Magnetic Read Head Holder with Elastic Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic card reader designs face challenges in creating a compact, cost-effective, and easily assembled device for holding the magnetic read head, while ensuring good contact with the magnetic stripe and reliable electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
A compact holding part with a flat perforated surface and zigzag shape, integrated with metallic side uprights and attachment points, allows for elastic deformation to maintain contact with the magnetic stripe and facilitates easy assembly by connecting to the motherboard through a support element soldered to the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact retaining piece is designed for the magnetic read head, then the size and manufacturing cost of the terminal are reduced, but the ability to ensure good contact between the magnetic head and the magnetic stripe during reading is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining piece is divided into multiple functional segments: a base portion for mounting, lateral supports for positioning, and an elastic portion for maintaining contact. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while keeping the overall structure compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining piece incorporates an elastic portion that can dynamically adjust its deformation state. During card insertion, the elastic portion deforms to accommodate the card's movement, then returns to its original position to maintain consistent contact pressure between the magnetic head and the magnetic stripe, ensuring reliable reading throughout the card's translational movement.
2Reliability
If a complex device is used to secure the magnetic read head housing, then good contact and positioning are achieved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single retaining piece: the base portion provides mounting attachment points for securing to the motherboard, the lateral supports provide positioning and guidance, and the elastic portion provides contact maintenance. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining piece is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs mounting, positioning, and contact maintenance functions. The base portion serves both as a structural support and as a mounting interface with attachment points, while the lateral supports provide both mechanical guidance and positional stability.
3Ease of operation
If the retaining piece is designed to allow movement and tilt of the magnetic head, then contact during reading is maintained, but the structural stability and precision of the head positioning are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the retaining piece have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The base portion is designed with rigid attachment points for stable mounting to the motherboard, the lateral supports provide constrained guidance for precise positioning, while only the elastic portion is designed to be deformable for contact adaptation. This localized differentiation maintains overall stability while enabling necessary flexibility.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and easily assembled magnetic read head holder that ensures reliable contact with the magnetic stripe and excellent electrical grounding, enhancing the overall performance and user experience of the magnetic card reader.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic deformation of the metal piece causes the magnetic read head to pivot around an axis passing through the mounting holes in the base
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic read head measures the polarization of the magnetic particles during this translational movement to derive digital information
Implementation Method 3
the support element is soldered to the motherboard, thus enabling easy mounting
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a component for holding a magnetic reading head, and to a slotted magnetic card reader comprising a magnetic reading head held by such a component. The holding device thus consists of a single component exhibiting at least one perforated plane surface substantially of the same length and same width as the rear face of the housing of the reading head. The single component also exhibits two surfaces perpendicular to said perforated plane surface which form two mutually parallel lateral uprights intended to clamp the housing of the magnetic reading head, and at least one attachment point.