Magnetic Stripe Reader Fluid Ingress Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic stripe reader assemblies in point of sale terminals are vulnerable to fluid ingress through a through hole, which can damage electrical components and allow the entry of contaminants like dust and fine particles.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a holder with overlapping flanges and a cavity around the magnetic head to isolate it from the electronics compartment, featuring an offset opening for a flexible printed circuit board and a gasket to minimize fluid entry, along with a cover to retain the magnetic head and reduce exposure to physical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a through hole is provided for the magnetic head to contact the card, then card swiping functionality is enabled, but fluid and contaminant ingress into the electronics compartment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the MSR assembly into separate sealed compartments: a first compartment housing the magnetic head and card interface, and a second compartment housing the electronics. The through hole is confined to the first compartment and sealed off from the second compartment, allowing card swiping functionality while preventing fluid ingress to electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible printed circuit board acts as an intermediary element that passes through a sealed opening in the holder. This FPCB connects the magnetic head in the first compartment to the electronics in the second compartment while maintaining the seal, enabling electrical connection without creating a fluid ingress path.
2Ease of operation
If the magnetic head is exposed to contact with the card, then magnetic stripe reading is enabled, but exposure to physical damage and contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dedicated first compartment that houses the magnetic head and isolates it from the electronics compartment. This compartment can be sealed with a cover that retains the magnetic head, protecting it from physical damage while maintaining its functionality for reading magnetic stripes.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible printed circuit board is used to connect the magnetic head to the electronics while allowing the magnetic head to be retained in a protected compartment. The flexible nature of the FPCB allows it to bend and flex without breaking, maintaining electrical connection while enabling the protective compartment structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed structure is implemented to prevent fluid ingress, then protection from contaminants is improved, but complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the assembly into two main compartments separated by the holder structure. This segmentation allows each compartment to be independently sealed, with the first compartment containing the through hole for card insertion and the second compartment protecting the electronics, thereby managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board serves as an intermediary that passes through a sealed opening in the holder, connecting the magnetic head to the electronics without compromising the seal. This intermediary approach enables electrical connection while maintaining the protective sealed structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic stripe reader assembly for a point of sale terminal is provided. In some embodiments, the magnetic stripe reader assembly includes a holder configured to retain a magnetic head within the terminal and restrict access to electronic components.