Microsoft IP Licensing: InstaLoad Battery Installation Technology Overview
InstaLoad is a patented battery contact technology allowing for various orientations of cylindrical batteries without regard to positive or negative polarity.
InstaLoad battery contact technology is an Intellectual Property Licensing Program offered by Microsoft. Licensees are free to modify the designs to suit their specific product application. As an IP Licensing Program, Microsoft does not sell the physical battery contacts. Licensees can source them from licensed InstaLoad component suppliers. Battery contacts designed based on InstaLoad technology enable users to insert batteries into a device in either + or - direction and the device simply works. Users do not have to search for a hard to read diagram to determine how to insert the batteries.
We live in a modern technological age where many products use battery power
Until now, the products we use and the batteries that operate them required correct directional placement as improper placement may prevent the device from working and in some cases could result in permanent damage to the device. InstaLoad battery contacts enable users to quickly insert batteries into a device without regard to + or – orientation.
What the press are saying
“We’re pretty sure the company’s new InstaLoad technology falls somewhere between a home run and the best thing it’s ever done. It promises to do nothing short of redefine the way you insert batteries.” – Don Melanson, Engadget
“Frankly, we can’t figure out why no one invented this tech until now, but we’re glad Microsoft did. They have the reach to really get device manufacturers on board, which will be crucial to InstaLoad’s adoption.” - Mashable.com
“Microsoft just introduced InstaLoad, a new battery technology that allows batteries to be placed in any direction without regard to positive or negative polarity. Meaning you can put a battery in however you want and it’ll just work. It’s genius.” - Gizmodo, gizmodo.com
InstaLoad Battery Installation Technology Overview
Battery contacts designed based on InstaLoad technology enable users to insert batteries into a device in either + or - direction and the device simply works. Users do not have to search for a hard to read diagram to determine how to insert the batteries.
Benefits and Uses
InstaLoad battery contacts are especially helpful when they are used in devices that:
- Use multiple batteries
- Require frequent battery swap out
- Require battery replacement at inconvenient times or locations
- May be damaged by having the battery inserted incorrectly
- Are designed for use with AAA, AA, C, or D batteries (disposable or rechargeable)
Typical Product Applications
Portable lighting, flashlights, battery chargers, toys, consumer electronics, mice and keyboards, commercial, military and law enforcement applications and other battery operated devices using standard off-the-shelf cylindrical batteries can use InstaLoad technology.
The InstaLoad system works by enclosing each battery between a pair of battery contact assemblies.
There is a set of positive and negative contacts at both ends, allowing batteries varied directional placement within the device.
When the positive and negative wires are coupled with the printed circuit board (pcb) traces, the proper polarity is automatically delivered to the device without requiring special electronics or circuitry.
The figure to the left shows an example of a battery compartment of a mouse with the InstaLoad technology.
The two batteries can be inserted in any of the four possible orientations as shown above and the device works.
Architecture
The core of the InstaLoad technology is the individual battery contact assembly. Refer to the figure representing a typical Instaload battery contact assembly accommodating either positive or negative contacts.
To the left is an example of a type of Instaload battery contact.
InstaLoad is a mechanical battery contact design that does not require special electronics or circuitry. The InstaLoad battery configuration includes a set of positive and negative contacts at both ends, instead of a single positive contact at one end and a single negative contact at the other end.
The core of the InstaLoad technology is the individual battery contacts assembly. The relationship between the battery terminals and the InstaLoad battery contacts is shown in the figure to the left. At one end of the battery, the battery interfaces with either the positive contacts (light gray) or the negative contacts (black). The battery interfaces with the opposite contact at its other end. When coupled with PCB traces, proper power polarity is automatically delivered to the device.
How to Get Started
License
Microsoft offers fair and reasonable licensing terms. Commercial Licensees of the InstaLoad technology receive a license to the use of the issued patent and patent applications and a detailed technical application guide on the InstaLoad battery installation technology providing the parameters and best practices for implementing the assembly into the design of battery operated devices. Commercial Licensees also receive the rights to use the InstaLoad trademark on their product packaging and marketing materials.
Next Steps
- Send an email to Microsoft IP Licensing at: Iplicreq@microsoft.com with the subject “InstaLoad”
- Sign a Non Disclosure Agreement and learn more about InstaLoad technology
- Start your product prototyping
