Multi-Standard Flash Memory Card Carrier with Spring-Clip Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The small size of newer-generation flash-memory cards, such as microSD and Memory Stick Micro, makes them prone to accidental loss due to their tiny dimensions, which can lead to data loss and security issues, as they can easily slip out of hands or get misplaced.
Innovation Solution
A credit-card-sized multi-standard flash-memory card carrier that accommodates both larger and smaller flash-memory cards, featuring spring-clip mechanisms to secure the cards in place, allowing up to 7 cards to be carried, including microSD and Memory Stick Micro cards, preventing accidental loss during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If flash-memory cards are made smaller to reduce physical size, then portability and storage capacity are improved, but the risk of accidental loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing micro flash-memory cards (microSD, M2) inside a credit-card-sized carrier that also holds standard-sized flash-memory cards (SD, Memory Stick). The carrier contains multiple compartments or slots that securely hold both form factors simultaneously, allowing the small cards to be 'nested' within the larger carrier structure. This resolves the contradiction by providing a protective container that prevents loss while maintaining the small size advantage of micro cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The credit-card-sized carrier acts as an intermediary object between the user and the small flash-memory cards. Instead of directly handling the tiny microSD or M2 cards that are prone to loss, the user interacts with the larger carrier that securely holds them. The carrier serves as a mediator that provides secure storage and easy retrieval while protecting the small cards from accidental loss during transport and storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flash-memory card standards are supported, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the carrier into distinct compartments or slots, each designed to hold a specific flash-memory card standard (microSD, M2, SD, Memory Stick). Each compartment is optimized for its specific card type, allowing the carrier to support multiple standards without requiring a complex adaptive mechanism. The segmentation approach simplifies the overall design by providing dedicated spaces for each card type rather than requiring a single complex accommodation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier achieves universality by being designed to hold multiple types of flash-memory cards simultaneously through its multi-compartment structure. Each compartment is tailored to a specific card standard, but the overall carrier functions as a universal storage solution that can accommodate any combination of supported card types. This allows the single carrier device to serve multiple purposes and support various card standards without requiring separate carriers for each type.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier is about the same size as a thick credit card and fits into a wallet. The multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier has bays that accept flash-memory cards. Larger bays on one side receive SD cards and a Memory Stick Duo card, while micro bays on another side of the carrier receive microSD cards and Memory Stick Micro cards. A carrier spine sandwiched between top and bottom covers has openings forming the bays. Spring-clip tabs on spring-clip fingers fit into notches on the side of the flash-memory cards to secure the flash-memory cards into the multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier to prevent loss. The spring-clip fingers are movable parts of the carrier spine that are deformed during insertion of the flash-memory cards. Both micro and standard flash-memory cards can be carried in the same multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier that can be placed in plastic sleeves for credit cards in a person's wallet.