Card Connector Anti-Misinsertion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The similarity in dimensions between smart cards and PCMCIA cards can lead to improper insertion into cardbus systems, causing system errors, necessitating an anti-misinsertion mechanism to prevent full insertion of cards with incorrect thickness.
Innovation Solution
An anti-misinsertion mechanism comprising a body, first and second pivotally connected links, where the first link acts as a detector for card thickness and the second link includes a stopper to prevent full insertion if the card is not of the correct thickness, with a recovering mechanism to return to its original position after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smart cards and PCMCIA cards have similar dimensions to allow simultaneous access, then versatility is improved, but misinsertion risk increases causing system errors
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-misinsertion mechanism performs preliminary detection of card thickness before allowing full insertion. The first link detects whether a partially inserted card has the correct thickness, and only if the detection is successful does the mechanism allow the card to be fully inserted into the cardbus. This preliminary action prevents misinsertion before it can cause system errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary anti-misinsertion mechanism between the card insertion process and the cardbus system. This mechanism includes detection components (first link) and control components (second link with stopper) that mediate whether the card can be fully inserted, thereby protecting the cardbus system from misinsertion errors while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If an anti-misinsertion mechanism is added to prevent misinsertion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-misinsertion mechanism is segmented into functionally independent components: a first link for detection, a second link for control, and a stopper element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, while the overall system achieves reliable misinsertion prevention through their coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dynamic, movable links that can pivot between different positions based on card thickness detection. The first and second links are rotatably connected, allowing the mechanism to adapt its configuration automatically - remaining simple when no card is present or when a correct card is inserted, and activating the stopper function only when misinsertion is detected.
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-misinsertion mechanism for a card connector defining a correct card connector thickness, the mechanism including: a body; a first link generally extending along the body, the first link including an actuator for actuating the first link to be rotated from a normal position toward an operating position upon detecting existence of the correct thickness of a partially-inserted card; and a second link provided with a stopper for selectively preventing full insertion of the card, the second link being pivoted to the body and operatively connected to the first link, thereby being rotatable between a normal position and an operating position relative to the normal and operating positions of the first link.