Memory Card Expander Using Nested Adaptor for Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices using miniaturized memory cards, such as microSD and MMCmicro, are limited in memory capacity due to their small size, restricting the expandability and scalability of memory without replacing the cards with higher capacity versions.
Innovation Solution
A memory card expander assembly that connects to the existing memory card slot of a host device, allowing standard-sized memory cards with higher capacity to be used, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for expanding memory without altering the device's physical form or function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If miniaturized memory cards (microSD, MMCmicro) are used to maintain small device size, then device portability is improved, but memory capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where a standard-sized memory card is inserted into a receptacle assembly that is housed within an adaptor. The adaptor itself connects to the host device's memory card slot. This nested arrangement (adaptor containing receptacle containing memory card) enables the system to use larger capacity cards while maintaining the small form factor required for portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional card size reduction to three-dimensional expansion by adding an external adaptor component. Instead of shrinking the memory card itself, the solution adds depth to the system architecture by introducing an external receptacle assembly that houses a larger card, thereby expanding capacity without increasing the host device's footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If standard-sized memory cards with higher capacity are used, then memory capacity is improved, but device size and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory storage system into separate functional components: the host device maintains its original small size, while the memory expansion functionality is segmented into an external adaptor assembly. This segmentation allows the high-capacity memory card to be physically separated from the host device, enabling capacity expansion without increasing the host device's volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary component that bridges the host device and the larger memory card. It provides the interface and connection mechanism, allowing the host device to access high-capacity storage without directly housing the large card, thus resolving the conflict between capacity and size.
3Length of stationary object
If miniaturized memory cards are used to keep device thin, then device thickness is reduced, but the number of IC chips and memory density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle assembly is nested within the adaptor housing, creating a compact three-layer structure. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space by stacking components vertically, allowing the system to accommodate a larger memory card with more IC chips while keeping the overall device thickness minimal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If memory capacity is expanded using larger cards, then scalability is improved, but the physical slot design must be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different types and sizes of memory cards through its receptacle assembly. This multi-functional design allows the same adaptor structure to work with various memory card formats, providing scalability without requiring different slot designs for different card types.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for expanding the memory capacity of devices that use flash memory cards. In one aspect, a memory card expander assembly includes an adaptor shaped to be connected to a memory card slot of a host device, and a receptacle assembly in communication with the adaptor and operative to be attached to the host device. The receptacle assembly includes an expanded memory card slot operative to connect to a memory card such that the host device can communicate with the connected memory card when the adaptor is connected to the memory card slot.