Rotating Function Module With Detachable Battery Pack

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices face challenges in portability and operability, particularly in adjusting the angle of rotation of light source units without degrading their functionality.

Innovation Solution

A function module with a rotatable function housing and operation housing, allowing the function housing to pivot between closed and open positions, with a detachable battery pack and improved heat dissipation, ensuring balanced operation and reduced obstruction of the operation section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the light source units are made rotatable to improve angle adjustment, then the operability is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle adjustmentVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit and detachable light source units. Each light source unit can be independently attached or detached, allowing simple angular adjustment by repositioning individual units rather than complex mechanical hinges. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light source units are designed with detachable connections that allow dynamic reconfiguration. Users can attach, detach, and reposition light source units at different angles as needed, providing dynamic angle adjustment without requiring complex permanent hinge mechanisms. This dynamic approach simplifies the overall structure while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the battery pack is integrated into the main body for stable power supply, then the power supply is reliable, but the portability and ease of cleaning are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidportability and cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into a detachable battery pack that can be separated from the base unit. The battery pack includes a connection portion with electrical contacts that mate with corresponding contacts in the base unit. This allows the battery pack to be easily detached for cleaning or replacement while maintaining reliable power supply when connected, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the operation section is always exposed for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but accidental operation and dust contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation section accessibilityVSAvoidaccidental operation and dust
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operation housing is designed to be dynamically openable and closable. The operation section can be exposed when needed for operation and covered when not in use. This dynamic coverage protects the operation section from dust contamination and prevents accidental operation while maintaining easy accessibility when required, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3691231B1Function module
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3691231B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3691231B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3691231B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A function module (1) having improved operability and portability is provided. A function module (1) of the present disclosure includes: a function housing (3) including a functioning section (33) as an illuminator or a loudspeaker; and an operation housing (2) including an operation section (23) configured to receive an operation for operating the functioning section (33). The operation housing (2) includes a first support (61) provided at one end in a prescribed direction (S) of the operation housing (2). The function housing (3) is supported at the first support (61) by the operation housing (2) to be rotatable about a first rotation axis (X) along a direction transverse to the prescribed direction (S) and to be rotatable about a second rotation axis (Y) transverse to the first rotation axis (X). The function housing (3) is configured to rotate about the first rotation axis (X) to move between a closed position and an open position. The operation housing (2) has a specific plane (24) to which a battery pack (4) is detachably attached in a state where the battery pack (4) is exposed.