Rotating Battery Lock Geometry for Secure Low-Force Tool Battery Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held work tools for cutting concrete and stone face challenges in efficient battery replacement, as current mechanisms often require significant effort to insert, secure, and remove batteries, and may not provide adequate retention or ease of ejection.
Innovation Solution
A battery lock mechanism featuring a rotatably supported locking member with an arcuate leading edge and a recess on the battery, along with resilient members to enhance holding force and ease of battery ejection, addresses the challenges of battery replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking mechanism is used for battery retention, then the battery is securely held in position, but significant effort is required to insert and remove the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member features an arcuate leading edge portion with a curvature corresponding to a circle segment, which matches the arcuate surface in the battery recess. This curved geometry allows the locking member to rotate smoothly into and out of the locking position with reduced friction, enabling easy battery insertion and removal while maintaining secure retention when locked
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is rotatably supported on a shaft, transforming the locking action from a static engagement to a dynamic rotational movement. This rotational mechanism allows the locking member to easily transition between locked and unlocked states, reducing the effort required for battery insertion and removal while maintaining reliable retention when engaged
2Reliability
If the locking member is spring biased towards the locking position, then the battery is firmly secured, but more force is needed to overcome the spring bias for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate leading edge portion rotating within the arcuate recess creates a smooth rotational path that minimizes friction during the locking and unlocking process. This curved geometry ensures that the spring bias force is efficiently utilized for secure retention while allowing easy overcoming of the bias through rotational movement for battery removal
3Reliability
If multiple locking members are used, then the robustness of the lock mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple identical locking members spaced apart around the battery compartment. Each locking member independently engages with the battery, providing redundant security. This segmentation approach increases robustness through multiple engagement points while maintaining relatively simple individual component design
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 battery lock mechanism improves the ease of battery insertion and removal, enhances the holding force to prevent vibration and secure the battery, and facilitates easy ejection, thereby improving the operational efficiency and user experience of hand-held work tools.
Implementation Method 1
the battery lock mechanism comprises at least one resilient member arranged to urge the battery into the locking position
Implementation Method 2
the locking member is spring biased towards the locking position
Implementation Method 3
even if there is some friction between the leading edge portion and the surface arranged to engage the leading edge portion
Data Source
AI summary
A battery compartment battery lock mechanism (700) comprising a locking member (710) rotatably supported on a shaft (720) and comprising a leading edge portion (750) arranged to enter a recess (760) formed in a battery (220) to lock the battery in position, The leading edge portion (750) has an arcuate form with a curvature corresponding to that of a circle segment with radius corresponding to the distance from the leading edge portion (750) to the center of the shaft (720) The recess (760) formed in the battery (220) comprises a surface (770) arranged to engage the leading edge portion (750), wherein the surface (770) has an arcuate form to match that of the leading edge portion (750). The invention further comprises an electrically powered hand-held work tool comprising such a battery lock mechanism.