Rotatable Battery Pack Connector for Self-Discharge Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional battery packs suffer from self-discharging and reduced battery life due to being fully assembled and operational at the factory, and configurable connectors are prone to loss or damage.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a rotatable connector that enables electrical connections between battery cells, allowing the pack to be non-functional until activated by the user, eliminating the need for separate parts and reducing environmental damage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery packs are fully assembled and operational at the factory, then convenience for users is improved, but self-discharging occurs leading to energy loss and reduced battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is prepared in advance with all components installed (battery cells, connector, housing) but the electrical connection is deliberately left open until the user activates it by rotating the connector. This preliminary preparation maintains convenience while preventing self-discharge during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection is segmented into two separate states: disconnected (during storage/transport) and connected (during use). The rotatable connector enables the user to switch between these states, allowing the battery pack to be physically complete but electrically inactive until needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configurable connectors are made as separate components, then adaptability is improved, but risk of loss or damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable connector is integrated into the battery pack housing as a built-in component rather than a separate accessory. This merging ensures the connector is always available, protected from loss or damage, while maintaining the ability to configure electrical connections between battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated rotatable connector serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component of the housing, provides the electrical connection switching mechanism, and enables user activation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connector components.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack comprising a frame and two or more battery cells installed to the frame. The two or more battery cells are interconnected by a rotatable connector which is configured to enable electrical connections between the two or more battery cells. The rotatable connector is adapted to be switched between at least a first rotational position in which the two or more battery cells being electrically connected, and a second rotational position, in which the two or more battery cells being not electrically connected. When the user actuates the knob on the battery pack, the connecting terminals change their rotational positions from a non-conducting position to a conducting position, thereby enabling the electrical connections between the groups of battery cells