Pixel 10 Repair Manual
TL;DR Google has filed a patent application describing a battery design that could make future devices easier to repair without compromising their thin builds, water resistance, or wireless charging capabilities.
The idea replaces heavy use of glue with a reinforced battery assembly that locks into the device frame.
While patents don’t always lead to real products, it’s good to see that Google is exploring more repair-friendly hardware designs.
Google has filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) outlining a new way to design batteries inside phones and other devices so that they can be removed or replaced more easily and safely. The new battery design is even more impressive because it doesn’t sacrifice the slim, sealed build that modern, premium smartphones and tablets are known for.
Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority? Set us as a favorite source in Google Discover to never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more.
to never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more. You can also set us as a preferred source in Google Search by clicking the button below.
Devices today, especially premium phones and tablets, have batteries that are glued into place and tightly sealed to keep out water and dust, support wireless charging, and maintain a very thin form factor. This can make user and service center repairs difficult and complicated.
Google’s new patent application, discovered by folks over at Hypertxt.AI, describes a “grounding” system for a removable battery subassembly. In simple terms, rather than sticking the battery with glue, the battery sits in a metal frame that helps protect it from stress if the device bends, twists, or is dropped. The design allows the battery to be removed or replaced more easily, potentially making repairs cheaper and less wasteful.
At the same time, this doesn’t mean Google is working on old-school snap-off backs that make swapping batteries a breeze. The company’s patent describes that the battery assembly would stay locked inside the device.
... continue reading