Card Reader Lock Member Swing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing card readers with pulling-out prevention mechanisms face instability and inefficiency due to the inclination of the restriction pin under large loads, leading to incomplete retraction and unstable operation.

Innovation Solution

A card reader design featuring a pulling-out prevention member that can turn between closing and open positions, driven by a lock member with a swing support point, which prevents the pulling-out of cards by switching between locking and unlocking attitudes, reducing the need for high electric current and maintaining stability under external forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a restriction pin is linearly moved along a guide groove by a solenoid to prevent turning of the pulling-out prevention member, then the card pulling-out is prevented, but the pin may be inclined under large load causing unstable operation and incomplete retraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestable operation of pulling-out prevention memberVSAvoidstructure of lock member and guide groove

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock member is changed from a linearly moving pin to a swingable member that rotates about a swing support point. This dynamic structure allows the lock member to adapt to load variations without inclining, as the rotation mechanism naturally accommodates force vectors while maintaining proper engagement with the pulling-out prevention member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The linear guidance system (guide groove) is replaced with a rotational pivot system (swing support point). This substitution eliminates the need for precise linear guidance while providing stable locking through rotational movement, simplifying the overall mechanical structure and improving reliability under varying loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If a solenoid with free end plunger is used to drive the restriction pin, then the structure is simple, but the pin cannot be reliably retracted when strongly abutted by the pulling-out prevention member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of solenoid and restriction pinVSAvoidretraction of lock member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock member is designed to swing rather than move linearly, allowing it to rotate about a fixed swing support point. This dynamic motion enables the lock member to be reliably actuated by the solenoid without requiring precise linear alignment, and the swing mechanism ensures complete retraction by rotating the lock member clear of the pulling-out prevention member's path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the restriction pin is used to prevent turning of the pulling-out prevention member, then the card is secured, but the pin structure requires precise linear guidance which increases manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidguide groove and pin alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The linear guidance system (guide groove requiring precise alignment) is replaced with a rotational pivot system (swing support point). This substitution dramatically simplifies manufacturing as the swing support point only requires a simple rotation axis, eliminating the need for precision-machined guide grooves and aligned pin structures while maintaining reliable locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures reliable operation of the pulling-out prevention mechanism, reduces power consumption, and prevents card ejection even under large loads, enhancing the card reader's functionality and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a pulling-out prevention member formed in a lever shape and turnably provided between a closing position where a card moving passage is closed and an open position where the card moving passage is opened, and the pulling-out prevention member is urged toward the closing position by a torsion coil spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion coil spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

when energization to the solenoid is stopped, the restriction pin is linearly retreated from the position interfered with the pulling-out prevention member along the guide groove by an urging force of a compression coil spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression coil spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10026025B2Card reader

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 SANKYO SEIKI MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A card reader may include a fixed body having a card moving passage, a pulling-out prevention member supported by the fixed body and structured to turn between a closing position and an open position, and structured to prevent pulling-out of the card at the closing position, a first urging member which urges the pulling-out prevention member toward the closing position, a lock member to prevent turning of the pulling-out prevention member toward the open position, and a lock member drive mechanism. The lock member may be driven by the lock member drive mechanism and swung so as to be switched from one of an unlocking attitude permitting turning of the pulling-out prevention member toward the open position and a locking attitude interfering with the pulling-out prevention member and preventing turning of the pulling-out prevention member toward the open position to the other of the unlocking attitude and the locking attitude.