Card Connector Buffering Member for Ejection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional card connectors lack a buffering mechanism to prevent cards from flying off during rapid ejection, and existing buffering solutions complicate the structure and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A card connector design featuring a resilient buffering member integrated with the locking arm and a stop wall to slow down card ejection, preventing the card from flying off and simplifying the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional buffering mechanism is added to the card connector, then the card ejection speed can be controlled and the card can be prevented from flying off, but the structure and manufacturing process of the card connector will be greatly complicated and the cost will increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard ejection controlVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffering member is integrated into the locking arm structure, combining the locking function and buffering function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate buffering mechanisms while achieving the same effect of controlling card ejection speed and preventing the card from flying off.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffering member utilizes the elastic deformation capability of the locking arm itself to provide buffering effect. When the card is rapidly ejected, the buffering member elastically deforms to absorb impact energy and slow down the card, without requiring external power sources or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a buffering mechanism is added to the card connector, then the card can be prevented from flying off during rapid ejection, but the manufacturing process will be complicated and cost will increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard ejection controlVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The buffering member is formed as an integral part of the locking arm through injection molding, combining two functions into one manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for buffering components, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the locking arm directly engages with the card without a buffering member, then the structure remains simple, but the locking arm might be crushed by the card when ejected at rapid speed due to big impact force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidlocking arm durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The buffering member is positioned at the front end of the locking arm to provide cushioning before the card can directly impact the locking arm during rapid ejection. This pre-positioned cushioning element absorbs impact energy through elastic deformation, protecting the locking arm from crushing while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The buffering member effectively prevents card ejection at high speeds without increasing the connector's complexity or cost, ensuring stable card removal and protecting the locking arm from impact.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient buffering member protruding forwardly beyond the slider... The stop wall is capable of resisting against the resilient buffering member so as to slow down the first card when the first card is quickly ejected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member for urging the slider... The card is capable of being inserted into or ejected from the card connector through the push-push mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8870584B2Card connector with buffering member for preventing card from quickly ejecting

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 KUNSHAN JIAHUA ELECTRONICS

AI summary

A card connector includes an insulative housing with a first card receiving space, a number of first contacts extending into the first card receiving space, a push-push mechanism and a stop wall. The push-push mechanism includes a slider, an elastic member for urging the slider and a locking arm fixed to the slider. The locking arm includes a hook for locking a first card and a resilient buffering member protruding forwardly beyond the slider. The stop wall is located adjacent to an insertion opening of the first card receiving space. The stop wall is capable of resisting against the resilient buffering member so as to slow down the first card when the first card is quickly ejected along the card extraction direction. As a result, the first card can be prevented from flying off the card connector.