Multi-Card Connector with Segmented Base and Spring Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing card connectors are limited in accommodating multiple types of cards simultaneously, restricting user selection and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A card connector design featuring a base with distinct areas and spring plate groups, along with limiting structures and connection mechanisms, allows for the simultaneous insertion and electrical connection of multiple card types, such as Nano SIM, TF, and Micro SIM cards, by using grooves and baffle plates to secure and connect different cards in separate areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a card connector is designed to be compatible with Nano SIM or TF card using a single card tray, then the device structure is simple, but multiple types of cards cannot be placed in one card connector at the same time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecard type compatibilityVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The card connector base is divided into a first area and a second area, with separate spring plate groups and limiting structures for different card types. This segmentation allows independent accommodation of Nano SIM cards and TF cards simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The card connector is designed with multi-functional areas that can accommodate different card types (Nano SIM, TF card, Micro SIM card) within a single connector structure. The first area and second area both serve card accommodation functions but with different configurations, achieving universality while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

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

2Ease of operation

If a card connector accommodates only one card type at a time, then the connector structure remains simple, but user selection freedom is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser selection freedomVSAvoidcard placement structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the connector into distinct first and second areas with separate limiting structures, users can freely choose which card type to insert into which area without complicating the overall structure. Each area is optimized for specific card types, enhancing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting structures act as intermediaries that guide and secure different card types in their respective areas. These structures simplify the user interaction by providing clear card placement zones while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate multiple card types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the simultaneous placement of multiple card types in one connector, enhancing user selection freedom and experience by expanding the card placement area and ensuring secure electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring plate group is disposed in the first area, and a second spring plate group and a third spring plate group are separately disposed in different positions of the second area; the first spring plate group is configured to electrically connect to edge connectors of the first data card

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3163679B13-in-2 card holder and mobile terminal comprising the card holder
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3163679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3163679B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3163679B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A three-in-two card connector and a mobile terminal including a three-in-two card connector are provided and relate to the field of signal card connection technologies, so that multiple types of cards are placed in one card connector at the same time. The card connector includes a card connector base (20) and a limiting structure (21), where the card connector base (20) includes a first area (201) and a second area (202), and the limiting structure (21) includes a first limiting part (210) and a second limiting part (211); the first limiting part (210) is used to limit a first data card (22) in the first area (201), and the second limiting part (211) is used to limit a second data card (23) or a third data card (24) in the second area (202); a first spring plate group (2011) is disposed in the first area (201) and is configured to electrically connect to edge connectors of the first data card (22); a second spring plate group (2021) and a third spring plate group (2022) are separately disposed in different positions of the second area (202); the second spring plate group (2021) is configured to electrically connect to edge connectors of the second data card (23); the third spring plate group (2022) is configured to electrically connect to edge connectors of the third data card (24).