Card Reader Lock Member Dynamics for Stable Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manually operated IC card readers face issues with unstable data communication due to misalignment of the IC card, leading to potential communication errors, as the distance between the card insertion detection mechanism and the lock lever is difficult to control accurately, causing the card to be pulled out forcibly during data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A card reader design with a lock member that moves between a pulling-out prevention position and a feasible position, utilizing a control unit to detect insertion completion and activate the IC card, ensuring the lock member is positioned correctly to prevent forcible pulling-out and maintain stable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between the card insertion detection mechanism and the lock lever is made longer to ensure reliable card locking, then the card locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock lever is designed to move dynamically between a locked position (where it prevents card removal) and an unlocked position. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to card insertion without requiring precise fixed-distance control, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The card insertion detection mechanism provides feedback signals to the control unit, which then controls the lock lever positioning. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of the lock lever position based on actual card insertion status, eliminating the need for complex manual distance control while ensuring reliable locking.
2Reliability
If the lock lever is positioned to prevent card pulling-out during data communication, then data communication stability is improved, but the card insertion and removal operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock lever dynamically switches between locked and unlocked states based on communication status. During data communication, it locks to ensure stability; during insertion/removal operations, it unlocks to facilitate ease of operation. This temporal separation of functions resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates periodically - locking during communication phases and unlocking during operation phases. This periodic action allows the system to alternate between providing stability for data transfer and ease of operation for card handling, resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.
3Measurement precision
If the card insertion detection mechanism detection region is extended to improve detection accuracy, then the detection precision is improved, but the false detection rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple detection regions along the card insertion path. Instead of one large detection region, multiple smaller regions work sequentially, allowing the system to detect card insertion at specific critical points without triggering false detections from cards positioned elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
Different detection regions have different sensitivity characteristics optimized for their specific locations. The detection mechanism applies local quality by adjusting detection parameters according to the card's position in the insertion sequence, improving precision while reducing false detections.
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
Prevents forcible pulling-out of the IC card during data communication and reduces communication errors by accurately controlling the lock member's position, ensuring reliable data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor 108 that includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed oppositely to each other, and a light intercepting part 104b that is formed on the IC contact block 104. When the card 102 is inserted to the position where the external connection terminal 102a contacts with the IC contact springs 103, the light intercepting part 104b intercepts light traveling from the light emitting element to the light receiving element in the sensor 108.
Data Source
AI summary
A card reader may include a card passage where a card passed; a contact block including IC contact springs; a card insertion detection mechanism; a lock member; a lock member drive mechanism that moves the lock member between a pulling-out prevention position and a pulling-out feasible position; a lock member detection mechanism; and a control unit structured to control the card reader. The lock member may include a pulling-out prevention part. A distance between the front end of the IC card and the pulling-out prevention part may be shorter than a length of the IC card in the moving direction of the IC card. The control unit detects that insertion of the IC card has been completed the IC card has been inserted to the contact position and the lock member is located at the pulling-out prevention position.