Compact Token Receptacle Footprint Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic token data carrier systems have a large footprint, which occupies valuable space on host devices and can be vulnerable to damage, making them difficult to repair and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A compact electronic token data carrier system with a token receptacle that minimizes its footprint by integrating the token's electrical components and contacts in a dense-packed configuration, allowing the token to be mounted onto or surrounding the receptacle, reducing the need for extra space and vulnerable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional electronic token systems use separate receptacles with extended components, then electrical connection and data transfer are achieved, but the footprint on the host device increases and vulnerability to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the token receptacle with the host device surface by integrating the electrical contacts directly into the host device housing. The receptacle is formed as an integral part of the host device rather than as a separate component, eliminating protruding parts and reducing the overall footprint while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The token is designed to be inserted into a recessed receptacle that is nested within the host device surface. The receptacle forms a cavity that receives the token, allowing the token to be housed within the host device's footprint rather than requiring external space. This nesting approach reduces the external footprint while maintaining all necessary electrical and mechanical interfaces.
2Ease of repair
If traditional token receptacles use extended components and protruding parts, then electrical contacts can be made, but the system becomes vulnerable to damage and difficult to repair
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are integrated directly into the host device housing rather than being separate components. This merging of the receptacle structure with the host device eliminates vulnerable protruding parts and makes the system more resistant to physical damage. The integrated design also simplifies repair since there are fewer separate components that can fail or become disconnected.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is pre-formed as an integral part of the host device housing during manufacturing. Alignment features and retention mechanisms are built into the receptacle structure beforehand, ensuring proper positioning and reducing the need for field adjustments or repairs. This preliminary integration protects the electrical contacts from damage that could occur during assembly or operation.
3Area of stationary object
If dense-packed electrical contacts are used in the token receptacle, then the footprint is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the alignment features between the token and receptacle. The token includes specific geometric features such as angled surfaces or asymmetric positioning elements that guide it into the correct orientation during insertion. This asymmetric guidance system ensures that even with dense-packed contacts, the alignment is achieved through mechanical guidance rather than relying solely on tight tolerances, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining compact footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic token system including a token receptacle and a portable token. The token receptacle includes a receptacle body with an outer surface having a first, generally planar array of electrical contacts, which are arranged in a dense-packed configuration that minimizes the surface area occupied by the planar array, consistent with sufficient electrical separation between adjacent contacts. The token receptacle also includes a first alignment feature and a first retention feature. The portable token includes an enclosure for enclosing at least a portion of the receptacle body, the enclosure having a second alignment feature for mating engagement with the first alignment feature and a second retention feature for holding the portable token in removable connection with the first retention feature. The token also includes a second, generally planar array of electrical contacts for electrical communication with the corresponding electrical contacts of the first planar array mounted in the token receptacle.