Rotating Battery Connector for Process Automation Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices in process automation lack a space-efficient and robust method for connecting battery units to electronics units, leading to potential damage of cables, limited installation positions, and reduced battery service life due to discharge during transportation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus allows for variable energy supply by orienting and connecting battery and electronics units in multiple positions using force interlocking connections and contact elements, enabling mechanical and electrical connections in different installed positions, with the battery unit being rotated to achieve various configurations for energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the battery unit is connected to the electronics unit during transportation, then the energy supply is continuous, but the battery service life is reduced due to discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between battery unit and electronics unit is made dynamic rather than static. The battery unit can be connected during operation and disconnected during transportation, allowing the system to adapt its energy supply state based on operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous energy supply when needed while preventing unnecessary discharge during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery unit is designed as a separable component with a releasable connection to the electronics unit. This segmentation allows the battery to be disconnected during transportation to prevent discharge, yet quickly reconnected when energy supply is needed, thus extending battery service life while maintaining operational continuity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connection method is used between battery unit and electronics unit, then the connection is simple, but the installation positions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The battery unit is designed with a universal connection interface that can be attached to the electronics unit at multiple positions. The releasable connection mechanism allows the battery to be installed in various orientations and positions while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connection, thus providing multi-functionality without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system allows installation in multiple spatial dimensions and orientations. By designing the connection interface to accommodate different angles and positions, the battery unit can be securely attached from various directions, expanding installation flexibility while keeping the connection mechanism relatively simple.
3Reliability
If cables are used for connection between battery unit and electronics unit, then the connection is flexible, but cable damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable cable connection is extracted and replaced with a direct mechanical and electrical contact system. The battery unit and electronics unit connect through integrated contact elements that eliminate the need for external cables, thereby removing the source of cable damage while maintaining reliable electrical connection and improving overall system reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the battery unit is designed for single position connection, then the structure is simple, but the energy supply versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The battery unit employs an asymmetric connection interface design where the electrical contacts are positioned to enable multiple installation orientations. This asymmetric layout allows the battery to be connected in different positions (e.g., upright, inverted, sideways) while maintaining proper electrical connection, providing energy supply versatility without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having an electronics unit and a battery unit for energy supply of the electronics unit, wherein the battery unit has a first formed part, and wherein the electronics unit has a second formed part. The first and second formed parts are connectable with one another, wherein, by orienting, especially by rotating, the first formed part, respectively the second formed part, the first formed part and the second formed part are connectable with one another in different installed positions, and wherein the energy supply of the electronics unit occurs from the battery unit as a function of the installed position, in which the first formed part is connected with the second formed part.