Game Cartridge Terminal Layout for Compact, Low-Noise Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cartridges for information processing apparatuses, such as game consoles, are not optimized for size reduction while maintaining stable data communication and secure insertion/removal mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The cartridge design includes a terminal placement region with specific arrangements of terminals, such as placing clock and strobe terminals in one region and data input/output terminals in another, with long terminals like power supply or ground terminals adjacent to reduce noise interference and facilitate secure insertion/removal by preventing early contact between output terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If terminals are arranged in a conventional layout, then connectivity is maintained, but cartridge size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal placement region is divided into two distinct regions: a first region containing the clock terminal and first data input/output terminal, and a second region containing the strobe terminal and second data input/output terminal. This segmentation allows for optimized spatial arrangement that reduces overall cartridge size while maintaining functional integrity of each terminal group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes both first direction (insertion/removal direction) and second direction (perpendicular direction) for terminal arrangement. By positioning terminals at different locations along both directions and using long terminals that span across regions, the design achieves compact footprint without compromising connectivity or signal integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If terminals are placed closer together to reduce size, then cartridge volume decreases, but noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different arrangement strategies to different terminal types based on their electrical characteristics. Clock and data terminals are grouped in the first region, while strobe terminals are placed in the second region. Long power supply and ground terminals span across both regions to provide stable reference potentials, creating local electrical environments that minimize noise coupling between sensitive signal terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The long terminals (power supply and ground) act as intermediary elements that span across the first and second regions. These terminals provide stable electrical reference and shielding between the clock/data terminal group and the strobe terminal group, reducing electromagnetic interference and noise coupling while enabling compact overall arrangement.
3Volume of moving object
If output terminals are positioned for compact arrangement, then cartridge size reduces, but secure insertion/removal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clock terminal (input terminal) is positioned in the first region closer to the insertion direction, while the strobe terminal (output terminal) is positioned in the second region. This preliminary arrangement ensures that during insertion, the input terminal makes contact first, establishing proper signal flow before output terminals engage. During removal, the output terminal disengages first, preventing feedback loops and ensuring secure, controlled connection status changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge may be inserted into a cartridge insertion slot of a game apparatus in a first direction. The cartridge may include: a terminal placement region that includes four groups of terminals configured to electrically connect to terminals in the cartridge insertion slot of the game apparatus. Each group of terminals may include a first terminal that extends longitudinally in the first direction and two second terminals that extend longitudinally and are positioned sequentially in the first direction, the first terminal and the two second terminals being positioned sequentially in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. Each group of terminals may be arranged sequentially in the second direction.