Memory Card Reader Housing Overmolding Intrusion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Memory card readers in terminals face manufacturing complexity and high costs due to the need for secure protection against intrusion and environmental factors, with existing solutions like MID parts being expensive and prone to low resistance to climatic conditions and friction.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the overmolding of a flexible printed circuit with conductive tracks to create a protective mesh for the memory card connector, which is more cost-effective and simpler to implement, providing enhanced protection against humidity, cold, and friction while maintaining resistance to intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mesh protection is added to protect the memory card reader, then security against intrusion is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against intrusionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the protective mesh structure with the printed circuit board (PCB) by integrating conductive tracks directly into the PCB layers. This merging eliminates the need for separate mesh components and their associated manufacturing steps (staggered welding, resistant components on reflow), thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining intrusion detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCB serves dual functions: it acts as both the electrical connection substrate and the intrusion detection mechanism through its integrated conductive tracks. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated protective mesh structures, reducing device complexity while preserving security functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If complete protection is provided for the memory card reader, then security is improved, but maintenance becomes very complex or even impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protection function into the PCB's conductive track network, which is distributed across the board layers. This segmentation allows individual track sections to be accessed and tested independently, facilitating maintenance and repair without requiring complete disassembly of protective structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The PCB's conductive tracks are integrated into the existing circuit board structure, utilizing the same manufacturing and testing processes already in place for the PCB itself. This self-service approach means that standard PCB maintenance procedures can be applied to the protective function, avoiding the need for specialized maintenance processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If MID part with laser engraving is used for the reception housing, then assembly is facilitated, but resistance to climatic conditions and friction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidresistance to climatic conditions and friction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the conductive tracks by using standard PCB fabrication processes (copper etching, plating) rather than laser engraving. This results in tracks with superior resistance to humidity, temperature variations, and friction compared to laser-engraved MID parts, while maintaining assembly simplicity through the PCB's integrated structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while providing a robust and reliable memory card reader body that is resistant to environmental factors and intrusion attempts, improving the overall security and durability of the terminal.

Implementation Method 1

formation of the receiving housing (40) of a memory card connector by overmolding (35) of the flexible printed circuit (41)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOvermolding:

Data Source

PatentEP3063698B1Manufacturing process of a memory card reader housing, memory card reader housing and reader terminal of a corresponding memory card
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 COMPAGNIE INDUSTRIELLE ET FINANCIERE D INGENIERIE INGENICO SA
  • EP3063698B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3063698B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3
  • EP3063698B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4E

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (30) for producing a memory-card-reading body having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, comprising a slot for inserting a memory card, and comprising, on a rear face (400), a receiving element (40) for receiving a memory card connector (62), said receiving element (40) having a pre-determined volumetric shape. According to the technique described, said production method (30) comprises the following successive steps: production (31) of a flexible printed circuit (41) comprising at least two areas which are an area (420) comprising at least one strip conductor (42), and at least one contact area (44); and formation of said receiving element (40) by the overmoulding (35) of said flexible printed circuit (41).