Memory Card Adaptor Vertical Insertion Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory card adaptors for cellular phones require the battery to be removed for insertion, are prone to dust infiltration, and can only accommodate one memory card, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential incorrect insertion due to directional requirements.
Innovation Solution
A memory card design with an interface terminal at the central portion of the card body and an attachment mechanism at the outer peripheral portion, allowing vertical insertion without battery removal, and a memory card adaptor with a card-receiving recess configured for face-down insertion and a lock mechanism for secure attachment, enabling multiple memory cards to be stacked without directivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the memory card is inserted horizontally as in conventional adaptors, then the interface terminal can contact the socket, but the battery must be removed and dust can infiltrate the adaptor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional insertion orientation by changing from horizontal insertion to vertical insertion. The interface terminal is positioned at the center of the first major surface, and the socket is positioned at the center of the bottom surface of the card-receiving recess, enabling the memory card to be inserted vertically with the first major surface facing downward, thereby eliminating the need to remove the battery and preventing dust infiltration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adaptor is configured to receive only one memory card, then the structure is simple, but multiple adaptors are needed for multiple memory cards increasing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the adaptor with a card-receiving recess that can vertically stack multiple memory cards (e.g., two cards: first and second memory cards). The lock mechanism can simultaneously secure multiple cards, and the socket can contact interface terminals of different cards through vertical stacking, enabling one adaptor to serve multiple memory card functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement of memory cards to vertical stacking arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the adaptor can accommodate multiple memory cards stacked vertically within the card-receiving recess, increasing capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint or requiring multiple separate adaptors.
3Reliability
If the memory card has directivity for correct insertion, then the interface terminal contacts the socket properly, but the card may be inserted incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design elements to ensure correct insertion orientation. The attachment mechanism includes asymmetric features such as a latch that engages with a locking groove in a specific orientation, and the interface terminal position relative to the card body creates an asymmetric configuration that only fits correctly when inserted in the proper vertical orientation with the first major surface facing downward.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory card includes a card body, an interface terminal and an attachment mechanism for detachably mounting the card to an adaptor of an electronic device. The interface terminal is disposed at a central portion of a major surface of the card body. The attachment mechanism is located at an outer peripheral portion of the card body that surrounds the central portion. The adaptor has a recess whose shape complements that of the major surface of the card body, and socket exposed at a central portion of the bottom of the recess. Thus, the memory card may be inserted face down into the adaptor.