Card Connector Electro-Permanent Magnet Tray Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card connectors do not provide an easy operation mechanism for tray insertion and ejection, as they lack an effective magnetic attraction and release mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A card connector design utilizing an Electro-Permanent Magnet (EPM) with a soft and hard magnetic material configuration, where the magnetic field is enhanced or weakened by reversing the current direction to attract and release a tray, respectively, facilitated by a shielding shell with elastic beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a card connector uses traditional mechanical latching mechanisms for tray insertion and ejection, then the structural complexity is higher and operation is more difficult, but if an EPM is used to provide magnetic attraction and release, then the operation becomes easier and the device simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical latching mechanisms with an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) system that uses magnetic fields for attraction and release. The EPM can be energized or de-energized to control the magnetic force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical springs, levers, and latches while simplifying the overall device structure and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the ability of the EPM to change its magnetic field strength by varying the electrical current applied to it. By controlling the current parameter (energized vs. de-energized state), the magnetic attraction force can be adjusted to either hold the tray in place or release it, providing simple and effective control over tray operation without mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an EPM is used to attract and release the tray through current direction control, then tray operation becomes easier, but the need for precise magnetic field control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-permanent magnet system is designed to operate in binary states (energized/de-energized) that naturally correspond to the two primary operations needed (hold/release). The system self-regulates by switching between these stable states based on simple electrical control signals, eliminating the need for complex sensing and measurement systems to detect and adjust magnetic field precision.
3Ease of operation
If traditional elastic beams are used for tray latching, then the mechanism is simpler in theory, but the operation requires more force and is less user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical elastic beam latching with an electromagnetic field-based holding mechanism. The EPM can generate and release magnetic forces that are easier to control and require less user effort compared to mechanical spring-loaded elastic beams, which often require significant force to overcome the elastic resistance during tray ejection.
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
This design simplifies tray operation by controlling magnetic forces with current direction, ensuring stable card insertion and easy ejection, enhancing the usability and stability of the card connector.
Implementation Method 1
a card connector having an EPM (Electro-Permanent Magnet) 5
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field is enhanced or weakened by reversing the current direction to attract and release a tray
Data Source
AI summary
A card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a number of terminals (2) affixed in the insulative housing, a shielding shell (4) attached to the insulative housing to form a cavity (11), a tray (3) insertable in the cavity; and an EPM (5) affixed in the insulative housing. The tray is attracted by the EPM under a first current in one direction during tray-insertion and released by the EPM under a second current in opposite direction during tray-ejection.