Payment Card Reader Protective Flap With Elastic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transaction card reading systems with protective shutters are complex to manufacture, assemble, and prone to breakdowns, while also being bulky and expensive, due to the integration of numerous elements such as springs, sensors, and motors.
Innovation Solution
A transaction card reading system with a protective flap that uses an elastically deformable portion on a single-piece support element, allowing the flap to move between open and closed positions without external springs, and is formed from a metallic blade and plate, simplifying production and assembly, and incorporating lifting pads for standard card detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective flap with external springs and mechanical return mechanisms is integrated into the card reader, then the insertion slot is protected from unauthorized access, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the return spring mechanism from the protective flap assembly and relocates it to the card reader housing. This separation allows the protective flap to be a simple, springless component that pivots on a single axis, while the housing contains the return spring that automatically resets the flap to its closed position. This extraction resolves the contradiction by eliminating complex integrated mechanisms while maintaining protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective flap mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the protective flap itself (a simple pivoting barrier), the pivot axis (providing rotational movement), and the return spring (providing automatic resetting). This segmentation allows each component to be simple and independent, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability of the protective function.
2Reliability
If multiple external components (springs, sensors, motors) are integrated into the protective flap mechanism, then the protective function is enhanced, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring is extracted from the protective flap assembly and mounted in the housing, transforming a complex integrated mechanism into simple, separable components. This allows the protective flap to be manufactured and assembled independently as a simple pivoting element, while the spring mechanism is separately installed in the housing, significantly improving ease of manufacture and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective flap mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the return spring, which automatically resets the flap to its closed position without requiring external power sources, sensors, or motors. This self-service mechanism eliminates complex electronic and mechanical subsystems, improving both manufacturability and reliability while maintaining the protective function.
3Ease of operation
If automated sensors and motorized opening mechanisms are added to the protective flap, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective flap is designed to open automatically when a card is inserted, using the card itself as the actuating force. The card's insertion movement directly pivots the protective flap open, eliminating the need for sensors or motors. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective flap is pre-positioned to be automatically displaced by card insertion, creating a preliminary action that opens the flap before the card needs to access the reader interior. This preliminary anti-action (pre-positioning the flap to be moved by card insertion) simplifies operation without requiring automated control systems.
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 system is more compact, easier to assemble, and less prone to breakdowns, while providing effective protection against unauthorized insertion of non-standard objects, with reduced friction on the chip and electrostatic discharge capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
unlocked position in which said protective flap is arranged at least partially outside said insertion slot, in a receiving housing arranged for this purpose in the reader (1)
Implementation Method 2
two lifting pads (216) spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to (or slightly less than) the width of a standard-size transaction card
Implementation Method 3
with reduced friction on the chip and electrostatic discharge capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a payment card reading system comprising: a payment card reader (1) comprising a slot (11) for inserting a payment card; and a protective flap (2) that is movable between two positions: a closed position, in which the flap shuts said insertion slot, and an open position, in which the flap is disposed at least partially away from said insertion slot. The protective flap (2) comprises a shutting element (22) mounted securely on a one-piece support element (21), said shutting element (22) being shaped and dimensioned to shut said insertion slot (11) in said closed position, said one-piece support element (21) comprising at least one elastically deformable portion (211) so as to allow the passage from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.