Rotating Locking Device on Contact Plate for Battery Pack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for locking rechargeable battery packs on hand-held power tools are difficult to mount due to separate component installation requirements, which complicates assembly and reduces installation space for electronics.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable locking device integrated with a contact plate, supported by spring elements, simplifies assembly by incorporating all locking components within the contact plate, allowing for compact design and direct integration of electronics, with a spindle and locking elements ensuring reliable locking and easy mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking devices are mounted separately in the housing, then reliable locking is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and installation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated with the contact plate to form a single pre-assembled unit. The locking device includes a locking element that can engage with a recess in the battery pack, and this entire assembly is combined with the contact plate that establishes electrical connection. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting operations and reduces the number of components that need to be installed individually in the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact plate serves multiple functions: it establishes electrical contact between the battery pack and the power tool, and it simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the locking device. The locking device itself performs both the locking function and provides structural support for the contact plate assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the housing structure.
2Reliability
If locking devices are mounted separately in the housing, then reliable locking is achieved, but assembly time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is pre-assembled on the contact plate before final installation into the housing. The locking element is already positioned and spring-loaded on the contact plate, creating a pre-assembled unit that can be installed as a single component. This preliminary assembly action reduces the number of steps required during final assembly and eliminates the need for separate mounting operations for the locking device.
3Ease of manufacture
If all locking components are integrated in the contact plate, then assembly is simplified, but contact plate complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed as a modular assembly that can be manufactured separately and then attached to the contact plate. The locking element, spring element, and retaining structure can be produced as discrete components that are assembled into a sub-assembly, which is then mounted on the contact plate. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the locking components while keeping the overall assembly process simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the assembly and integration of rechargeable battery packs, eliminates the need for separate electronic units, and ensures reliable locking and unlocking mechanisms, while maintaining compactness and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The locking device is supported on the contact plate by means of at least one spring element
Data Source
AI summary
A device for locking a rechargeable battery pack on a housing of a hand-held power tool, having a contact plate, which is connectable to the housing and comprises at least one contact, for producing a contact between the rechargeable battery pack and the hand-held power tool and having a locking device, which engages in at least one recess in the rechargeable battery pack. The locking device is mounted on the contact plate so as to be rotatable and the locking device is supported on the contact plate by means of at least one spring element.