Electric Torch Battery Connection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric torches are cumbersome due to the need for a long enclosure to accommodate batteries connected in series, and complex external auxiliary enclosures are required for serial and parallel connections, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electric torch design with a miniature enclosure that allows for serial, parallel, or combined serial and parallel connections of battery units using a front and rear connecting unit with a limiting mechanism, eliminating the need for an external auxiliary enclosure, and incorporating conducting pathways and sector-shaped receiving grooves for battery placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If batteries are connected in series to form a DC power source, then the power supply voltage is sufficient, but the enclosure length must be increased to accommodate the batteries, resulting in inconvenient carrying and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear battery arrangement (one-dimensional) to a three-dimensional spatial configuration where batteries are positioned at opposite ends of a cylindrical enclosure. The conducting pathways extend through the enclosure along its longitudinal axis, enabling series connection without increasing the operational length of the torch. This dimensional reorganization allows sufficient voltage while maintaining a compact, portable form factor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external auxiliary enclosure is designed to achieve serial and parallel connection of batteries, then the battery connection versatility is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and production management and storage become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal connecting mechanism where the same front and rear connecting units can accommodate multiple battery configurations (series, parallel, or combination). The conducting pathways are configured to automatically establish appropriate electrical connections based on battery insertion orientation, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary enclosures for different connection types. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall structure while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate enclosures into a single integrated enclosure. The front and rear connecting units serve dual purposes: they provide mechanical retention for batteries and simultaneously establish electrical connections. The conducting pathways integrate both structural support and electrical conduction functions, consolidating what would traditionally require separate auxiliary components into a unified design.
3Reliability
If multiple conducting pathways are provided to connect battery terminals, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs homogeneous conducting pathways that are identical in structure and material composition, extending symmetrically from the front and rear connecting units toward the center of the enclosure. This uniform design simplifies manufacturing and assembly while providing redundant electrical pathways. The symmetry and uniformity reduce complexity compared to asymmetric or varied pathway designs, while still ensuring reliable electrical connection through multiple parallel routes.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric torch includes an enclosure for housing at least two battery units, a head portion, a front connecting unit secured to a front end of the enclosure, and a rear connecting unit secured to a rear end of the enclosure opposite to the front end. The front connecting unit and the rear connecting unit are electrically connected to opposite terminals of the at least two battery units, to connect the at least two battery unit in serial or parallel, or in combination of serial and parallel connection to act as the power supply of the electric torch. The power supply includes a first electrode and a second electrode with the polarity thereof reverse to the polarity of the first electrode.