Card Storage Ejector Mechanism and Gripping Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing card storage devices, such as wallets and purses, are cumbersome and time-consuming to use, with difficulties in inserting and retrieving cards, and there is a risk of cards falling out, necessitating a solution for comfortable, intuitive, and secure card access.

Innovation Solution

A card storage device with an ejector mechanism and gripping elements that space cards relative to each other, allowing easy access and preventing them from falling out, while being made from electromagnetically insulating materials to protect against electronic pickpocketing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If cards are stored in a compact arrangement in pockets, then space utilization is improved, but access time and ease of retrieval deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage compactnessVSAvoidcard retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the traditional flat pocket storage into a three-dimensional structure with multiple levels and tiers. Cards are arranged in staggered positions at different heights and depths, allowing users to access cards from various angles and levels, thereby reducing retrieval time while maintaining compact overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device is divided into multiple independent compartments, pockets, and slots that can be accessed separately. Each card or group of cards can be independently retrieved without disturbing other cards, enabling quick access to specific cards while maintaining a compact organized structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If multiple cards are stored in pockets, then storage capacity is improved, but the risk of cards falling out increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of cards storedVSAvoidcard retention security
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs elastic retaining bands, flexible clips, and spring-loaded mechanisms that conform to the shape of cards and provide adaptive retention force. These flexible elements securely hold multiple cards in place while allowing for easy insertion and removal, preventing cards from falling out during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining mechanisms incorporate dynamic elements such as springs and elastic materials that automatically adjust their retention force based on the number and size of cards inserted. This dynamic adaptation ensures secure holding of varying card quantities without requiring manual adjustment, maintaining reliability across different storage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional wallet structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation and user comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiduser comfort and intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is constructed from modular components including separate housing sections, independent card slots, and discrete retaining mechanisms. This modular segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced and assembled independently, while also enabling intuitive organization and operation for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates movable elements such as sliding trays, pop-up card holders, and spring-loaded ejectors that enhance user comfort and ease of operation. These dynamic features allow smooth card insertion and retrieval with minimal effort, making the device more intuitive to use while being manufactured using standard mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device provides comfortable and intuitive operation, easy access to cards, and secure storage, reducing the effort required to use it and preventing card loss, while also shielding against electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

the housing is made from a material that is electromagnetically and/or electrostatically insulating and/or shielding, for example, aluminium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic insulation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the housing is made from a material that is electromagnetically and/or electrostatically insulating and/or shielding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic shielding: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3714728B1Devices for storing one or more cards
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 SAMSONITE IP HLDG SARL
  • EP3714728B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3714728B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3714728B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A device 1 for storing one or more cards 4 comprises a housing 2 including an opening 3 for receiving one or more cards 4; an ejector mechanism 10 movable relative to the housing 2 to space the one or more cards 4 relative to one another; an actuator 13 configured to actuate the ejector mechanism 10; and one or more gripping elements 14 configured to hold the one or more cards 4 within the housing 2, the one or more gripping elements 14 being configured to be moved relative to the housing 2 by movement of the ejector mechanism 10 and/or the actuator 13.