Rotating Battery Locking Element for Compact Power Tool Fastening

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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 ergonomic challenges.

Innovation Solution

The energy supply device features a rotatably mounted locking element with a pivot point positioned upstream of the locking location, allowing for a compact and robust locking mechanism that absorbs high locking forces and maintains stability under construction site conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is designed to securely fasten the energy supply device in the power tool, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the construction space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconstruction space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a locking element with pivot point, an actuating element, and an undercut structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving reliable locking with minimal space requirement of approximately 1 millimeter movement clearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element rotates about a pivot point axis perpendicular to the insertion direction, transforming the locking action from linear movement to rotational movement. This dimensional change enables the locking mechanism to achieve secure fastening in a compact space by utilizing rotational degrees of freedom rather than linear displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a locking mechanism uses linear movement of actuating elements, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates especially under dusty conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidactuation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to rotate dynamically about a pivot point rather than move linearly. This rotational dynamics provides ergonomic advantage as the actuating element can be positioned for easy thumb actuation, and the rotational motion is less sensitive to dust accumulation compared to linear sliding movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the actuating element linearly to engage the locking element, the design inverts the approach: the locking element rotates about a fixed pivot point when the actuating element is pressed. This inversion simplifies the guide structure while improving operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If locking elements interact during locking and release, then the locking function is achieved, but wear and abrasion increase reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide function is extracted from the locking element itself and provided by a separate linear guide structure. This allows the locking element to rotate freely about its pivot point with minimal friction, reducing wear at the locking interface while maintaining reliable locking function through the undercut engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A linear guide structure acts as an intermediary between the locking element and the power tool housing. This mediator provides the necessary constraints for reliable locking while allowing the locking element to rotate with minimal wear, separating the guiding function from the locking interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If a locking mechanism opens a large opening when actuated, then the release function is achieved, but dust and moisture penetration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease functionVSAvoiddust and moisture ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is received within an undercut structure of the power tool, creating a nested arrangement. When the locking element rotates to the locked position, it sits within the undercut cavity, preventing dust and moisture from entering the energy supply device interior while maintaining full release functionality when actuated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250025998A1Energy supply device having a rotatably mounted locking element and power tool for connection to such an energy supply device

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 HILTI AG

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. The energy supply device includes at least one energy storage cell which has an internal resistance DCR_I of less than 10 milliohms (mOhm). In this case, the pivot point of the at least one locking element can precede a locking location in an insertion direction. A power tool having a energy supply device is also provided.