Metal Chip Card Connector Assembly for Secure Automated Soldering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Memory card reading terminals face manufacturing complexity and increased costs due to the need for multiple manual assembly steps in securing the memory card reader, which is a weak link in terminal security, especially against attacks aiming to access the memory card connector.

Innovation Solution

A memory card reader body with a metal base and cover forming side walls of a rectangular parallelepiped shape, allowing for automated assembly and welding onto a motherboard without manual intervention, reducing the number of assembly operations and enhancing security through metal construction and electromagnetic interference protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple manual assembly steps are used to secure the memory card reader, then security protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the memory card reader body with the motherboard by integrating the reader body as a through-hole structure that passes through the motherboard, allowing the connector to be directly accessible from the rear side. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining security protection through the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The memory card reader is divided into two main parts: the reader body (housing) and the connector, which are positioned at different locations. The reader body is integrated into the motherboard as a through-hole, while the connector is separately positioned at the rear side, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple manual assembly steps are used to secure the memory card reader, then security protection is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated through-hole structure allows the memory card reader body to be combined with the motherboard in a single assembly operation, eliminating multiple manual assembly steps. This merging significantly reduces manufacturing time and improves productivity while maintaining the security protection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If metal parts are added for protection, then security against electrostatic discharge and wear is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against electrostatic discharge and wearVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies metal parts specifically at critical locations where protection is needed, such as the connector components that are subject to wear and electrostatic discharge. This localized application of metal materials provides necessary protection while minimizing the overall addition of complexity to the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Manufacturing precision

If manual soldering is used for assembly, then assembly precision is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated through-hole structure allows the memory card reader body to be combined with the motherboard in a single assembly operation, eliminating multiple manual assembly steps. This merging significantly reduces manufacturing time and improves productivity while maintaining the security protection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4237988B1Solderable chip card connector and corresponding assembly method
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 BANKS & ACQUIRERS INT HLDG SAS
  • EP4237988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4237988B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4237988B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a memory card reader body comprising an upper face consisting of a cover and a lower face consisting of a base in which there is made a through-orifice for receiving a memory card connector, wherein: - said base is a metal component comprising first means of assembly with said cover, which means are each positioned on at least two opposing sides of said base, - said cover is a metal component comprising second means of assembly with said base, which means are each positioned on at least two opposing sides of said cover, wherein said first means of assembly are intended to plug together with the second means of assembly to form two lateral walls of said memory card reader body, said lateral walls having the overall shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and extending substantially perpendicular to the lower face of said memory card reader.