IC Contact Block Structure for Scratch-Resistant Metal Card Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card readers designed for vinyl chloride cards are prone to scratches and abrasion when processing metal cards due to the use of a resin IC contact block, which can lead to reduced operability and failure in contacting the external connection terminal.
Innovation Solution
The card reader incorporates a metal or ceramic card abutting member that is harder than resin, mounted separately on a resin block body, and moves between contact and retreat positions, with regulating protrusions and pins to stabilize and secure the abutting member, preventing scratches and abrasion on the card surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a resin IC contact block is used, then the card reader can process vinyl chloride cards, but the card abutting surface is prone to scratches and abrasion when processing metal cards
Solution Approach 1:
The IC contact block is divided into two separate components: a resin block body and a card abutting member. The card abutting member is made of a material harder than resin (such as metal or ceramic) and is mounted on the resin block body. This segmentation allows the resin block body to maintain compatibility with vinyl chloride cards while the harder card abutting member prevents scratches and abrasion on metal cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The IC contact block uses a composite structure combining resin and a harder material (metal or ceramic). The resin block body provides flexibility and compatibility with vinyl chloride cards, while the harder card abutting member provides wear resistance and scratch prevention for metal cards. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between adaptability and harmful factors.
2Reliability
If the card abutting surface is scratched, then the card reader can still operate, but the operability is reduced and the IC contact springs may fail to contact the external connection terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The card abutting member is made of a material harder than resin specifically to prevent scratches and abrasion before they can occur. By using a harder material for the card abutting surface, the invention preemptively counteracts the harmful effect of scratching, thereby maintaining reliable operation and preventing contact failures with external connection terminals.
3Device complexity
If the IC contact block is made of resin, then the configuration is simple, but the card abutting surface cannot resist scratches from metal cards
Solution Approach 1:
The IC contact block is segmented into a resin block body and a separate card abutting member. This segmentation allows the use of different materials with different properties: resin for the block body (maintaining simplicity and flexibility) and a harder material for the card abutting member (providing scratch resistance). The segmented structure resolves the contradiction between device complexity and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the card abutting member, which is the specific part that contacts the card surface, is made of a harder material. The rest of the IC contact block body remains made of resin. This local quality approach provides scratch resistance exactly where needed while maintaining the overall simplicity and flexibility of the resin structure, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and strength.
Data Source
AI summary
In this card reader, an IC contact block includes a resin block body to hold a plurality of IC contact springs, and card abutting members formed with card abutting surfaces on which an end surface on a back side of a card abuts, formed separately from the block body, and mounted on the block body. Each card abutting member is made of a material harder than resin.