Removable Memory Card Lock Mechanism and Pad Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory cards, such as microSD™ cards, have a form factor that is too small to handle high performance demands and thermal conditions in mobile computing devices, limiting their ability to provide high capacity, efficient heat dissipation, and reliable electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The development of memory cards with larger dimensions and alternative pad layouts that support higher performance and thermal capabilities, including the use of a metal plate for heat dissipation and EMI protection, and specific pad arrangements to prevent electrical conflicts during hot insertion/removal, allowing for improved PCIe lane support and card type detection without a card-detect switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If memory card dimensions are increased to handle high performance demands and thermal conditions, then thermal management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the conventional microSD card form factor to a larger card dimensions (e.g., 15mm x 20mm or larger), utilizing additional spatial dimensions to accommodate enhanced thermal management features, metal plates, and improved pad layouts while maintaining compatibility with standard card slots through adaptive design
2Reliability
If pad layout is optimized to prevent electrical conflicts during hot insertion/removal, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pre-designed pad layout configuration that anticipates and prevents electrical conflicts during hot insertion and removal operations. The pad arrangement is optimized beforehand to ensure that signal pads and power pads are spatially separated and positioned to avoid short circuits, eliminating the need for additional card-detect switches and reducing runtime detection complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different pad layout configurations for different functional regions of the card connector. Specific areas are designated for power pads, signal pads, and ground pads with optimized spacing and positioning, allowing each region to be manufactured and tested with focused precision requirements rather than uniform high precision across the entire card
3Stability of the object's composition
If card lock mechanism is optimized for secure card retention, then stability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic card lock mechanism that automatically engages when the card is inserted and can be easily released by applying gentle pressure or using a designated release feature. The lock transitions between locked and unlocked states based on operational needs, providing secure retention during normal use while enabling convenient removal when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical feature (such as a flexible latch or spring-loaded lock) that mediates between the card and the host device. This intermediary component provides the locking function while maintaining ease of operation through simple user interactions like pressing a button or sliding a tab, avoiding the need for complex multi-step locking procedures
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 memory card with enhanced performance, thermal management, and reliable electrical connections, avoiding false card detection and enabling higher capacity and better thermal characteristics, suitable for high-speed applications in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
The development of memory cards with larger dimensions and alternative pad layouts that support higher performance and thermal capabilities, including the use of a metal plate for heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
A memory card is provided with various pad layouts to prevent a data signal pad from contacting a power contact in a host during insertion and removal of the memory card. The memory card can have a form factor and features that accommodate a relatively-large memory with relatively-high performance and accompanying thermal conditions. An efficient card lock mechanism is also provided.