Card Reader Sealing Member Design for Waterproof Locking Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card readers face issues with the design of sealing members that hinder the proper operation of locking mechanisms due to complex transformations, leading to reduced followability and potential liquid ingress in waterproof areas.
Innovation Solution
A card reader design featuring a locking member on the front side of the partitioning portion with a driving mechanism on the depth side, utilizing a sliding member that moves linearly in the front-rear direction, and a simplified sealing member with a cylindrical cover portion that extends and contracts to seal openings, allowing for easier movement and reduced power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover member is attached to the locking lever and rotates with it, then the waterproof area is sealed, but the cover member transforms in a complicated manner reducing followability and affecting locking lever movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into two independent functional parts: a bellows-shaped cover member that expands and contracts axially to seal the waterproof area, and a separate sealing member that maintains the waterproof seal. This segmentation allows the locking lever to rotate without the cover member undergoing complex transformations, as the sealing function is distributed across multiple simpler components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is designed with a bellows shape that allows dynamic expansion and contraction in the axial direction to accommodate the locking lever's movement. This dynamic structure enables the cover member to follow the locking lever's motion while maintaining the waterproof seal, eliminating the need for complex transformations during rotation.
2Ease of operation
If the cover member is made thinner to reduce transformation complexity, then followability improves, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented between the bellows-shaped cover member and a separate sealing member. The cover member provides structural support and axial flexibility, while the sealing member ensures effective sealing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the sealing member being thin and flexible for good followability while maintaining sealing effectiveness through its material properties and design.
3Power
If the locking mechanism is placed on the front side with driving source on the depth side, then the design is simplified and power requirements are reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from a planar rotation-based locking system to a three-dimensional system where the locking lever rotates on the front side while the driving source operates on the depth side. This dimensional separation allows the driving source to be positioned in a different spatial plane, reducing the power required for operation while the connecting structure manages the complexity through optimized mechanical linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
A card reader may include a main body frame comprising a bag-shaped card holding portion and a partitioning portion; a case body; a locking member; a driving mechanism; and a sealing member. The locking member may be provided on the front side of the partitioning portion. The driving mechanism may include a driving source and a power transmission mechanism. The driving source and the power transmission mechanism or the power transmission mechanism may include a sliding member. An opening may be formed in the partitioning portion. The sealing member may include a seal body portion, and a cylindrical cover portion. A through hole may be formed to penetrate the seal body portion. A first end of the cover portion is connected to the seal body portion. The sliding member may penetrate through the cover portion. The cover portion may extend and contract in the front-rear direction.