Card Tray Ejection and Detection Layout for PCB Space Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

The ejection mechanism and detection mechanism in electronic devices occupy a large on-board space of the circuit board, leading to low on-board space utilization and hindering further integration of the device.

Innovation Solution

A card tray and card holder apparatus is designed with the detection and ejection mechanism disposed on the card pressing cover, rather than directly on the circuit board, allowing for efficient use of on-board space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ejection mechanism and detection mechanism are located by the side of the card tray on the circuit board, then the mechanisms can function properly, but the on-board space utilization of the circuit board becomes low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of ejection and detection mechanismsVSAvoidon-board space utilization of circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the ejection and detection mechanisms from the circuit board plane to the card pressing cover structure. The lever is rotatably connected to the card pressing cover, and the detection portion is integrated into the card pressing cover, effectively moving these components to a different spatial dimension (from circuit board to cover assembly) while maintaining their functional integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The card pressing cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the card tray, integrates the detection mechanism through the detection portion, and supports the ejection mechanism through the lever connection. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate dedicated spaces for these mechanisms on the circuit board

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the ejection mechanism and detection mechanism occupy large on-board space, then the mechanisms can be properly implemented, but further integration of the electronic device is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation of ejection and detection mechanismsVSAvoidintegration capability of electronic device
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ejection and detection mechanisms from the circuit board system and integrates them into the card pressing cover assembly. This segmentation allows the mechanisms to be implemented within the cover structure rather than consuming circuit board real estate, thereby preserving integration flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detection portion and lever are nested within the card pressing cover structure. The lever is rotatably connected to the card pressing cover, and the detection portion is positioned within the cover, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration ensures proper functioning of the detection and ejection mechanism without occupying valuable circuit board space, thereby improving on-board space utilization and enabling further integration of the electronic device.

Implementation Method 1

the lever is rotatably disposed on the card pressing cover, a first end portion of the lever is disposed opposite an ejector pin hole of the electronic device, and a second end portion of the lever is disposed opposite the lever matching portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

the detection portion cooperates with the detection matching portion, and the detection portion is configured to detect a card tray state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical contact detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4266506B1Card holder apparatus and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4266506B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4266506B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4266506B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application discloses a card tray and card holder apparatus and an electronic device. The card tray and card holder apparatus includes a card pressing cover, a detection and ejection mechanism, a circuit board, a card tray, and a card holder. The card pressing cover is fastened to the circuit board, a first accommodating space is formed by the card pressing cover and the circuit board, and the card tray and the card holder are both disposed in the first accommodating space. The card tray includes a detection matching portion and a lever matching portion. The detection and ejection mechanism is disposed on the card pressing cover and includes a lever and a detection portion, where the lever is rotatably disposed on the card pressing cover, the detection portion is disposed on the card pressing cover, a first end portion of the lever is disposed opposite an ejector pin hole of the electronic device, and a second end portion of the lever is disposed opposite the lever matching portion, and the detection portion is able to cooperate with the detection matching portion to detect a card tray state, where the card tray state includes an installed state and a removed state.