Google has submitted a patent application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) detailing a new battery design for electronic devices. This design aims to facilitate easier and safer removal or replacement of batteries without compromising the slim, sealed build common in modern smartphones and tablets.
Current devices, particularly premium phones and tablets, often feature batteries secured with adhesive and sealed to ensure water and dust resistance, support wireless charging, and maintain a thin profile. This construction can complicate repairs for both users and service centers.
The patent application describes a "grounding" system for a removable battery subassembly. Instead of relying on glue, the battery is housed within a metal frame. This frame is intended to protect the battery from stress caused by bending, twisting, or dropping the device. The design aims to allow for easier battery removal and replacement, which could lead to more affordable and less wasteful repairs.
The patent indicates that the battery assembly would remain secured within the device, rather than featuring easily removable backs. Google's design includes elements such as shear stops, mechanical interlocks, and guided load paths to firmly secure the battery. This engineering approach could enhance the safety and ease of battery removal during repairs compared to glued-in counterparts.
Google states that this design is not expected to compromise features such as wireless charging, water resistance, or device aesthetics. The application's diagrams and descriptions suggest its applicability extends to various electronic devices, including regular and foldable phones, tablets, laptops, and wearables. It is noted that patent filings represent conceptual ideas and do not guarantee future product implementation, but they offer insight into Google's considerations for device design and repairability.