Modular Flash Memory Expansion System with Guided Rails and Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flash memory card systems face challenges such as terminal damage and lack of expandability due to the design and manufacturability issues when soldering flash memory onto printed circuit boards, and prior stackable connectors do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular flash memory card expansion system using guided rails and a latch system to securely hold multiple flash memory cards, including Secure Digital, Compact Flash, and Memory Stick cards, with a space-saving module and over-molding process to prevent pin damage and facilitate easy expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If flash memory is soldered onto the PCB, then manufacturing precision is improved, but expandability deteriorates and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory system into separate modular components: a PCB with connector and a removable memory card with its own circuit board. This segmentation allows the memory card to be independently replaced or expanded without reflowing solder joints, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and expandability.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory card module is nested within the PCB assembly, with the memory card's circuit board fitting into a receptacle on the PCB. This nesting approach maintains a compact structure while enabling easy insertion and removal, achieving both precision connection and expandability.
2Device complexity
If a stackable connector is used, then device complexity is reduced, but terminal reliability deteriorates due to potential damage or bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receptacle as an intermediary component between the PCB connector and the memory card. This receptacle provides structural support and protection for the terminals, preventing direct damage or bending while maintaining the stackable connector's simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle structure is designed with protective features that cushion and protect the terminals before any potential damage can occur during memory card insertion or handling, ensuring terminal reliability while keeping the connector simple.
3Ease of operation
If a slot is provided for memory card insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to lack of positioning and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features such as guide rails and alignment structures in the receptacle that prepare and precisely position the memory card before final insertion. This ensures accurate positioning while maintaining easy insertion operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle includes a latch system that transitions from an open state during insertion to a locked state after insertion. This dynamic mechanism provides precise securing of the memory card while keeping the insertion process simple and user-friendly.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory card system is disclosed. The memory card system comprises at least one flash memory card and a module for holding the at least one memory card. The module comprises a plurality of supports. The supports include rails to guide the at least one memory card in place and a latch system for securing the at least one memory card to the module. The present invention provides a modular flash memory card expansion system using any standard Secure Digital card; the flash memory card can be any flash-based memory card, such as SD, Compact Flash (CF), MMC, Memory Stick or others.