Dual Card Reader Intersecting Planes Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile card readers are either limited to supporting either chip or magnet stripe cards, are bulky, and lack a robust and durable design suitable for carrying, with power management issues such as non-replaceable batteries or battery drain on attached mobile phones.
Innovation Solution
A dual card reader for mobile phones with a flat, compact design featuring intersecting planes for chip and magnet stripe readers, an exchangeable battery, and a connector positioned on a side wall, allowing for both card types to be read in a robust and easy-to-use format, minimizing volume and maximizing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual card reader supports both chip cards and magnet stripe cards, then card type versatility is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both chip card reader and magnet stripe reader into a single integrated device body. The chip card reader and magnet stripe reader are merged components that share the same housing and connector interface, allowing dual card type support without requiring separate devices. This merging approach achieves versatility while controlling complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The card reader is designed as a universal device capable of reading both chip cards and magnet stripe cards through a single connector interface. The device incorporates multiple reading functions (chip reading and magnet stripe reading) within one unit, eliminating the need for separate specialized readers and improving adaptability across different card types.
2Volume of moving object
If the card reader is made compact for easy carrying, then portability is improved, but structural robustness and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the chip card reader opening and magnet stripe reader slot in different spatial dimensions and orientations on the device body. The chip card reader has an opening in one face while the magnet stripe reader slot is positioned on a different face or plane, allowing both functions to coexist in a compact form factor without compromising structural integrity. This dimensional arrangement enables compactness while maintaining robustness through optimized spatial distribution of components.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the card reader uses an internal battery for power, then operational independence is improved, but power management complexity and potential battery drain on mobile phone increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into a separate, removable battery component that can be independently replaced. The battery is designed as a distinct module that can be detached and replaced without affecting other device components. This segmentation simplifies power management by allowing users to replace the battery independently rather than managing integrated power systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational independence.
4Length of moving object
If the card reader has a minimal thickness and narrow width, then ease of carrying is improved, but structural strength and protection of internal components deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The chip card reader and magnet stripe reader components are nested within the device body in a space-efficient arrangement. The readers are positioned in different planes and orientations, with one reader potentially positioned above or beside the other, maximizing space utilization. This nested arrangement allows minimal thickness and compact dimensions while maintaining sufficient structural strength through optimized component placement and housing design.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a card reader for use with a mobile phone comprising, a flat body comprising an upper side, a lower side and at least one side wall, a connector for connecting the card reader to a mobile phone, a chip card reader, comprising an elongated opening in a side wall of said card reader, adapted to read a chip card, positioned in a first plane, in said opening; and a magnet stripe reader comprising a slot in a side wall of the card reader, said slot being adapted to read a magnet stripe slid in the slot along a second plane; wherein the first plane and the second plane intersects.