Card Tray Connector Slidable Bolt Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card tray connector assemblies for electronic devices lack efficient mechanisms for securely locking and easily ejecting card trays under a biasing force, often requiring complex cam mechanisms and shape memory alloy actuators that are costly and prone to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A card connector assembly featuring a tray guiding mechanism with a slider, pin member, latch, and actuator, where the actuator includes a bolt and shape memory alloy wire that, when heated, releases the latch, allowing the biasing force to eject the card tray, and a retractable module with biasing members to lock and unlock the latch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex cam mechanism and shape memory alloy actuator are used for locking and ejecting card trays, then the locking reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and alignment precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex shape memory alloy actuator with a simple solenoid actuator that converts electrical energy to mechanical motion. The cam mechanism is replaced with a straightforward bolt-latch engagement system guided by a slider, significantly simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining reliable locking and ejection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a solenoid actuator for activation, a slider for guidance, a bolt for engagement, and a latch for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while improving assembly flexibility.
2Reliability
If a complex cam mechanism and shape memory alloy actuator are used for locking and ejecting card trays, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex shape memory alloy actuator with a simple solenoid actuator, and replaces the cam mechanism with a straightforward bolt-latch engagement system. This reduces the number of moving parts and mechanical interactions while maintaining reliable locking and ejection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider component serves multiple functions: it guides the bolt's linear motion, activates the latch mechanism through its movement, and provides structural support for the entire locking assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
3Reliability
If a complex cam mechanism and shape memory alloy actuator are used for locking and ejecting card trays, then the locking reliability is improved, but the alignment precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cam mechanism with a slider-guided bolt system where the slider provides inherent alignment through its linear guides or bushings. This eliminates the need for precise cam surface machining and alignment, as the slider's linear motion path automatically ensures proper positioning of the bolt relative to the latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider acts as an intermediary component between the solenoid actuator and the latch mechanism. It absorbs and compensates for manufacturing tolerances and misalignments, ensuring that the bolt engages the latch reliably without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the connecting components.
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
This solution provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective mechanism for securely locking and easily ejecting card trays, enhancing the operational simplicity and reliability of electronic device connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes a bolt slidably mounted in the main body, and the slider is moveable by the card tray to move the pin member and the latch against a biasing force to lock the latch to the bolt
Implementation Method 2
A biasing member or coil spring is accommodated inside the tray guiding mechanism to provide biasing force in a compressed state which biases the sliding member towards the rear end portion
Data Source
AI summary
A card connector assembly includes: an electrical connector (100) including a main body, plural contacts in the main body, and a tray guiding mechanism, the tray guiding mechanism including a slider (17), a pin member (19) coupled between the slider and the main body, a latch (20) moveable with the pin member, and an actuator; and a card tray (200) moveable together with the slider in the main body; wherein the actuator includes a bolt (16) slidably mounted in the main body, and the slider is moveable by the card tray to move the pin member and the latch against a biasing force to lock the latch to the bolt.