Patent Publication Number: US-2023147262-A1

Title: Battery fault detection assemblies

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to Indian Application No. 202111051212, filed Nov. 9, 2021, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to mobile devices and, more particularly, to devices, systems, assemblies, and methods for detecting battery faults. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Mobile devices (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, laptops, scanners, and the like) may use batteries to supply power to these devices so that these devices may perform their intended operations. The inventors have identified numerous deficiencies with these existing technologies in the field, the remedies for which are the subject of the embodiments described herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Apparatuses, devices, systems, assemblies, and associated methods of assembling/manufacturing are provided for mobile devices. In some embodiments, a mobile device is provided. The example mobile device may comprise a body defining a cavity; and a battery component that is configured to be at least partially disposed within the cavity, the battery component comprising at least one battery connector disposed on an outer surface of the battery component, wherein: the at least one battery connector is positioned to make contact with at least one electrical connector of the mobile device in order to provide power to the mobile device, and the mobile device is configured to prevent formation of a contact between the at least one battery connector and the at least one electrical connector in an instance in which a size or position of the battery component exceeds a battery bulge threshold. 
     In some embodiments, the battery component comprises lithium-ion or a lithium polymer. 
     In some embodiments, the mobile device further comprises a battery cover at least partially disposed on an outer surface of the battery component. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one battery connector is at least partially disposed on one or more of a side surface and a bottom surface of the battery component. 
     In some embodiments, the mobile device comprises at least one receiving element disposed on an inner surface of the mobile device that is configured to engage at least a portion of the battery component. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one electrical connector is disposed on an inner bottom surface of the mobile device adjacent the cavity. 
     In some embodiments, the receiving element comprises a notch, groove, or protuberance. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one receiving element is configured to limit movement of a first side of the battery component, and the at least one battery connector is disposed on a second side of the battery component opposite the first side. 
     In some embodiments, the battery component defines at least one slot for engaging with the at least one receiving element. 
     In some embodiments, the at least a portion of the battery component is configured to rotate with respect to an axis of the at least one receiving element when engaged with the at least one slot in the instance in which the size or position of the battery component exceeds the battery bulge threshold. 
     In some embodiments, the battery bulge threshold is between 5% and 10% of a battery component size. 
     In some further embodiments, another example mobile device is provided. The example mobile device may comprise a body defining a cavity, and a battery component that is configured to be at least partially disposed within the cavity, the battery component comprising a first battery connector, a second battery connector and a third battery connector disposed on an outer surface of the battery component, wherein: each of the first battery connector, the second battery connector, and the third battery connector is positioned to make contact with a respective electrical connector of the mobile device in order to provide power to the mobile device, and the mobile device is configured to prevent formation of a contact between each of the first battery connector, the second battery connector, and the third battery connector and a respective electrical connector in an instance in which a size or position of the battery component exceeds a battery bulge threshold. 
     The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description of the illustrative embodiments may be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, unless described otherwise. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements, unless described otherwise. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates perspective views of example mobile devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of an example conventional battery component in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 A  and  FIG.  3 B  illustrate side views of an example conventional battery component in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 A  and  FIG.  4 B  illustrate side views of an example conventional mobile device in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of an example battery component in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of another example battery component in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  7 A  and  FIG.  7 B  illustrate side views of an example mobile device in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, these disclosures may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in various embodiments of the present disclosure described herein such that embodiments may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures while not departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some components may be omitted from one or more figures or shown in dashed line for visibility of the underlying components. 
     The phrases “in an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “various embodiments,” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment). 
     The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. 
     If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a specific component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such components or features may be optionally included in some embodiments, or may be excluded. 
     The term “comprising” is used herein to mean “including, but not limited to” and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the context of patent drafting. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. 
     Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” and the like are used herein for explanatory purposes in the examples provided below to describe the relative position of certain components or portions of components. Furthermore, as would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” indicate that the referenced element or associated description is accurate to within applicable engineering tolerances. 
     The term “electronically coupled” or “in electronic communication with” in the present disclosure refer to two or more electrical elements (for example, but not limited to, an example processing circuitry, communication module, input/output module memory, humidity sensing component, cooling element, gas detection component) and/or electric circuit(s) being connected through wired means (for example but not limited to, conductive wires or traces) and/or wireless means (for example but not limited to, wireless network, electromagnetic field), such that data and/or information (for example, electronic indications, signals) may be transmitted to and/or received from the electrical elements and/or electric circuit(s) that are electronically coupled. 
     In various examples, mobile devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, laptops, scanners, wearable devices, tablets, and the like, may use batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) to supply power to these devices so that these devices may perform their intended operations. In many examples, batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) use a chemical reaction to generate power. For example, while a lithium-ion battery is charging, lithium ions move from a positive electrode/terminal to a negative electrode/terminal through an electrolyte material. When the battery is discharging, the lithium ions move in the opposite direction, from the negative electrode/terminal to the positive electrode/terminal. The example lithium-ion battery may be rechargeable and therefore these chemical reactions may occur repeatedly over the battery&#39;s lifecycle (e.g., 100s or 1000s of times). As the example lithium-ion battery ages, the chemical reactions may no longer complete perfectly or optimally. For example, certain conditions (e.g., overcharging, deep discharging, or battery exposure to high temperatures) may generate excess current within a battery causing a buildup of heat and/or gas to accumulate (e.g., an outgassing condition). Such conditions may result in physical damage and/or changes to the battery. By way of example, a lithium-ion battery in poor working condition may appear swollen or bloated as a result of an outgassing condition. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , an example schematic diagram depicting a perspective view  100  of a first mobile device  101  and a second mobile device  102  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  1   , the first mobile device  101  comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid body defining a first top surface  105 A and a first bottom surface  105 B. The body of the first mobile device  101  may support and/or contain various circuitry components, such as processors, speakers, cameras, scanners, and/or the like that are configured to facilitate various functionalities of the first mobile device  101 . The first mobile device  101  may be configured for use in any industry, environment, or application without limitation and may include any number of associated components, elements, computing devices, processors, and/or the like in order to perform the operations associated with a particular industry, environment, or application. In various embodiment, the first top surface  105 A may include one or more input elements, such as buttons, knobs, dials, touch screen features, or the like, to facilitate interaction with the first mobile device  101  by an operator. 
     Additionally, as depicted, the first mobile device  101  comprises a first battery component  103  that is removably secured to at least a portion of the first bottom surface  105 B of the first mobile device  101 . In various embodiments, the first battery component  103  supplies power to facilitate operations of the first mobile device  101 . As shown, the body of the first mobile device  101  defines a cavity on the first bottom surface  105 B of the first mobile device  101  such that, in operation, the first battery component  103  can be received within the cavity. The cavity of the first mobile device  101  may include any opening, recess, depression or the like within which the first battery component  103  can be placed so as to power (e.g., be in electrical communication with) one or more circuitry components or elements of the first mobile device  101 . As illustrated, the first battery component  103  comprises a rectangular cuboid shape and is at least partially disposed within a cavity on the first bottom surface  105 B of the first mobile device  101  such that the first battery component  103  can be attached or detached from the body of the first mobile device  101 . In various examples, the cavity may be dimensioned (e.g., sized and/or shaped) based at least in part on the corresponding dimensions of the first battery component  103 . For example, the cavity may define a rectangular cross-sectional shape so as to receive a battery component therein having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The cavity may be dimensioned so as to limit movement of the first battery component  103  in two directions (e.g., an x-direction and a y-direction) within a plane that is substantially parallel with respect to the first top surface  105 A and/or the first bottom surface  105 B. In some examples, the first mobile device may further comprise a battery cover that encloses/secures the first battery component  103  within the cavity of the first mobile device  101 , defining an outermost surface of the first mobile device  101  (e.g., adjacent the first bottom surface  105 B of the first mobile device  101 ). 
     As depicted in  FIG.  1   , the outer surface of the first battery component  103  is coplanar with respect to the first bottom surface  105 B of the first mobile device  101 . Said differently, the first battery component  103  is likely to be in good condition and does not appear swollen or bloated. 
     As noted above,  FIG.  1    illustrates a second mobile device  102 . As shown, the second mobile device  102  also comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid body defining a second top surface  106 A and a second bottom surface  106 B. The body of the second mobile device  102  may support and/or contain various circuitry components, such as processors, speakers, cameras, scanners, and/or the like that are configured to facilitate various functionalities of the second mobile device  102 . The second mobile device  102  may be configured for use in any industry, environment, or application without limitation and may include any number of associated components, elements, computing devices, processors, and/or the like in order to perform the operations associated with a particular industry, environment, or application. In various embodiment, the second top surface  106 A may include one or more input elements, such as buttons, knobs, dials, touch screen features, or the like, to facilitate interaction with the second mobile device  102  by an operator. 
     Additionally, as depicted, the second mobile device  102  comprises a second battery component  104  that is removably secured to at least a portion of the second bottom surface  106 B of the second mobile device  102 . In various embodiments, the second battery component  104  supplies power to facilitate operations of the second mobile device  102 . As shown, the body of the second mobile device  102  defines a cavity on the second bottom surface  106 B of the second mobile device  102  such that, in operation, the first battery component  103  can be received within the cavity. The cavity of the second mobile device  102  may include any opening, recess, depression or the like within which the second battery component  104  can be placed so as to power (e.g., be in electrical communication with) one or more circuitry components or elements of the second mobile device  102 . As illustrated, the second battery component  104  comprises a rectangular cuboid shape and is at least partially disposed within a cavity on the second bottom surface  106 B of the second mobile device  102  such that the second battery component  104  can be attached or detached from the body of the second mobile device  102 . In various examples, the cavity may be dimensioned (e.g., sized and/or shaped) based at least in part on the corresponding dimensions of the second battery component  104 . For example, the cavity may define a rectangular cross-sectional shape so as to receive a battery component therein having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Said differently, the cavity may be dimensioned so as to limit movement of the first battery component  103  in two directions (e.g., an x-direction and a y-direction) within a plane that is substantially parallel with respect to the second top surface  106 A and/or the second bottom surface  106 B. In some examples, the first mobile device  101  may further comprise a battery cover that encloses/secures the second battery component  104  within the cavity of the second mobile device  102 , defining an outermost surface of the second mobile device  102  (e.g., adjacent the second bottom surface  106 B of the second mobile device  102 ). 
     As further depicted in  FIG.  1   , the outer surface of the second battery component  104  is extends beyond a horizontal plane of the second bottom surface  106 B of the second mobile device  102 . In other words, the second bottom surface  106 B of the second mobile device  102  is in a first plane and the outer surface of the second battery component  104  is in a second (e.g., different) plane relative to the second bottom surface  106 B of the second mobile device  102 . Accordingly, as depicted, the second battery component  104  is likely damaged/not in good condition (i.e., swollen or bloated). 
     As noted above, lithium-ion batteries undergo a chemical reaction in order to generate power. In various examples, damaged (e.g., swollen, bloated, or the like) lithium-ion batteries may pose a serious safety hazard. For instance, a swollen lithium-ion battery may become punctured, causing hazardous gases to escape which can result in a fire incident. In some examples, a damaged (e.g., swollen or bloated) lithium-ion battery may explode during use and/or in the vicinity of an end-user causing injury and/or property damage. In some examples, due to the configuration, placement and/or orientation of a battery component within an example mobile device, a damaged battery may continue to provide power to the mobile device, posing a safety hazard that may go undetected. 
     Known techniques and apparatuses are not configured to provide warning systems with respect to the condition of a battery, and in particular, lithium-ion batteries (e.g., while in use within a mobile device). For example, unless a user routinely opens a battery cover to inspect an example battery disposed therein, the user may be unaware that the battery is not in good condition and poses a safety hazard. In some examples, even if the user frequently performs visual inspections, the user may be unable to correctly ascertain whether or not the battery is in good condition based solely upon the visual inspections. 
     In order to address these problems and others, example methods, apparatuses and systems in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. 
     In some examples, an example mobile device is provided. The example mobile device may comprise a body defining a cavity, and a battery component that is configured to be at least partially disposed within the cavity, the battery component comprising at least one battery connector disposed on an outer surface of the battery component, wherein: the at least one battery connector is positioned to make contact with at least one electrical connector of the mobile device in order to provide power to the mobile device, and the mobile device is configured to prevent formation of a contact between the at least one battery connector and the at least one electrical connector in an instance in which a size or position of the battery component exceeds a battery bulge threshold. In some embodiments, the battery component comprises lithium-ion or a lithium polymer. In some embodiments, the mobile device further comprises a battery cover at least partially disposed on an outer surface of the battery component. In some embodiments, the at least one battery connector is at least partially disposed on one or more of a side surface and a bottom surface of the battery component. In some embodiments, the at least one electrical connector is disposed on an inner bottom surface of the mobile device adjacent the cavity. In some embodiments, the mobile device comprises at least one receiving element disposed on an inner surface of the mobile device that is configured to engage at least a portion of the battery component. In some embodiments, the receiving element comprises a notch, groove, or protuberance. In some embodiments, the at least one receiving element is configured to limit movement of a first side of the battery component, and the at least one battery connector is disposed on a second side of the battery component opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the battery component defines at least one slot for engaging with the at least one receiving element. In some embodiments, the at least a portion of the battery component is configured to rotate with respect to an axis of the at least one receiving element when engaged with the at least one slot in the instance in which the size or position of the battery component exceeds the battery bulge threshold. In some embodiments, the battery bulge threshold is between 5% and 10% of a battery component size. 
     In some further embodiments, another example mobile device is provided. The example mobile device may comprise a body defining a cavity, and a battery component that is configured to be at least partially disposed within the cavity, the battery component comprising a first battery connector, a second battery connector and a third battery connector disposed on an outer surface of the battery component, wherein: each of the first battery connector, the second battery connector, and the third battery connector is positioned to make contact with a respective electrical connector of the mobile device in order to provide power to the mobile device, and the mobile device is configured to prevent formation of a contact between each of the first battery connector, the second battery connector, and the third battery connector and a respective electrical connector in an instance in which a size or position of the battery component exceeds a battery bulge threshold. In some embodiments, the battery component comprises lithium-ion or a lithium polymer. In some embodiments, the mobile device further comprises a battery cover at least partially disposed on an outer surface of the battery component. In some embodiments, each of the first battery connector, the second battery connector, and the third battery connector is at least partially disposed on one or more of a side surface and a bottom surface of the battery component. In some embodiments, at least one of the electrical connectors is disposed on an inner bottom surface of the mobile device adjacent the cavity. In some embodiments, the mobile device comprises at least one receiving element disposed on an inner surface of the mobile device that is configured to engage at least a portion of the battery component. In some embodiments, the at least one receiving element comprises a notch, groove, or protuberance. In some embodiments, the at least one receiving element is configured to limit movement of a first side of the battery component, and each of the first battery connector, the second battery connector, and the third battery connector is disposed on a second side of the battery component opposite the first side. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , an example schematic diagram depicting a perspective view of an example conventional battery component  200  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. In various embodiments, the example battery component  200  may be or comprise a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery, an alkaline battery, or the like. In various examples, the battery component  200  supplies power to facilitate operations of an example mobile device. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  2   , the example battery component  200  comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid body defining a top surface  203 A and a second bottom surface  203 B opposite the top surface  203 A. The battery component  200  comprises a first slot  202 A, a second slot  202 B, a first battery connector  206 A, a second battery connector  206 B, and a third battery connector  206 C. The battery component  200  may be received within a cavity (e.g., opening, recess, depression, or the like) of an example mobile device so as to power (e.g., be in electrical communication with) one or more circuitry components or elements of the example mobile device. 
     As noted above, and as further depicted in  FIG.  2   , the battery component  200  comprises a first slot  202 A and a second slot  202 B. In some embodiments, each of the first slot  202 A and the second slot  202 B defines a cavity disposed on a first side surface  203 C of the battery component  200 . As depicted, the first slot  202 A is defines a cavity of a first end portion of the first side surface  203 C and the second slot  202 B defines a cavity of a second end portion of the first side surface  203 C. In various examples, each of the first slot  202 A and the second slot  202 B may operate to secure the battery component  200  within a corresponding cavity of an example mobile device. Additionally, the first slot  202 A and the second slot  202 B may operate to maintain a proper orientation of the battery component  200  within a mobile device. For example, each of the first slot  202 A and the second slot  202 B may be configured to engage a corresponding receiving element (e.g., groove, notch, surface, and/or the like) adjacent the cavity of the example mobile device in order to secure the battery component  200  thereto. 
     As further depicted in  FIG.  2   , the battery component  200  comprises a plurality of battery connectors/terminals (as depicted, a first battery connector  206 A, a second battery connector  206 B and a third battery connector  206 C). In some embodiments, the plurality of battery connectors may comprise a positive terminal, a negative terminal, a ground terminal, a battery condition sensing terminal (e.g., for monitoring battery component temperature), and/or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the first battery connector  206 A may be a positive terminal, the second battery connector  206 B may be a battery condition sensing terminal and the third battery connector  206 C may be a negative terminal. As depicted in  FIG.  2   , the first battery connector  206 A, the second battery connector  206 B and the third battery connector  206 C are disposed on a second side surface  203 D of the battery component  200 , opposite the first side surface  203 C. In various embodiments, when disposed within a cavity of a mobile device, the first battery connector  206 A, the second battery connector  206 B and the third battery connector  206 C are configured to make contact with an electrical connector (e.g., such as one or more corresponding pins) in order to form/actuate an electrical connection and provide power to a mobile device. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3 A  and  FIG.  3 B , example schematic diagrams depicting side perspective views of an example conventional battery component  300 A and  300 B in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The battery component  300 A,  300 B may be similar or identical to the battery component  200  discussed above in connection with  FIG.  2   . Similarly, in various embodiments, the example battery component  300 A and  300 B may be or comprise a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery, an alkaline battery, or the like. In various examples, the battery component  300 A and  300 B supplies power to facilitate operations of an example mobile device. The battery component  300 A and  300 B may be received within a cavity of the example mobile device so as to power (e.g., be in electrical communication with) one or more circuitry components or elements of the example mobile device. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  3 A , the example battery component  300 A comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid body defining a top surface  305 A and a bottom surface  305 B opposite and parallel to the top surface  305 A. As illustrated, the top surface  305 A and the bottom surface  305 B of the battery component  300 A appear swollen or bloated (i.e., the top surface  305 A and the bottom surface  305 B are not substantially planar or flat) indicting that the example battery component  300 A is likely damaged or not in good condition. 
     As further depicted in  FIG.  3 A , the battery component  300 A comprises a plurality of connectors/terminals. In particular, the battery component  300 A comprises a first battery connector  303 A, a second battery connector  303 B, and a third battery connector  303 C (e.g., a positive terminal, a battery condition sensing terminal, and a negative terminal, respectively). Each of the first battery connector  303 A, the second battery connector  303 B, and the third battery connector  303 C are disposed on a first side surface  301  of the battery component  300 A. In various embodiments, when disposed within a cavity of a mobile device, the first battery connector  303 A, the second battery connector  303 B and the third battery connector  303 C are configured to make contact with an electrical connector (e.g., such as one or more corresponding pins) in order to form/actuate an electrical connection and provide power to the example mobile device. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3 B , the example battery component  300 B comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid body defining a top surface  304 A and a bottom surface  304 B opposite and parallel to the top surface  304 A. In various embodiments, the battery component  300 B comprises a plurality of side surfaces. As depicted, the battery component  300 B comprises at least a second side surface  302 . As illustrated, the top surface  305 A and the bottom surface  305 B of the battery component  300 A appear swollen or bloated (i.e., the top surface  305 A and the bottom surface  305 B are not substantially planar or flat) indicting that the example battery component  300 B is likely damaged or not in good condition. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4 A  and  FIG.  4 B , example schematic diagrams depicting side section views of at least a portion of a conventional mobile device  400 A and  400 B in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  4 A , the example mobile device  400 A comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid body  403 A defining a top surface and a bottom surface. The body  403 A of the mobile device  400 A may support and/or contain various circuitry components, such as processors, speakers, cameras, scanners, and/or the like that are configured to facilitate various functionalities of the mobile device  400 A. As depicted, the mobile device  400  comprises at least a battery component  401 A and a battery cover  405 A. 
     As noted above, the example mobile device  400 A comprises a battery component  401 A. In various embodiments, the battery component  401 A supplies power to facilitate operations of the mobile device  400 A. As shown, the body  403 A of the mobile device  400 A defines a cavity in which the battery component  401 A can be received. As illustrated, the battery component  401 A comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid shape and is at least partially disposed/positioned within the cavity of the mobile device  400 A. Accordingly, the cavity may be dimensioned (e.g., sized and/or shaped) based at least in part on the corresponding dimensions of the battery component  401 A. For example, the cavity of the mobile device  400 A defines a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape so as to receive the battery component  401 A therein which also has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  4 A , the battery component  401  comprises at least a first slot that is configured to engage a receiving element  407 A (e.g., notch, groove, protuberance, and/or the like) protruding from an inner surface of the mobile device  400 A. As further illustrated, the battery component  401 A comprises at least one battery connector  411 A disposed on a side surface of the battery component  401 A. In various examples, when the battery component  401 A is disposed within the cavity of the mobile device  400 A, the at least one battery connector  411 A is positioned to make contact with at least one electrical connector  409 A (e.g., such as one or more corresponding pins) in order to form/actuate an electrical connection and provide power to the mobile device  400 A. 
     Additionally, as noted above, the mobile device  400 A further comprises a battery cover  405 A that encloses/secures the battery component  401 A within the cavity of the mobile device  400 A, defining an outer surface of the mobile device  400 A. As further depicted, the top surface and bottom surface of the battery component  401 A are substantially flat/planar. Additionally, as shown, the top surface and the bottom surface of the battery component  401 A are coplanar with respect to the top surface and bottom surface of the mobile device  400 A indicating that the battery component  401 A is likely to be in good working condition. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4 B , a schematic diagram depicting a conventional mobile device  400 B is provided. The mobile device  400 B may be similar or identical to the mobile device  400 A discussed above in connection with  FIG.  4 A . Similarly, as noted above, the example mobile device  400 B comprises a battery component  401 B. In various embodiments, the battery component  401 B supplies power to facilitate operations of the mobile device  400 B. As shown, the body  403 B of the mobile device  400 B defines a cavity in which the battery component  401 B can be received. As illustrated, the battery component  401 B comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid shape and is at least partially disposed/positioned within the cavity of the mobile device  400 B. As discussed above in relation to  FIG.  4 A , the cavity may be dimensioned (e.g., sized and/or shaped) based at least in part on the corresponding dimensions of the battery component  401 B. As depicted in  FIG.  4 A , the battery component  401  comprises at least a first slot that is configured to engage a receiving element  407 B (e.g., notch, groove, protuberance, and/or the like) protruding from an inner surface of the mobile device  400 B. As further illustrated, the battery component  401  comprises at least one battery connector  411 A disposed on a side surface of the battery component  401 . In various examples, when the battery component  401 B is disposed within the cavity of the mobile device  400 B, the at least one battery connector  411 A is positioned to make contact with at least one electrical connector  409 B (e.g., as depicted, one or more corresponding pins) in order to form/actuate an electrical connection and provide power to the mobile device  400 B. 
     Additionally, the mobile device  400 B further comprises a battery cover  405 A that encloses/secures the battery component  401 B within the cavity of the mobile device  400 B, defining an outer surface of the mobile device  400 B. As depicted in  FIG.  4 B , the top surface and bottom surface of the battery component  401 A appear swollen/bloated. Said differently, the top surface of the battery component  401 B and the bottom surface of the battery component  401 B are not in the same plane relative to the top surface and the bottom surface of the mobile device  400 B indicating that the battery component  401 B is likely damaged or not in good working condition. In some examples, as illustrated, the receiving element  407 B engaged with the at least one slot of the battery component  401 B may secure a first side of the battery component  401 B resulting in displacement of the battery component  401 B within the cavity of the mobile device  400 B. Additionally, the top surface of the battery component  401 A is pushing against (e.g., displacing) the battery cover  405 B so that it is not properly secured to the body  403 B of the mobile device  400 B. 
     In such examples, as shown, despite the battery component  401 B likely being damaged, the at least one battery connector  411 B may still make contact with the at least one electrical connector  409 B and thus provide power to the mobile device  400 B. Accordingly, in many examples, due to the location of the battery connector(s) (e.g., battery connector  411 B) with respect to the electrical connector(s) (e.g., electrical connector  409 B), the mobile device  400 B will continue to receive power from the battery component  401 B in an instance in which it is damaged, consequently creating a safety hazard that may go undetected by an end user/operator of the mobile device  400 B. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , an example schematic diagram depicting a perspective view of an example battery component  500  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. In various embodiments, the example battery component  500  may be or comprise a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery, an alkaline battery, or the like. In various examples, the battery component  500  supplies power to facilitate operations of an example mobile device. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  5   , the example battery component  500  comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid body  501  defining a top surface  502  and a bottom surface  504  opposite the top surface  502 . The example battery component  500  comprises at least one slot  505 , a first battery connector  503 A, a second battery connector  503 B and a third battery connector  503 C. The battery component  500  may be received within a cavity (e.g., opening, recess, depression, or the like) of an example mobile device so as to power (e.g., be in electrical communication with) one or more circuitry components or elements of the example mobile device. 
     As noted above, and as further depicted in  FIG.  5   , the battery component  500  comprises at least one slot  505 . In some embodiments, the at least one slot  505  defines a cavity disposed on a first side surface  506  of the battery component  500 . In various examples, the at least one slot  505  (e.g., in conjunction with one or more other similar slots) may operate to secure at least one side of the battery component within a cavity of an example mobile device when engaged with at least one corresponding receiving element (e.g., notch, protuberance, groove, surface, and/or the like) in order to secure the battery component  500  thereto. Additionally, the at least one slot  505  may function to prevent incorrect insertion of the battery component  500  within a cavity of the mobile device. By way of example, the at least one slot  505  may be associated with at least one corresponding receiving element that is disposed on an inner surface of the mobile device such that the battery component  500  can only be inserted into the cavity when the at least one slot  505  is positioned adjacent the at least one receiving element. 
     As noted above, the battery component  500  comprises a plurality of battery connectors/terminals (as depicted, a first battery connector  503 A, a second battery connector  503 B and a third battery connector  503 C). In some embodiments, the plurality of battery connectors may comprise a positive terminal, a negative terminal, a ground terminal, a battery condition sensing terminal (e.g., for monitoring battery component temperature), and/or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the first battery connector  503 A may be a positive terminal, the second battery connector  503 B may be a battery condition sensing terminal and the third battery connector  503 C may be a negative terminal. As depicted in  FIG.  5   , the first battery connector  503 A, the second battery connector  503 B and the third battery connector  503 C are each at least partially disposed on a second side surface  507  of the battery component  500 , opposite the first side surface  506 . Additionally, the first battery connector  503 A, the second battery connector  503 B and the third battery connector  503 C are each at least partially disposed on a bottom surface  504  of the battery component  500 . In some embodiments, as depicted, the first battery connector  503 A, the second battery connector  503 B, and the third battery connector  503 C are each disposed/positioned continuously along the second side surface  507  and the bottom surface  504  of the battery component  500 . In various embodiments, when placed within a cavity of a mobile device, the first battery connector  503 A, the second battery connector  503 B and the third battery connector  503 C are configured to make contact with at least one electrical connector (e.g., such as one or more corresponding compressible pins) in order to form/actuate an electrical connection and provide power to the example mobile device. Additionally, the at least one slot  505  may limit movement of the battery component  500  in two directions (e.g., an x-direction and ay-direction) within a plane that is substantially parallel with respect to a top surface and a bottom surface of an example mobile device. In various examples, the configuration of the battery component  500  (and in particular, placement of the first battery connector  503 A, the second battery connector  503 B and the third battery connector  503 C) provides a passive fault detection system, as discussed below in connection with  FIG.  7 A  and  FIG.  7 B . 
     While  FIG.  5    provides an example battery component  500 , it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in  FIG.  5   . In some examples, the battery component  500  may comprise one or more additional and/or alternative elements, and/or may be structured/positioned differently than those illustrated in  FIG.  5   . For example, the battery component  500  may comprise two battery connectors or more than three battery connectors. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , an example schematic diagram depicting a perspective view of an example battery component  600  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. In various embodiments, the example battery component  600  may be or comprise a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery, an alkaline battery, or the like. In various examples, the battery component  600  supplies power to facilitate operations of an example mobile device. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  6   , the example battery component  600  comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid body  601  defining a top surface  602  and a bottom surface  604  opposite the top surface  602 . The example battery component  600  comprises at least one slot  605 , a first battery connector  603 A, a second battery connector  603 B and a third battery connector  603 C. The battery component  600  may be received within a cavity (e.g., opening, recess, depression, or the like) of an example mobile device so as to power (e.g., be in electrical communication with) one or more circuitry components or elements of the example mobile device. 
     As noted above, and as further depicted in  FIG.  6   , the battery component  600  comprises at least one slot  605 . In some embodiments, as depicted the at least one slot  605  defines a cavity disposed on a first side surface  606  of the battery component  600 . In various examples, the at least one slot  605  (e.g., in conjunction with one or more other similar slots) may operate to secure at least one side of the battery component within a cavity of the mobile device when engaged with at least one corresponding receiving element (e.g., notch, protuberance, groove, surface, and/or the like). 
     As noted above, the battery component  600  comprises a plurality of battery connectors/terminals (as depicted, a first battery connector  603 A, a second battery connector  603 B and a third battery connector  603 C). In some embodiments, the plurality of battery connectors may comprise a positive terminal, a negative terminal, a ground terminal, a battery condition sensing terminal (e.g., for monitoring battery component temperature), and/or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the first battery connector  603 A may be a positive terminal, the second battery connector  603 B may be a battery condition sensing terminal and the third battery connector  603 C may be a negative terminal. As depicted in  FIG.  6   , the first battery connector  606 A, the second battery connector  606 B and the third battery connector  606 C are each disposed on a bottom surface  604  of the battery component  600 , opposite the top surface  602 . In various embodiments, when disposed within a cavity of a mobile device, the first battery connector  603 A, the second battery connector  603 B and the third battery connector  603 C are configured to (e.g., positioned to facilitate) contact with at least one electrical connector (e.g., such as one or more corresponding pins) in order to form/actuate an electrical connection and provide power to the example mobile device. The at least one slot  605  may limit movement of the battery component  600  in two directions (e.g., an x-direction and a y-direction) within a plane that is substantially parallel with respect to a top surface and a bottom surface of an example mobile device. 
     In various examples, the configuration of the battery component  600  (and in particular, placement of the first battery connector  603 A, the second battery connector  603 B, and the third battery connector  603 C) provides a passive fault detection system, as discussed below in connection with  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B . 
     While  FIG.  6    provides an example battery component  600 , it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in  FIG.  6   . In some examples, the battery component  600  may comprise one or more additional and/or alternative elements, and/or may be structured/positioned differently than those illustrated in  FIG.  6   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7 A  and  FIG.  7 B , example schematic diagrams depicting side section views of at least a portion of a mobile device  700 A and  700 B in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  7 A , the mobile device  700 A comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid body  703 A defining a top surface and a bottom surface. The body  703 A of the mobile device  700 A may support and/or contain various circuitry components, such as processors, speakers, cameras, scanners, and/or the like that are configured to facilitate various functionalities of the mobile device  700 A. As depicted, the mobile device  700  comprises a battery component  701 A and a battery cover  705 A. 
     As noted above, the example mobile device  700 A comprises a battery component  701 A (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). In various embodiments, the battery component  701 A supplies power to facilitate operations of the mobile device  700 A. As shown, the body  703 A of the mobile device  700 A defines a cavity in which the battery component  701 A can be received/positioned. As illustrated, the battery component  701 A comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid shape and is at least partially disposed/positioned within the cavity of the mobile device  700 A. Thus, the cavity may be dimensioned (e.g., sized and/or shaped) based at least in part on the corresponding dimensions of the battery component  701 A. As depicted in  FIG.  7 A , the battery component  701  comprises at least a first slot that is configured to engage a receiving element  707 A (e.g., notch, groove, protuberance, and/or the like) protruding from an inner surface of the mobile device  700 A. 
     As further illustrated, the battery component  701 A comprises at least one battery connector  711 A at least partially disposed on both a side surface and a bottom surface of the battery component  701 A. In various examples, the battery component  701 A may comprise a plurality of battery connectors. The plurality of battery connectors may be similar or identical to the plurality of battery connectors (the first battery connector  503 A, the second battery connector  503 B and the third battery connector  503 C) discussed above in connection with  FIG.  5   . In various examples, when the battery component  701 A is disposed within the cavity of the mobile device  700 A, the at least one battery connector  711 A is positioned to make contact with at least one electrical connector  709 A (e.g., such as one or more corresponding compressible pins) in order to form/actuate an electrical connection and provide power to the mobile device  700 A. 
     Additionally, as noted above, the mobile device  700 A further comprises a battery cover  705 A that encloses/secures the battery component  701 A within the cavity of the mobile device  700 A, defining an outer surface of the mobile device  700 A. As further depicted, the top surface and bottom surface of the battery component  701 A are substantially flat/planar. Additionally, as shown, the top surface and the bottom surface of the battery component  701 A are coplanar with respect to the top surface and bottom surface of the mobile device  700 A indicating that the battery component  701 A is likely in good working condition. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7 B , a schematic diagram depicting a mobile device  700 B in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The mobile device  700 B may be similar or identical to the mobile device  700 A depicted in  FIG.  7 A . As noted above, the example mobile device  700 B comprises a battery component  701 B. In various embodiments, the battery component  701 B supplies power to facilitate operations of the mobile device  700 B. As shown, the body  703 B of the mobile device  700 B defines a cavity in which the battery component  701 B can be received. As illustrated, the battery component  701 B comprises a substantially rectangular cuboid shape and is at least partially disposed/positioned within the cavity of the mobile device  700 B. As discussed above in relation to  FIG.  7 A , the cavity may be dimensioned (e.g., sized and/or shaped) based at least in part on the corresponding dimensions of the battery component  701 B. As depicted in  FIG.  7 A , the battery component  701  comprises at least a first slot that is configured to engage a receiving element  707 B (e.g., notch, groove, protuberance, and/or the like) protruding from an inner surface of the mobile device  700 B. As further depicted, the battery component  701  comprises at least one battery connector  711 A at least partially disposed on both a side surface and a bottom surface of the battery component  701 . In various examples, when the battery component  701 B is disposed within the cavity of the mobile device  700 B, the at least one battery connector  711 A is positioned to make contact with at least one electrical connector  709 B (e.g., as depicted, one or more corresponding compressible pins) in order to form/actuate an electrical connection and provide power to the mobile device  700 B. In various embodiments, the at least one electrical connector  709 B may be or comprise a spring loaded pin and/or may be compressible (e.g., when the at least one battery connector  711 A is in contact therewith). 
     Additionally, the mobile device  700 B further comprises a battery cover  705 A that encloses/secures the battery component  701 B within the cavity of the mobile device  700 B, defining an outer surface of the mobile device  700 B. As further depicted in  FIG.  7 B , the top surface and bottom surface of the battery component  701 A appear swollen/bloated. Said differently, the top surface of the battery component  701 B and the bottom surface of the battery component  701 B are not in the same plane relative to the top surface and the bottom surface of the mobile device  700 B indicating that the battery component  701 B is likely damaged/not in good working condition. 
     As depicted, the battery component  701 B is configured to rotate with respect to an axis (e.g., along a horizontal or y-direction) of the at least one receiving element  707 B when engaged with the at least one slot. Accordingly, the receiving element  707 B engaged with the at least one slot of the battery component  701 B may secure a first side/end of the battery component  701 B resulting in displacement of at least a portion of the battery component  701 B (as shown, a second side/end, opposite the first side) within the cavity of the mobile device  700 B as the condition of the battery worsens (e.g., as a battery component  701 B swells over time due to an outgassing condition or other condition). In such examples, as illustrated, as a result of the battery component  701 B being secured on the first side/end via the at least one receiving element  707 B of the mobile device  700 B, displacement of the battery component  701 B within the cavity of the mobile device  700 B will cause the second side/end (i.e., opposite side) of the battery component  701 B to be raised at an angle (as depicted, φ) relative to the first side of the battery component  701 B. Said differently, if a position and/or size of the battery component  701 B is above a battery bulge threshold, then the battery component  701 B will be automatically disconnected such that no power will be provided to the mobile device  700 B. The term battery bulge threshold may refer to a value (e.g., relative position, angle of incidence, size associated with swelling, and/or the like) above which the battery component  701 B is not deemed safe for use. In some embodiments, the battery bulge threshold may be associated with an allowable position and/or size of the battery component  701 B (e.g., a displacement angle of 15% relative to a horizontal top surface of the mobile device). In another example, the battery bulge threshold may be an amount of swelling (e.g., between 5% and 15% of the original battery size) that may also be associated with a position of the battery component  701 B within the cavity of the mobile device  700 B. Accordingly, in various examples if the battery component  701 B is not in good working condition, the at least one battery connector  711 B will not make contact with the at least one electrical connector  709 B (as depicted, an electrical connector  709 B positioned on an inner surface (e.g., bottom surface adjacent/beneath the cavity) of the mobile device  700 B. In other words, the mobile device  700 B is configured to prevent formation of a contact between the at least one battery connector  711 B and the at least one electrical connector  709 B in an instance in which a size or position of the battery component exceeds a battery bulge threshold. Thus, in many examples, due to the relative position of the battery connector(s) (e.g., battery connector  711 A) and the electrical connector(s) (e.g., electrical connector  709 B), the mobile device  700 B will not receive power from the battery component  701 B in an instance in which it is likely damaged, thereby mitigating a potential safety hazard and providing a passive fault detection/automatic alerting system to notify the end user/operator about the condition of the battery component  701 B. 
     While  FIG.  7 A  and  FIG.  7 B  provide example views of a mobile device  700 A and  700 B, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in  FIG.  7 A  and  FIG.  7 B . In some examples, an example mobile device may comprise one or more additional and/or alternative elements, and/or may be structured/positioned differently than those illustrated in  FIG.  7 A  and  FIG.  7 B . 
     Utilizing the techniques and apparatuses discussed here, an effective system for detecting battery faults and automatically disconnecting battery components is provided. The example mobile devices and battery components are inexpensive and easy to manufacture and produce. Moreover, the apparatuses and systems described herein do not require additional and/or expensive sensing elements or components in order to effectively prevent the use of damaged battery components (e.g., lithium-ion batteries). 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.