Card Edge Connector Detecting Contacts and LED Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card edge connectors for memory cards require significant insertion force and lack a clear indication of proper insertion, causing user inconvenience and confusion.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector with a detecting function, featuring a pair of rotatable ejectors and spring-loaded detect pins that engage with the memory card to activate an LED indicator, ensuring proper insertion and easy ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the number of gold fingers and contacts is increased to broaden signal transmission channels, then signal transmission speed is improved, but insertion force required becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent contact units (gold fingers) arranged in parallel rows. Each contact unit operates independently, allowing the force distribution to be spread across multiple points rather than concentrated, thus enabling high contact density without requiring excessively large insertion force.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates elastic deformation capability in the housing and contact structures. When memory card is inserted, the housing and contacts dynamically deform to accommodate the insertion force, then maintain stable electrical connection. This dynamic response allows the connector to handle increased number of contacts without linearly increasing insertion force requirement.
2Reliability
If high insertion force is required to insert memory card into central slot, then contact reliability is improved, but user awareness of proper insertion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates an LED indicator that provides visual feedback to the user about insertion status. When the memory card is properly inserted and makes good contact, the LED illuminates to confirm correct positioning. This feedback mechanism allows users to easily determine whether insertion is complete and proper, eliminating confusion even when high insertion force is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED indicator uses color changes (illumination vs. non-illumination) to communicate insertion status. This visual signal provides intuitive feedback without requiring user interpretation of mechanical feel or force magnitude, making it easy to understand whether the memory card is properly seated.
3Ease of operation
If detecting contacts and LED indicator are added to provide insertion feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting contacts are integrated into the existing connector housing structure rather than being separate components. The LED indicator is embedded within the housing and electrically connected to the detecting contacts through existing signal paths. This merging approach adds detection functionality while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting contacts serve multiple functions: they detect the presence and position of the memory card, trigger the LED indicator, and can potentially provide additional signal transmission channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 provides a clear visual indication of correct memory card insertion through an LED light, reducing insertion force requirements and enhancing user experience by simplifying the insertion process.
Implementation Method 1
the detecting contacts have spring and are moveable relatively each other
Implementation Method 2
Furthermore LED is combined with the detecting contacts for testing if the memory card is inserted in the connector or not
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector for mating with a memory card includes a longitudinal insulative housing, a plurality of contact terminals received in the insulative housing, at least one pair of ejectors and two detect pins having spring and being moveable relatively each other. The ejectors are moveable between locking station and release station. One of the detect pins defines an engaging portion protruding into an inserting slot of the insulative housing for engaging with a bottom edge of the memory card and pushing the detect pins to connect disconnect with each other. Furthermore LED is combined with the detect pins for testing if the memory card is inserted into the connector.