Inline Tray Assembly for Multiple Data Cards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices require multiple different connectors for various data cards, leading to increased costs and potential damage to cards due to cumbersome and space-consuming separate connection and retention footprints.
Innovation Solution
An inline tray assembly with a tray module and receptacle designed to accommodate multiple data cards, featuring complementary cavities and rails to prevent incorrect insertion and minimize damage, allowing for a single assembly to support various card formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different connectors are used for various data cards, then different card formats can be supported, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single universal connector design that can accommodate multiple card formats (full-size SIM, mini-SIM, micro-SIM, nano-SIM, and SD cards) through one multifunctional interface. This universal connector eliminates the need for multiple different connectors, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability to various card formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adapter mechanisms that allow smaller card formats to be nested within larger connector spaces. Adapters enable nano-SIM and micro-SIM cards to be inserted into connectors designed for larger formats, and similarly allow SD cards to be accommodated in the same connector structure. This nesting approach enables a single connector to handle multiple card sizes without requiring separate dedicated connectors for each format.
2Reliability
If separate connection and retention footprints are used for data cards, then card retention is achieved, but space is consumed and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function and retention function into a single integrated connector structure. The connector simultaneously provides both the electrical connection interface and the mechanical retention mechanism for data cards. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate connection and retention footprints, reducing the overall space required while maintaining reliable card retention through the unified design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data cards are forced into incorrect retention footprints, then connector versatility is achieved, but card damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements complementary cavity designs where each card slot has a specifically shaped retention footprint that precisely matches the corresponding card format. The cavities are locally optimized with specific geometries that accommodate full-size SIM, mini-SIM, micro-SIM, nano-SIM, and SD cards respectively. This local quality matching ensures that cards can only be inserted into the correct compatible slot, preventing forced insertion into incorrect footprints and thereby eliminating the risk of card damage while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preventive design features in the form of complementary cavities and retention footprints that physically prevent incorrect card insertion before damage can occur. The mismatched geometries of incompatible cards and slots create immediate mechanical resistance that stops users from forcing cards into wrong slots. This preliminary anti-action approach proactively prevents card damage by making incorrect insertion physically impossible rather than relying on user caution or post-damage repair mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An inline tray assembly (300) for receiving multiple data cards is shown. The tray assembly (300) can include: an inline tray assembly (300) including a tray module (302) configured to receive multiple different data cards and a tray receptacle (304). The tray module (302) has a first data card receiving cavity (306) for receiving a first data card (308) and a second data card receiving cavity (310) for receiving a second data card (312). The first and the second data card receiving cavities (306) and (310) are shown aligned along an x-axis, in compass (314). The tray receptacle (304) has an opening (316) or interface configured to receive the tray module (302). Advantageously, this structure provides an improved assembly capable of accepting two or more data cards in a small area and minimizes the possibility of damage to the data cards. Thus, a user can easily insert and place data cards in a device.