Thin-Chassis Electronic Apparatus with Tool-Free Battery Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with embedded batteries face challenges in achieving a thin chassis design while also allowing for easy battery replacement, which is complicated and requires tools, making it difficult for users to perform.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus features a chassis with a detachable cover member and a latch mechanism that includes a spring-biased latch member, allowing the battery to be easily removed and replaced without tools by using a simple mechanical design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the battery is embedded in the chassis to achieve a thin chassis design, then the chassis thickness is reduced, but the battery replacement becomes complicated and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The battery assembly is segmented into a battery unit and a cover assembly that can be separated. The cover member can be detached from the chassis to expose the battery, allowing users to replace the battery without removing the entire battery assembly or using tools. This segmentation enables easy access while maintaining the embedded design.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member is extracted as a separate movable component from the fixed chassis structure. This latch mechanism can be operated to release the battery holder from the chassis, providing a simple tool-free method for battery replacement while maintaining the thin embedded design.
2Reliability
If the battery is fixed with screw threads or pressure sensitive adhesive to secure the battery, then the battery is firmly held, but the replacement procedure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical fastening methods (screw threads, adhesive tapes) are replaced with a spring-based elastic retention system. The spring member provides reliable holding force through elastic deformation, securing the battery firmly while allowing simple release through the latch mechanism without requiring tools or complex procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the cover member is removed to access the battery for replacement, then the battery becomes accessible, but the replacement process requires multiple steps and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member and battery holder are merged into a single detachable assembly. When the cover is removed, the battery holder is automatically exposed and accessible along with the battery. This merging eliminates the need for separate steps to access the battery after removing the cover, reducing the overall replacement time and complexity.
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 ensures a thin chassis design while enabling easy battery removal and replacement, reducing user effort and maintaining device integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member provided between the chassis member and the battery and configured to bias the battery such that the battery rises up from an inner surface of the chassis member
Implementation Method 2
a latch member supported on the chassis member in such a manner as to be movable between a locked position where the latch member holds down the locked part and an unlocked position where the latch member retracts from the locked part
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an electronic apparatus that can secure a thin chassis and achieve easy removal of a battery. The electronic apparatus includes: a chassis member having an opening surface; a cover member including a plate portion, and an inclined wall portion provided in a standing manner from an edge portion of the plate portion and inclined in a direction separating from the plate portion toward a standing direction of the inclined wall portion, the cover member being configured to open and close at least part of the opening surface; a battery detachably supported on an inner surface side of the chassis member and including a locked part on a first lateral surface facing the inclined wall portion; a latch member supported on the chassis member in such a manner as to be movable between a locked position where the latch member holds down the locked part and an unlocked position where the latch member retracts from the locked part, the latch member having an inclined surface facing an inner wall surface of the inclined wall portion at the locked position; and a spring member provided between the chassis member and the battery and configured to bias the battery such that the battery rises up from an inner surface of the chassis member.