Flat-Extending Pins for Compact Magnetic Read Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic read heads in card readers are typically bulky due to their design focusing on function rather than size, which becomes a concern for portability as card readers become more mobile.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic read head is designed with 'flat' pins that extend horizontally instead of vertically, allowing the printed circuit board to be positioned flush with the base of the shield, reducing thickness and enabling the use of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) for improved manufacturing and noise insulation, while accommodating multiple read heads in a compact space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional vertical pins are used to connect the magnetic read head to the printed circuit board, then the connection is simple and reliable, but the thickness of the magnetic read head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning the pin orientation from the vertical dimension (perpendicular to the card reader surface) to the horizontal dimension (parallel to the card reader surface). This allows pins to extend from side openings in the shield rather than from the bottom, effectively reducing the thickness dimension while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional pin connection approach by having pins extend from the side surfaces of the shield rather than from the bottom surface. This inversion of the connection direction enables the printed circuit board to be positioned flush with the base of the shield, eliminating the need for vertical pin penetration and reducing overall thickness.
2Volume of moving object
If the magnetic read head is miniaturized for portability, then card reader portability improves, but manufacturing precision and noise insulation become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical through-hole pin connection system with a surface mount technology approach. Pins are soldered to the surface of the printed circuit board rather than passing through holes, which eliminates the need for precise hole alignment and drilling while achieving accurate component placement. This substitution enables miniaturization while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the pin connection system by transitioning from long vertical pins requiring through-hole drilling to shorter horizontal pins suitable for surface mounting. This parameter change in pin length, orientation, and mounting method enables reduced component size while improving placement accuracy through modern SMT processes.
3Productivity
If traditional vertical pin connections are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but noise insulation and manufacturing efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical through-hole pin connection system with surface mount technology, which eliminates the need for drilling and soldering through holes. This substitution improves manufacturing efficiency by enabling automated assembly processes while the resulting compact structure provides better noise insulation by reducing the exposure area of connection points.
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
This design reduces the thickness of the magnetic read head, enhances manufacturing efficiency, decreases costs, and increases placement accuracy, allowing for more compact and versatile card readers that can accommodate card swipes from multiple directions.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic read heads convert magnetic signals from the magnetic stripe to electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
a core of material with high magnetic permeability, sometimes arranged in a U-shape
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A magnetic read head includes a plurality of pins; circuitry for converting magnetic signals to electrical signals, where output of the circuitry is coupled to the plurality of pins; and a shield that encloses the circuitry, the shield having a front face through which magnetic signals pass to read the magnetic stripe, a base on a side of the shield opposite the front face, and one or more side surfaces between the base and the front face, and wherein the shield has an opening for each pin of the plurality of pins, wherein each pin is configured to pass through a respective opening, wherein the plurality of openings are positioned on the one or more side surfaces of the shield, where each pin extends from the shield along an axis that is parallel to a plane defined by the base of the shield.