IC Card Connector Segmented Contact Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IC card connectors face challenges in accommodating IC cards with the same outer dimensions but different electrode pad arrangements, leading to improper contact force and potential deformation of the partition, which affects the electrical connection between the IC cards and electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
The IC card connector features a combined card accommodation portion with a partition member that separates the upper and lower sections, each equipped with specific contact terminal groups for different types of IC cards, ensuring proper contact force and preventing deformation by maintaining the partition's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the partition is pressed down by the card guide to accommodate SD cards, then SD cards can be mounted, but the contact portions of contact terminals essential only for MEMORY STICK PRO-HG Duo cards come into contact with the partition, causing the partition to be raised and reducing contact force for SD cards or deforming the partition
Solution Approach 1:
The contact terminals are divided into two distinct groups: contact terminals essential for both SD cards and MEMORY STICK PRO-HG Duo cards (first contact terminal group), and contact terminals essential only for MEMORY STICK PRO-HG Duo cards (second contact terminal group). This segmentation allows each group to serve its specific card type without interference, resolving the conflict between multi-card compatibility and contact force stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the card accommodation portion are designed with different functional characteristics. The upper card accommodation portion contains the first contact terminal group for common contact, while the lower card accommodation portion contains the second contact terminal group for HG-Duo specific contact. This local differentiation ensures that when SD cards are mounted, only the appropriate contact terminals are activated, preventing partition deformation and maintaining reliable contact force.
2Reliability
If notches or holes are formed in the partition to prevent contact portions from touching the partition, then contact force is maintained, but the strength of the partition is impaired and deformation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the partition structure with notches or holes, the contact terminals are segmented into two groups positioned in different card accommodation portions. This eliminates the need to compromise partition strength while maintaining proper contact force, as the contact terminals are naturally positioned to avoid unwanted contact with the partition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a combined card accommodation portion is used to accommodate multiple IC card types, then versatility is improved, but the complexity of contact terminal arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact terminals are segmented into two functional groups arranged in different card accommodation portions. This systematic segmentation simplifies the overall configuration by creating clear functional zones: the first contact terminal group for universal contact and the second contact terminal group for HG-Duo specific contact, making the complex multi-card support system more manageable and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The first contact terminal group serves a universal function by providing contact terminals essential for both SD cards and MEMORY STICK PRO-HG Duo cards. This multi-functional design reduces complexity by using a common contact terminal arrangement that works for multiple card types, while the second contact terminal group provides additional functionality specifically for HG-Duo cards.
Data Source
AI summary
In a card accommodation portion, an upper section (14U) provided with contact terminals (16ai) electrically connected to an SD card (SDC) detachably attached and a lower section (14D) provided with contact terminals (18ai) electrically connected to an HG-Duo card (22) or a Duo card (23) detachably attached are formed in a stacked manner.