Slidable Handle Ejection Mechanism for IC Card Tray Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit card (IC card) readers face jamming issues due to varying card sizes and thicknesses, particularly when user-modified SIM cards are inserted, requiring high force to eject, which can damage the device and lead to co-planarity problems.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a tray and a slidable handle that can be ejected to an extended open position using a spring or lever mechanism, allowing easy removal of IC cards without applying excessive force to the tray, thus avoiding jamming and potential damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high force is applied to eject IC cards from the tray, then the cards can be removed even when jammed, but the card tray may bend or solder joints may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: a handle that can be ejected by a weak spring, and a card tray that remains stationary. This segmentation allows the ejection force to be applied only to the handle, not the entire tray assembly, preventing structural damage while still enabling card removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle acts as an intermediary element between the ejection mechanism and the IC cards. Instead of directly ejecting the cards or the entire tray, the spring-loaded handle provides a mechanical interface that transfers ejection force in a controlled manner, reducing the risk of damage to the tray and solder joints.
2Strength
If a weak spring is used to eject only the handle, then device damage is avoided, but the card tray cannot be ejected if cards are jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is extracted as a separate ejection component from the card tray assembly. This allows the weak spring to eject only the handle, which is sufficient for normal card removal, while the tray remains stationary and structurally safe. The handle's separation enables independent ejection without compromising the tray's structural integrity.
3Power
If the handle is connected rigidly to the tray, then ejection force is transmitted effectively, but co-planarity problems occur due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the handle and tray is made dynamic rather than rigid. The handle can slide along the tray's guide rails, allowing it to move independently during ejection. This dynamic connection transmits ejection force effectively for handle movement while preventing excessive force from being transmitted to the tray, thereby maintaining co-planarity.
4Ease of operation
If the handle extends far from the tray in the open position, then card removal is easier, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to nest within or alongside the tray structure when in the closed position, minimizing the device's overall footprint. When ejected, the handle extends outward to provide adequate clearance for card removal, then retracts back into its compact position, achieving both ease of operation and space efficiency.
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 solution enables easy and reliable removal of IC cards, reducing the risk of device jamming and maintaining co-planarity, while using a weaker spring to eject only the handle, avoiding the need for high-force ejection that could bend the card tray or create solder joint issues.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector configured to eject the handle to its extended open position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is described. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tray configured to carry at least one integrated circuit card; a handle connected to the tray in a slidable manner and having a shortened closed position and an extended open position with respect to the tray. Further, the apparatus comprises an ejector configured to eject the handle to its extended open position. In the extended open position, the handle extends away from the tray.