Orthogonal Card Socket for Mobile Phones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional card mounting sockets for mobile phones are bulky, require multiple parts and processes for assembly, and can be damaged by ambient currents, while also causing interference between SIM and SD cards due to their design, which complicates simultaneous insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A card mounting socket design featuring a body with separate receiving sections for SIM and SD cards, guided by orthogonal axes to reduce part count and size, eliminating the need for a card housing, and incorporating a separate casing to prevent short circuits and enhance space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a card housing is used to confine the SD card, then the SD card can be held in place, but the number of parts and assembly processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the SD card holding function directly into the socket body structure by forming a holding groove that accommodates the SD card's upper portion. This merging of functions eliminates the need for a separate card housing component while maintaining the SD card's positional stability and electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket body is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for both SIM and SD cards, guides card insertion through guide grooves, and holds the SD card in place through an integrated holding groove. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the assembly.
2Reliability
If a card housing is used to confine the SD card, then the SD card can be held in place, but the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding groove for the SD card is integrated directly into the socket body structure rather than being a separate component. This integration allows the SD card to be held securely without adding external housing that would increase the overall volume of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The SD card is nested within the holding groove formed by the socket body's inner wall, allowing compact arrangement of components. The guide groove and holding groove are nested within the socket body structure, maximizing space utilization without increasing external dimensions.
3Volume of moving object
If the SD card and SIM card are positioned on top of each other, then space is utilized, but interference occurs during insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the card insertion/removal operations into separate directional paths: the SIM card is inserted and removed along the x-axis direction, while the SD card is inserted and removed along the y-axis direction. This segmentation of operational paths eliminates interference between the two cards during insertion and removal while maintaining compact vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces orthogonal insertion directions (x-axis for SIM card, y-axis for SD card) to resolve the interference problem. By changing the dimension of insertion motion from parallel to perpendicular directions, both cards can be operated independently without interfering with each other's movement paths.
4Strength
If the card housing is made of metal, then structural strength is provided, but ambient current may flow and damage the card
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the metal card housing with a plastic holding groove structure. While metal provides higher strength, plastic is sufficient for the holding function and eliminates the conductivity issue that causes ambient current damage to cards. The plastic material provides adequate mechanical support without the harmful electrical conductivity of metal.
Data Source
AI summary
A card mounting socket for a mobile phone having a reduced size and reduced number of parts. The card mounting socket having a body and a separate casing. The body housing includes a first receiving section, a second receiving section and an inner wall. The first receiving section is provided with a pair of guides positioned on both sides thereof and a first card terminal disposed along a major surface of the first receiving section. The second receiving section includes a second card terminal disposed along a major surface of the second receiving section. The inner wall extends perpendicular from the first receiving section to the second receiving section such that the second receiving section is stepped with respect to the first receiving section. The separate casing is secured to an upper portion of the body and separates the first receiving section from the second receiving section.