Card Edge Connector Latch Release Using Lever Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card edge connectors require users to exert force on the card and operate additional mechanisms to release the latch, making it difficult to remove electronic cards without prior latch release.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector design featuring a releasing member with two levers and a moving member, where the levers are connected to the latch and the moving member, allowing the card to store energy upon insertion and release the latch when pulled out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the locking function is reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must exert force on the card and operate additional mechanisms to release the latch
Solution Approach 1:
The card edge itself performs the preliminary action of releasing the latch during the card removal process. When the card is pulled upward, its edge automatically engages with the lever to rotate the latch outward, eliminating the need for separate release operations by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the card's own removal motion to trigger the latch release. The card serves both as the object being removed and as the actuating element that releases the latch through its interaction with the lever mechanism during extraction.
2Ease of operation
If a connecting member extension is used, then the ease of operation improves for latch release, but the device complexity increases and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The lever serves multiple functions: it acts as a transmission element converting card insertion force to latch locking, and simultaneously serves as the release mechanism when the card is removed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate release components while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasing function is merged with the existing lever mechanism. The same lever that transmits force during insertion also enables release during removal, combining locking and releasing functions into a single integrated component rather than separate mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a transmission mechanism is added beside the connector, then the latch can be rotated outward for release, but the device complexity increases and requires user force on the card
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex transmission mechanism to actively rotate the latch outward for release, the invention inverts the approach: the latch is designed to be passively rotated outward by the simple upward motion of the card itself, reversing the traditional active release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex transmission mechanism is extracted and replaced by a simplified lever-card interaction system. The essential releasing function is extracted from the transmission mechanism and achieved through the direct mechanical interaction between the card edge and lever.
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
Enables easy removal of electronic cards without needing to open the latch first, as the stored energy drives the latch to rotate outward, simplifying the card removal process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component, the distal end of the lever is supported on the connector base through the elastic component
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector includes: a connector base having a card slot and plural terminals; a latch located at one end of the connector base for locking a card; and a releasing member. The releasing member includes two levers and a moving member, the levers are connected with the connector base in a pivoting manner, a first end of the lever is connected with the latch and an opposite second end of the lever is coupled to the moving member, wherein when the card is inserted into the slot and presses against the moving member downwards, the moving member drives the second ends of the levers to move downward, resulting in the first ends moving upwards to push the latch to lock with the card, and when the card is pulled out the moving member resets and drives the levers to release the latch from the card.