Magnetic Reader Head Assembly Using Elastic Back-Press for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic card reader designs with extended wings increase the overall size of the device, making them unsuitable for compact applications and requiring larger compartments for enhanced security features, which further enlarges the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic reader head assembly using a frame with an elastic component, such as a metal plate spring or elastomer material, to apply pressure to the magnetic reader head compartment, eliminating the need for extended wings and allowing for a more compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extended wings are used to mount the magnetic head onto the card reader wall, then the magnetic head can be pressed against the magnetic stripe for good contact, but the overall size of the card reader increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the elastic component from the horizontal plane (extended wings) to the vertical dimension (back wall of the compartment). The elastic component is positioned at the back wall to push the magnetic head forward, transforming the mounting approach from horizontal extension to vertical compression, thereby reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining pressing force.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending wings outward from the sides to apply pressure, the patent inverts the approach by placing the elastic element at the back wall pushing forward. The force application direction is reversed from lateral (side-to-side) to longitudinal (back-to-front), achieving the same pressing function with a more compact structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger magnetic head compartment is used to house additional electronic and mechanical components for enhanced security, then security features are improved, but the size of the wings and overall assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (depth from back wall to front opening) to accommodate additional components and security features. By positioning the elastic component at the back wall and allowing it to push forward, the design creates efficient use of internal volume without requiring larger horizontal wings, enabling enhanced security features within a compact footprint.
3Reliability
If the pressure from the wings is increased to improve contact, then the magnetic head contacts the magnetic stripe better, but the user finds it difficult to slide the card and the stripe may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the elastic component (material selection, thickness, curvature) to optimize the pressing force. The elastic component is designed with specific physical properties that allow it to apply sufficient contact pressure for reliable data reading while remaining flexible enough to allow smooth card insertion and ejection, thus balancing contact quality with operational ease.
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 reduces the size of the magnetic head assembly, enabling it to fit into smaller spaces while allowing for a larger magnetic head compartment to accommodate additional electronic and mechanical components, enhancing security features without increasing the overall size.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic component is configured to be placed at the back side of the frame and to push the frame out in order to press the magnetic reader head compartment against a magnetic card stripe
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic reader head assembly includes a magnetic reader head compartment, a frame and an elastic component. The magnetic reader head compartment comprises electronic and mechanical components of the magnetic reader head. The frame has a front side and a back side and has a footprint matching the footprint of the magnetic reader head compartment. The front side is configured to attach to a back wall of the magnetic reader head compartment while allowing the magnetic reader head compartment to move out or retract from the frame. The elastic component is configured to be placed at the back side of the frame and to push the frame out in order to press the magnetic reader head compartment against a magnetic card stripe.