2
The seal member of the replaceable battery pack may include an outer perimeter ridge surrounding the sidewall of the battery portion of the battery pack, in which case the end of the housing may include a relatively hard and non-deformable surface against which the outer perimeter ridge of the seal member abuts
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A thermal imaging device includes a replaceable battery pack, which may include a shock absorbing and/or seal member. A battery portion of the battery pack includes an electrical contact and a sidewall that contains at least one battery cell, which is electrically coupled to the contact. An attachment mechanism of the battery pack is configured to engage a portion of a housing of the device, such that a portion of the battery pack forms a terminal end of the device, the battery portion is held within the portion of the housing, and the electrical contact of the battery portion is operably connected to the imaging assembly of the device. The attachment mechanism is releasable from engagement with the housing, such that an entirety of the battery pack can be completely separated from the thermal imaging device.