Card Connector Eject Mechanism for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card connectors face challenges in miniaturization due to their complex structures, which hinder their ability to securely hold cards in a fitted state and easily eject them in a soft manner.
Innovation Solution
A card connector design featuring a connector frame, movable eject member, and a swingable locking member that controls the locking function by engaging with the connector frame, allowing for secure card retention and easy ejection through a heart-shaped cam mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional eject mechanism with multiple components (pushing portion, engaging portion, spring portion) is used, then the card can be securely held and easily ejected, but the structure becomes complicated and difficult to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pushing portion and engaging portion into a single integrated eject member. The eject member includes a pushing portion for pushing the card and an engaging portion for engaging with the card's cutout, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining the card holding and ejection functions through the unified eject member that switches between first and second positions.
2Reliability
If a plate spring with locking portion is used to secure the card, then the card can be firmly held, but the effective size of the spring increases and complicates the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from a separate plate spring mechanism and integrates it into the eject member itself. The engaging portion of the eject member serves as the locking element that engages with the card's cutout. This extraction eliminates the need for a separate plate spring with U-shaped locking portion, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the card securing function through the integrated engaging portion.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for card ejection, then the locking function can be controlled, but the connector becomes difficult to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ejection and locking control functions into a single eject member that moves between first and second positions. The eject member integrates the pushing portion for ejection and the engaging portion for locking control. This consolidation reduces the number of moving parts and overall connector volume, enabling miniaturization while maintaining ease of operation through the position-switching mechanism.
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 solution enables a simple structure that securely holds cards in a fitted state and softly ejects them, facilitating miniaturization while ensuring reliable card connection and disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member swings due to engagement with the connector frame according to movement of the eject member
Data Source
AI summary
In a card connector for connection to a card, a connector frame defines a region allowing the card to be fitted therein and holds a contact adapted for contact with the card. For ejecting the card, an eject member is movable with respect to the connector frame and swingably holds a locking member having a locking function to lock the card. The locking member swings due to engagement with the connector frame according to movement of the eject member, thereby controlling the locking function.