Memory Card Connector Blocking Feature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The incompatibility of different memory card standards leads to the risk of damaging contact pins when a memory card is inserted into a card reader configured for a different standard, causing mechanical stress and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A memory card connector with a blocking feature that prevents full insertion of incompatible memory cards by abutting against the chamfered edge of the card housing, ensuring that contact pins are not damaged, and allowing only compatible cards to establish full electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a memory card connector is designed to accept multiple memory card standards, then the adaptability of the connector is improved, but the risk of contact pin damage increases when incompatible cards are inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking feature is positioned to preemptively prevent incompatible memory cards from making contact with the contact pins. Before the card can be inserted far enough to cause damage, the blocking feature abuts against the card housing and stops further insertion, thereby preventing the harmful effect before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking feature acts as an intermediary element between the incompatible memory card and the contact pins. It intercepts the card during insertion and prevents direct contact between the card's contact fingers and the connector's contact pins, thereby protecting the pins from damage while still allowing compatible cards to pass through.
2Reliability
If a blocking feature is added to prevent incompatible card insertion, then contact pin protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking feature is integrated into the existing connector housing structure rather than being a separate, standalone component. This merging of functions allows the blocking feature to be formed as part of the connector body itself, minimizing additional complexity while still providing the necessary protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking feature serves multiple functions: it protects contact pins from damage, provides mechanical guidance during card insertion, and helps define the acceptable insertion depth. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory card connector, within a slot of a host device, for receiving a first memory card having a first row of contact fingers and a second row of contact fingers and a second memory card having only a single row of contact fingers. The memory card connector includes a first row of contact pins, a second row of contact pins and a protrusion. The first row of contact pins are configured to mate with the first row of contact fingers of the first memory card. The second row of contact pins are configured to mate with the second row of contact fingers of the first memory card. The protrusion is received within a contact finger in the second row of contact fingers of the first memory card to allow full insertion of the first memory card into the connector, and abuts against a distal end of one of the contact fingers of the second memory card to prevent full insertion of the second memory card into the connector.