U.S. patent application number 11/297487 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for transport frame and optional fixture for battery-powered electronic devices.
Invention is credited to Niall S. Gallagher, Arkady Ivannikov, Winston Y.W. Mok.
Application Number | 20070132259 11/297487 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38138568 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070132259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ivannikov; Arkady ; et
al. |
June 14, 2007 |
Transport frame and optional fixture for battery-powered electronic
devices
Abstract
The transport frame has engagement elements configured to engage
and hold a battery-operated electronic device via its battery
compartment and/or securing elements for the battery compartment
cover only. The engagement elements optionally may be movable apart
to secure the device, for example by a lever-actuated cam against
spring biasing. The transport frame optionally may be mounted in a
fixture, for example at a testing location, the transport frame and
fixture being configured in complementary fashion whereby the
transport frame is mountable in the fixture for any desired
purpose, for example to facilitate testing of the device at the
fixture location.
Inventors: |
Ivannikov; Arkady;
(Mississauga, CA) ; Mok; Winston Y.W.;
(Scarborough, CA) ; Gallagher; Niall S.;
(Cambridge, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BORDEN LADNER GERVAIS LLP
WORLD EXCHANGE PLAZA
100 QUEEN STREET SUITE 1100
OTTAWA
ON
K1P 1J9
CA
|
Family ID: |
38138568 |
Appl. No.: |
11/297487 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
294/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/10 20130101; A45F
5/00 20130101; H04B 1/3877 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
294/142 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/10 20060101
A45F005/10 |
Claims
1. A transport frame for a battery-operated electronic device, said
device having a battery compartment for receiving a battery and
having a removable battery compartment cover securable over said
battery compartment via battery compartment cover securing means,
said transport frame having engagement means configured to engage
and hold said device via at least one of said battery compartment
and said battery compartment cover securing means only.
2. A transport frame as in claim 1, wherein said frame comprises
first and second engagement elements positionable for engagement
with said at least one of said battery compartment and said battery
compartment cover securing means only, said engagement elements
being movable between a ready position and a locked position where
they are farther apart than in said ready position.
3. A transport frame as in claim 2, said frame further comprising
actuation means for moving said first and second engagement
elements away from each other to secure said frame to said
device.
4. A transport frame as in claim 3, wherein said actuation means
comprises a spring-biased cam-actuating lever, movable between a
release position and a locking position, said engagement elements
being farther from each other in said locking position than in said
release position.
5. A transport frame as in claim 2, wherein said frame comprises a
body, having a fixed block extending from a rear surface thereof
and constituting one of said first and second engagement elements,
and having a movable block extending from a rear surface thereof
and constituting the other of said first and second engagement
elements.
6. A transport frame as in claim 3, wherein said frame comprises a
body, having a fixed block extending from a rear surface thereof
and constituting one of said first and second engagement elements,
and having a movable block extending from a rear surface thereof
and constituting the other of said first and second engagement
elements.
7. A transport frame as in claim 4, wherein said frame comprises a
body, having a fixed block extending from a rear surface thereof
and constituting one of said first and second engagement elements,
and having a movable block extending from a rear surface thereof
and constituting the other of said first and second engagement
elements.
8. A transport frame as in claim 2, wherein said frame comprises a
main body having one of said first and second engagement elements
extending therefrom, and a slidable portion movable towards and
away from said main body, said slidable portion having the other of
said first and second engagement elements extending therefrom.
9. A transport frame as in claim 3, wherein said frame comprises a
main body having one of said first and second engagement elements
extending therefrom, and a slidable portion movable towards and
away from said main body, said slidable portion having the other of
said first and second engagement elements extending therefrom.
10. A transport frame as in claim 4, wherein said frame comprises a
main body having one of said first and second engagement elements
extending therefrom, and a slidable portion movable towards and
away from said main body, said slidable portion having the other of
said first and second engagement elements extending therefrom.
11. A transport frame as recited in claim 1, in combination with a
fixture, said transport frame and fixture being configured in
complementary fashion whereby said transport frame is mountable in
said fixture.
12. A transport frame as recited in claim 2, in combination with a
fixture, said transport frame and fixture being configured in
complementary fashion whereby said transport frame is mountable in
said fixture.
13. A transport frame as recited in claim 3, in combination with a
fixture, said transport frame and fixture being configured in
complementary fashion whereby said transport frame is mountable in
said fixture.
14. A transport frame as recited in claim 4, in combination with a
fixture, said transport frame and fixture being configured in
complementary fashion whereby said transport frame is mountable in
said fixture.
15. A transport frame as recited in claim 5, in combination with a
fixture, said transport frame and fixture being configured in
complementary fashion whereby said transport frame is mountable in
said fixture.
16. A transport frame as recited in claim 6, in combination with a
fixture, said transport frame and fixture being configured in
complementary fashion whereby said transport frame is mountable in
said fixture.
17. A transport frame as recited in claim 7, in combination with a
fixture, said transport frame and fixture being configured in
complementary fashion whereby said transport frame is mountable in
said fixture.
18. A transport frame as recited in claim 8, in combination with a
fixture, said transport frame and fixture being configured in
complementary fashion whereby said transport frame is mountable in
said fixture.
19. A transport frame as recited in claim 9, in combination with a
fixture, said transport frame and fixture being configured in
complementary fashion whereby said transport frame is mountable in
said fixture.
20. A transport frame as recited in claim 10, in combination with a
fixture, said transport frame and fixture being configured in
complementary fashion whereby said transport frame is mountable in
said fixture.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to handling of battery-powered
handheld electronic devices, and more particularly to a transport
frame which holds the device. If desired, the transport frame may
be mounted in a fixture for quality control testing or other
purposes.
[0002] Although particularly developed for use in quality control
testing of handheld wireless communication devices, the invention
is applicable to handling of any small electronic device requiring
the use of a battery, not just wireless devices, and whether for
testing purposes or otherwise.
[0003] When testing such devices, reliable handling is important in
order to obtain consistent measurement. Commonly, fixturing and
various types of guides and retainers are used, which contact
external surfaces of the device to obtain a secure grip. These
often result in some risk of damaging or scratching the device, due
to contact with the guides or retainers. Furthermore, there can be
an increased probability of inaccurate measurements due to stresses
on the device introduced by the guides and retainers.
[0004] There is a therefore an ongoing need for ways of
transporting and mounting such devices for testing, with minimized
impact on the device. This is particularly important where, as with
many devices, there is 100% testing of every device, not just
occasional samples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Examples of the invention will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the attached drawings, in
which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a
battery-powered electronic device and an exemplary transport
frame;
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the device
mounted on the transport frame, and a fixture;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the device mounted on
the transport frame, and the transport frame mounted in the
fixture;
[0009] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the transport
frame and the device;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a similar exploded perspective view showing the
transport frame and the device from a different angle;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing back of the transport
frame;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side cross-section showing the device about to
be positioned on the transport frame, with the transport frame
actuator in a ready position;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a corresponding side cross-section showing the
device positioned on the transport frame, with the transport frame
actuator still in a ready position;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a corresponding side cross-section showing the
device positioned on the transport frame, with the transport frame
actuator in an intermediate position;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a corresponding side cross-section showing the
device positioned on the transport frame, with the transport frame
actuator in a locked position;
[0016] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a
battery-powered electronic device mounted on another example of a
transport frame, ready for positioning in a fixture;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the device mounted on
the FIG. 11 transport frame and positioned in the fixture;
[0018] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the FIG. 11
transport frame and the device;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the FIG. 11 transport
frame;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a side cross-section showing the device
positioned on the FIG. 11 transport frame, with the transport frame
actuator in a ready position; and
[0021] FIG. 16 is a corresponding side cross-section showing the
device positioned on the transport frame, with the transport frame
actuator in a locked position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The transport frame holds the device using a battery
compartment or battery compartment area of the device only, rather
than external features of the device, and is defined by the
accompanying claims. If desired, the transport frame may be mounted
in a fixture, for example at a testing location.
[0023] For convenience, most references herein will be to mounting
the device on a transport frame for testing purposes. However, it
should be appreciated that the transport frame may be useful in any
other situation where it is desired to mount or transport the
device without handling it externally, and the invention is
therefore not limited to testing applications.
[0024] In the following description, specific examples of the
invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific
configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention may be
practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known
features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the
examples being described.
[0025] The transport frame 1 supports and retains the device 2 by
emulating a battery, in the sense that the transport frame provides
engagement elements which fit into the device's battery compartment
3 and/or its battery compartment cover securing means, to retain
the device. The frame can then be handled to transport the device
and if desired mount it in a fixture for testing or other purposes,
avoiding or minimizing contact with the external surfaces of the
device. Typically, the transport frame is configured to mate with a
fixture 4, at a fixed test location. Thus in an assembly-line
process, devices can be mounted onto transport frames at one or
more locations, and carried or transported to the test location for
mounting in the fixture for testing. Once the testing is completed,
the transport frame and device can be removed from the fixture, and
the device can be removed from the transport frame for further
processing, for example packaging for sale.
FIRST EXAMPLE
[0026] A first example of the invention is illustrated in FIGS.
1-10. FIG. 1 shows the transport frame 1, having a body 10, with a
fixed block 12 and a movable block 14 as the engagement elements,
both extending from a rear surface 16 thereof. The body 10
preferably has a grippable feature or handle 18 extending
therefrom, allowing the transport frame to be easily moved from one
location to another, whether manually or via automation.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows the transport frame 1 and device 2 positioned
for mounting on a fixture 4, and FIG. 3 shows the transport frame
and device mounted on the fixture.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixed and movable blocks 12
and 14 fit within the battery compartment 3. For testing of the
device, one of the blocks, in this example the fixed block 12, may
include electrical contacts 30 which mate with electrical contacts
32 within the battery compartment to provide power to the device
while it is being tested. The powering of the transport frame will
be understood by one skilled in the art, and typically may be
supplied to the transport frame by the fixture 4 once the transport
frame is mounted therein, for example via contacts 80 on the
transport frame engaging contacts 82 on the fixture, as shown in
FIG. 2. The blocks 12 and 14 each have portions which engage with
complementary features in the battery compartment. The actuator 20
moves the blocks from a removal position where they are readily
insertable in the battery compartment, to an expanded position
where they are spaced farther apart to secure the device using the
battery compartment.
[0029] The movable block 14 is mounted on a proximal end of a pair
of shafts 40 which are movable axially through bushings 42. Springs
44 act against preferably larger-diameter distal ends of the
shafts, to bias the shafts and hence the movable block 14 towards
the fixed block 12. The actuator 20 operates to overcome that bias,
to move the movable block away from the fixed block.
[0030] The actuator 20 includes a lever 22 mounted on a shaft 24. A
cam 26 is also mounted on the shaft, so that operation of the lever
produces rotation of the cam. The cam bears against the movable
block 14, so that movement of the lever from the "ready" position
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, through the intermediate position shown in
FIG. 9, to the locked position shown in FIG. 10, moves the movable
block 14 to an "expanded" position where it is farthest from the
fixed block 12. As can be seen from these drawings, this results in
tabs 50 or other engagement features on the fixed and movable
blocks engaging recesses, slots or other such receptors 52 in the
battery compartment 3, resulting in the device 2 thereby being
secured on the frame 1. As can be seen from FIG. 10, the cam goes
slightly "over center" against the spring force to get to the
locked position, resulting in it staying in that position once
placed there.
[0031] The shaft 24 could be mounted directly on the body 10 of the
frame. When the actuator was moved to the locked position, this
would result in the fixed and movable blocks 12 and 14 being at a
fixed minimum expanded distance from each other. That could be
acceptable, but it is preferable not to have that distance fixed,
and therefore preferably the shaft is permitted to float somewhat.
This is accomplished by mounting the shaft on two opposing shaft
mounts 28, which are free to move a limited distance within the
body 10. Shaft biasing springs 29 bias the shaft away from the
fixed block. Thus in the locked position, the movable block has a
limited degree of freedom in both directions away from its basic
locked position, i.e. slightly towards or slightly away from the
fixed block. This has the significant advantage that the pressure
of the blocks against the battery compartment of the device is
governed by the springs 44 and 29, not by the mechanical
dimensions. This of course results in more consistency, given the
inevitable small differences in dimensions due to normal
manufacturing tolerances.
[0032] Movement of the actuator 20 through the intermediate
position via its lever 22 may result in one of the tabs 50 mating
with a complementary recess 52 within the battery compartment to
partially lock the device against the transport frame, as
illustrated, or in both tabs moving part way towards their
respective recesses.
[0033] After the device 2 has been mounted to the transport frame
1, the assembly may then mounted in an exemplary fixture 4 as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3. Although many different ways of mounting the
transport frame in the fixture could be employed, and many
different fixture configurations could be contemplated, in this
example the body 10 includes a pair of holes 60 for mating with a
pair of posts 62 located on the fixture. The fixture also includes
a guide 64 for aligning and positioning the transport frame as it
is being mounted to the fixture. Once the transport frame is
mounted to the fixture, various quality control tests may be
performed on the device. These tests may include, but are not
limited to RF alignment and tests, audio tests, display tests,
charger tests, etc.
[0034] Notwithstanding the preceding, as stated previously, the
invention is not limited to testing applications, nor to any
specific testing. It may be convenient to mount the device in a
fixture for purposes other than testing.
SECOND EXAMPLE
[0035] In the preceding example, the locking of the frame to the
device takes place entirely within the battery compartment, via a
movable block. However, in another example of the invention, shown
in FIGS. 11-16, the locking is partly within the battery
compartment, and partly making use of the battery compartment cover
securing means. Other examples could conceivably make use of
battery compartment cover securing means only, or of features
within the battery compartment other than those specifically
described herein.
[0036] In this second example of the invention, there are still
opposing engagement elements which move apart from each other to
lock the device 2 in place. However, in this example, the transport
frame 1' has a main body 102, a sliding portion 104 and an actuator
20' with a lever 22'. The main body has lugs 106 extending
therefrom which engage battery compartment cover securing slots
107. The sliding portion 104 is movable away from the main body 102
by operation of the lever 22', and has an extension 108 therefrom
which corresponds in effect to the movable block 14 of the first
example. The main body preferably has a handle 18'.
[0037] FIG. 11 shows this example with the device mounted on it,
ready for mounting in a fixture 4', including guides 64'. FIG. 11
shows that a simulated earphone connector 110 can be provided on
the fixture if desired, to plug into an earphone jack on the device
for audio output testing. FIG. 12 shows the device and frame
mounted in the fixture.
[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates the features used to secure the device
to the frame, i.e. the lugs 106 engaging the battery compartment
cover securing slots 107, and the extension 108 which extends into
a recess 109 in the battery compartment.
[0039] FIGS. 14-16 show the operation of the transport frame. A
pair of shafts 112 are slidably housed within the main body 102 and
are connected to the sliding portion 104, so that when the shafts
move axially, the sliding portion moves towards or away from the
main body. (In FIG. 14, a cover plate has been removed to show one
of the shafts, the other being hidden under cover plate 113.) As
seen best in FIGS. 15 and 16, the actuator 20' and its lever 22'
have cam portions 26' which act against the ends of the shafts 112
to move the sliding portion 104 away from the main body when the
lever is moved from the FIG. 15 "ready" position to the FIG. 16
"locked" position. A return spring 44' biases the sliding portion
towards the main body, so that it is only expanded when the
actuator and lever are moved to the FIG. 16 position. The cam
design is again such that it goes "over center" so as to remain in
the FIG. 16 locked position once there.
[0040] Note that the sliding portion 104 may be provided with
electrical contacts 30' to engage corresponding contacts in the
device. The contacts are wired through the frame to a second set of
contacts (not shown). When the frame is mounted on the fixture 4',
this second set of contacts connects with power supplied to the
fixture in order to provide power to the battery contacts of the
device.
General
[0041] Several examples of the invention are described above.
Variations of those examples may be or become apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description.
It is expected that such persons will employ such variations as
appropriate, and it is therefore expected that the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.
Accordingly, the invention is defined not by the above examples,
but by the claims appended hereto, and includes such variations on
the above examples as may be adopted by those knowledgeable in the
field of the invention.
[0042] Without limiting the generality of the foregoing statement,
some specific examples of possible variations may include the
following, though others may be apparent to those knowledgeable in
the field of the invention.
[0043] The invention may not necessarily involve a fixture, for
testing or otherwise. In some applications, mounting the device on
the transport frame may suffice for that application, and there may
be no need to place the device and transport frame in any
fixture.
[0044] Details of size, shape and specific configuration of the
transport frame and the features by which it engages the device may
obviously be varied according to the desired engagement details and
according to the configuration of the battery compartment and
battery compartment area of the device. Similarly, details of any
fixture, for testing or otherwise, may also vary.
[0045] The examples described above both include cam actuation via
a lever. However, it is conceivable that the engagement means might
not involve any elements requiring positive actuation. For example,
the engagement means could simply snap into position in the battery
compartment in a manner similar to a battery. Alternatively, there
could be resilient engagement elements which displace slightly on
insertion in the battery compartment, and are biased by that
resilience towards a locked position. Or there could be movable
elements as in the above examples, without positive actuation, i.e.
the elements could be biased apart, for example by one or more
springs, and insertion in the battery compartment could compress
the spring or springs, or they could be manually compressed during
or before insertion. The spring or springs would then move the
elements apart to a locked position.
* * * * *