Chip Card Retaining Mechanism with Movable Locking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chip card retaining mechanisms in electronic devices, such as mobile phones, occupy excessive space and are difficult to operate, requiring users to hold the device with one hand and manipulate the locking element with the other to install or remove the chip card, which limits device design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A chip card retaining mechanism featuring a receiving cavity within the device's housing and a locking member with a resisting portion and elastic arm, allowing for secure chip card retention and easy removal without excessive strain, minimizing space usage and eliminating the need for a large battery cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking element with a large deformable portion is used to hold the chip card, then the chip card can be securely retained, but the retaining mechanism occupies excessive space in the electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be movable within the receiving cavity rather than having a large deformable portion. It moves between a first position (locking the chip card) and a second position (releasing the chip card), providing secure retention with minimal space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a vertical deformation approach (large deformable portion moving upward) to a horizontal movement approach (locking member moving between positions within the cavity), reducing the height requirement and overall space occupation.
2Ease of operation
If the locking element has a large deformable portion that moves upward when operated, then the chip card can be released, but the mechanism becomes difficult to operate requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The operating portion is extracted from the locking member itself and implemented as a separate through-hole or opening in the housing, allowing users to insert a tool or finger to move the locking member without needing to grasp and manipulate the locking element directly.
Solution Approach 2:
A tool or finger acts as an intermediary to move the locking member through the operating portion. This mediator transfers the user's force to the locking member, simplifying the operation to a single-handed pushing or pulling motion.
3Ease of operation
If the locking element protrudes out of the mounting base to allow manual operation, then the chip card can be removed, but a large battery cover is required covering the retaining mechanism and battery
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the receiving cavity formed in the housing, with only the operating portion accessible through a hole in the housing. This nesting eliminates the need for the locking element to protrude externally, allowing the battery cover to be smaller and not need to cover the retaining mechanism.
4Reliability
If the locking element has a large deformable portion, then the chip card can be held and released, but there is insufficient space in the housing to arrange other attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The compact, movable locking member provides the necessary locking function within a minimal volume, freeing up space in the housing for other attachments such as digital cameras, speakers, and additional batteries, thereby increasing device versatility.
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
The solution provides a compact and user-friendly chip card retention system that allows for easy installation and removal of chip cards without straining the mechanism, enabling more efficient use of device space and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element 90 includes a fixing portion 901, an operating portion 903 and a deformable portion 905. When the operating portion 903 is pulled manually, the deformable portion 905 deforms and the fixing portion 901 moves away from the receiving groove 801
Data Source
AI summary
A chip card retaining mechanism for retaining a chip card (30) mounted in an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing (10) having a battery compartment (12) defined therein. The chip card retaining mechanism includes a receiving cavity (14) formed on the housing for receiving the chip card therein, and a locking member (20). The receiving cavity has an opening facing the battery compartment of the electronic device. The locking member is movably received in the receiving cavity with a first end thereof extending out of the opening. The locking member includes a resisting portion. The resisting portion is configured for abutting a first end of the chip card. The locking member configured for locking the chip card in the receiving cavity.