Microsoft goes AC/DC with Instaload battery tech
Bunny botherers take it from both ends
Microsoft bigged up a technology yesterday that simplifies the battery installation process by forgoing the need to lopsidedly peer at the plus and negative signs on the energy gizmo.
InstaLoad is a patented battery contact design that Microsoft has made available for licence by third party device suppliers.
Redmond said that bunny-botherers Duracell had already signed up to endorse the technology.
The software giant didn't disclose how much individual licences would cost, however.
"Never again will people have to squint to see battery installation diagrams - the device simply works regardless if the battery is installed positive-side-up or positive-side-down," said MS.
The technology is compatible with CR123, AA, AAA, C and D batteries.
InstaLoad works by using battery contacts designed to operate from both ends - thereby dismissing the need to worry about the plus and negative polarity on the power cell. Microsoft said the tech could be particularly useful for someone installing a battery into a device in a dimly lit room, say.
It's not altogether unusual to see Microsoft develop hardware tech. It runs its own hardware intellectual property licensing house that counts mouse, keyboard and webcam technologies under its roster. ®
COMMENTS
Diode drop
== energy wastage. Especially in one-cell and two-cell designs.
As a typical low-Vf diode drops 0.2V, the wastage for a 2-cell device is 14%.
The Nipple technique
When I insert batteries in a dimly lit place I use the nipple technique - simply feel which end has the nipply thingy on it and then in the battery receptacle, feel which end has the springy thingy. No need for some crap Microsoft invention here, not with the nipple technique!
silly man...
.... you're confusing it with a battery for an iPhone
Not convinced....
It is me or is this not going to work?
The current setup involves a spring on the negative end which ensures a good contact and allows for minor variations in the battery's length. This version doesn't (seem to) do either.
With no play in the mechanism getting a battery in there it is going to be damned difficult and getting it out again will be an utter bastard....
Also, rechargeables tend to have a thick plastic jacket which exends partly over the bottom of the battery, negative contacts tend to be pointy springs or plates with nippley bits, wheras this is just a flat plate.
Cool...
That is very good, blindingly simple, my hat is off to the designer.
