Card Reader Detection Switch Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional card readers require a complex structure in the host device to detect detachment, including an abutting protruded part for pushing a sheet switch, which complicates the host device's design.
Innovation Solution
A card reader with a detection switch and a sealing member featuring a pressing protruded part that presses the detection switch's pressed part, allowing for reliable detection even without an abutting protruded part in the host device, and preventing erroneous switching and water penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an abutting protruded part is formed in the host device to push the sheet switch, then the detection mechanism can detect detachment, but the structure of the host device becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the host device push the detection switch (conventional approach), the sealing member itself is designed with a pressing protruded part that pushes the detection switch. This inverts the role from host device to card reader component, eliminating the need for abutting protruded part in the host device while maintaining reliable detection
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is given multiple functions: it not only prevents water penetration but also includes a pressing protruded part that acts as a detection mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate detection components in the host device, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining detection capability
2Ease of manufacture
If the host device structure is simplified by removing the abutting protruded part, then the host device becomes easier to manufacture, but the detection switch may not be reliably pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing protruded part is pre-formed on the sealing member during its manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that when the sealing member is installed, the detection switch is automatically pressed without requiring additional host device components, maintaining reliable detection while simplifying host device assembly
3Device complexity
If the detection switch is exposed without a sealing member, then the structure is simpler, but water can penetrate to the detection switch causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member simultaneously provides water protection and detection switch actuation. By integrating the pressing protruded part into the sealing member, the patent eliminates the need for separate detection components while maintaining waterproofing, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing complexity and water protection
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and detection function are merged into a single component (the sealing member with pressing protruded part). This combination reduces the number of separate components needed while ensuring both water protection and reliable detection switch activation
Data Source
AI summary
A card reader which is attached and used in a host device may include a detection switch disposed on the card reader side attaching face and structured to detect whether the card reader has been detached from the host device; and a first sealing member disposed so as to be sandwiched between the host device side attaching face and the detection switch, the first sealing member covering the detection switch and being structured to prevent penetration of water to the detection switch. The detection switch may include a pressed part and is structured to turn to “ON” or “OFF” when the pressed part is pressed. The first sealing member may be formed with a pressing protruded part structured to press the pressed part.