Composite Card Structure with Foldable USB Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card-type devices with USB interfaces are unable to be thinner than 4.5mm due to standard specifications, preventing compatibility with thinner cards like smart cards, credit cards, and business cards, and fail to maintain stable electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A composite card-type structure with a foldable and separable design that integrates a USB interface and smart card specifications, featuring a movable support pad and sliding member to ensure electrical connectivity with both card readers and USB ports, even with a thinner integrated circuit module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard USB Series A male connector is used, then USB data transfer functionality is achieved, but the thickness cannot be reduced below 4.5mm, preventing compatibility with thinner cards
Solution Approach 1:
The USB connector is divided into two separate components: a female connector embedded in the card and a male connector in the reader. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling the card to be thin while maintaining full USB functionality through the combined interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The female USB connector is nested within the card structure, with its carrier integrated into the card body. The male connector in the reader then mates with this embedded female connector, creating a nested configuration that allows the card to maintain thin profile while providing complete USB connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the card thickness is reduced to match smart card dimensions, then compatibility with smart card readers is achieved, but stable electrical connection with USB ports cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into two parts: metal contacts on the card for smart card reader compatibility, and a female USB connector for reliable USB data transfer. This segmentation allows each connection interface to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The card interface is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both smart card metal contacts and USB connector elements in a single thin structure. This universal design enables the card to interface with both smart card readers and USB ports, maintaining electrical connection stability for both connection types.
3Length of stationary object
If a thin integrated circuit module is used, then card thickness is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex to maintain stable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The card structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated thin module: the substrate, metal contacts, female USB connector, and support elements are combined into one cohesive structure. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to using separate components while maintaining thin profile and stable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The card uses a flexible thin film structure for the carrier and support elements, allowing the entire assembly to be made extremely thin while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible nature of these thin film components enables them to conform to the thin profile requirements without compromising connection stability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composite card-type structure (1) comprising an integrated circuit module (10) and a carrier (20). The carrier's height (20H) exactly matches a card reader's (4) height (4H). The composite connector's metal contacts are securely and electrically connected to the reader when the carrier with the integrated circuit module mounted is inserted into the reader. A support pad (212) which is removed out of the carrier and toward the carrier's lower surface has its length (212L) exactly matching the height (31H) of a USB port (31) in a computer (3) in order to reliably sustain a supporting segment and make the composite connector's metal contacts electrically connected to the USB port when a driven structure is shifted to a default direction under effect of a user's force.