Rotary Battery Locking Mechanism for Dust-Resistant Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy supply devices for power tools face issues with locking mechanisms that require large construction space, are prone to dust and moisture ingress, and suffer from wear and abrasion, leading to reduced service life and unreliable fastening.
Innovation Solution
The energy supply device features a rotatably mounted locking element with a pivot point preceding the locking location in the insertion direction, combined with a user-actuable rotatably mounted actuating element, which together provide a robust and ergonomic locking mechanism that absorbs high forces and prevents dust ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking mechanisms are designed to securely fasten the energy supply device in the power tool, then reliability of fastening is improved, but construction space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a locking element with a locking portion and an actuating element with an interaction portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall space required compared to a monolithic locking structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element and actuating element are designed to interact within a compact arrangement where the actuating element can move between positions to engage or disengage the locking element. The interaction portion of the actuating element fits within the space defined by the locking element's movement path, creating a nested configuration that minimizes construction space.
2Strength
If locking mechanisms are designed to be robust and absorb high forces, then strength is improved, but wear and abrasion of elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the actuating element and placed in a separate locking element. This separation means that during normal actuation, the locking element remains stationary or moves minimally, reducing its exposure to wear. The actuating element interacts with the locking element through controlled movements that minimize friction and abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed so that the interaction between the locking element and actuating element creates a self-locking effect where the geometry of the components maintains the locked state without requiring continuous force application. This reduces the frequency and intensity of actuation movements, thereby reducing wear over time.
3Ease of manufacture
If locking mechanisms use linear movement of actuating elements, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed to move between at least two positions (engaged and disengaged) along a defined path that may include both linear and rotational components. This dynamic movement allows the mechanism to be actuated ergonomically through user input while maintaining manufacturability through well-defined motion constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element's movement is extended from simple linear translation to include movement in multiple dimensions or along a curved path. This allows the actuation force to be applied more ergonomically (e.g., through a lever arm or cam action) while still achieving the required locking engagement, improving ease of operation without significantly complicating manufacturing.
4Ease of operation
If locking mechanisms open up large openings during actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors (dust and moisture ingress) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with sealed housings and minimal openings. The actuating element is accessible through ergonomically positioned openings that are kept small and can be sealed or protected when not in use. This prevents dust and moisture from penetrating into the interior of the energy supply device while still allowing user access to the actuating element for operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy supply device is provided, in particular for a power tool, the energy supply device being detachably connectable to the power tool. The energy supply device includes at least one element for locking the energy supply device in the power tool, wherein the at least one locking element is mounted rotatably about at least one first axis of rotation, wherein the first axis of rotation runs through a pivot point of the at least one locking element. In this case, the pivot point of the locking element precedes a locking location in an insertion direction. The energy supply device has at least one element for actuation by a user, wherein the at least one actuating element is mounted rotatably about at least one second axis of rotation which runs through a pivot point of the actuating element. In this case, the pivot point of the at least one locking element can precede a locking location in an insertion direction. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a power tool having a energy supply device.