Card Connector Flat Spring Slider Momentum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional card connectors require a large number of components, including coil springs, which increases complexity and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A card connector design that uses a flat spring instead of coil springs, reducing the number of components by utilizing a slider and cover with a flat spring that elastically abuts the slider to manage momentum and prevent card ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coil springs are used to urge the slider and suppress momentum, then the card connector can maintain card engagement, but the number of components increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple coil springs into a single flat spring component. The flat spring integrates the urging function (to push the slider to the card insertion position) and the momentum suppression function (to prevent the slider from moving to the card removal position) into one element, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining reliable card engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The flat spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an urging member to maintain card engagement, a momentum suppressor to prevent premature card ejection, and a structural element connecting the cover to the slider. This multi-functionality reduces component count while preserving the reliability needed for card engagement
2Reliability
If multiple elastic components are used to manage slider movement, then card engagement is maintained, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple elastic components into a single flat spring structure that is integrated with the cover. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for installing multiple springs, as the flat spring is already positioned and configured within the cover assembly, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining reliable card engagement
3Reliability
If coil springs are used to suppress slider momentum, then card ejection is prevented, but component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the momentum suppression function, previously requiring separate coil springs, into the flat spring component. The flat spring's elastic properties enable it to absorb and dissipate the slider's momentum during card insertion, preventing card ejection while reducing the quantity of components needed
Solution Approach 2:
The flat spring performs multiple functions including momentum suppression, urging the slider to the correct position, and maintaining structural integrity. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate elements, reducing component count while ensuring prevention of card 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
The design reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly, and prolongs the life of the flat spring by distributing load through elastic deformation, while maintaining effective card engagement and preventing spring-out.
Implementation Method 1
the flat spring of the cover elastically abuts on the slider, on the removal direction side relative to the first position, making it possible to suppress the momentum to move the slider in the removal direction
Implementation Method 2
The urging member is configured to urge the slider located at the first position in the removal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A card connector including a body, a slider in the body, an urging member, and a cover. The body has a slot for insertion and removal of a card. The slider is slidable, together with the card, at least between a first position and a second position inside the body. The second location is on a card removal direction side relative to the first position. The urging member is configured to urge the slider located at the first position in the removal direction. The cover includes a cover body, which is fixed to the body so as to cover the slot, and a flat spring, which extends from the cover body. At least part of the flat spring is so disposed inside the body as to be elastically abuttable on the slider, on the removal direction side relative to the first position, from a card insertion direction side.