Payment Device Hatch Locking Mechanism Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile payment devices face durability issues due to frequently repeated stresses on their fastening elements, leading to a reduction in the reliability and longevity of the hatch and the entire device, as these elements tend to weaken and break over time.

Innovation Solution

A hatch with a locking device comprising a movable actuating part and locking part, which can adopt a locking position without requiring a separate unlocking action, featuring a compact and non-complex design with angular deflection and a one-piece mechanical part, along with a removable fixing device to absorb mechanical stresses, ensuring secure attachment and extended durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional fasteners are used for the hatch, then the hatch can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the fasteners weaken and break over time due to frequent repeated stresses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoiddurability of fastening elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism uses a movable locking element that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking element is designed to move along a trajectory that is not parallel to the frame, allowing it to engage and disengage from locking positions while distributing mechanical stresses during repeated operations, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and reliability over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the hatch attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single compact assembly. The locking element combines locking, unlocking, and stress-absorbing functions within one component that moves along a predetermined trajectory. This merging of functions achieves secure attachment reliability while minimizing device complexity through a unified, space-efficient design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the locking element moves along a non-parallel trajectory, then the compactness and design freedom are improved, but the mechanical stress distribution becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of locking deviceVSAvoidmechanical stress distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to move along a dynamic trajectory that is not parallel to the frame, enabling compact integration of the locking mechanism while the movement path itself serves to distribute mechanical stresses during operation. The angular deflection in the trajectory allows the locking element to engage different portions of the frame structure, spreading out the stress distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution provides a secure and reliable attachment of the hatch to the payment terminal, enhancing durability and build quality by distributing mechanical stresses and preventing unauthorized disassembly, thus improving the overall reliability and longevity of the payment device.

Implementation Method 1

Mechanically, the removability of the attachment lies in the use of connecting elements capable of elastic deformation, allowing it to move from an assembled to a disassembled position, and vice versa.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3029640B1Hatch for payment device comprising a payment terminal and a recess for supporting a communication terminal
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 COMPAGNIE INDUSTRIELLE ET FINANCIERE D INGENIERIE INGENICO SA
  • EP3029640B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3029640B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b
  • EP3029640B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a hatch (5) for a payment device 1 comprising a payment terminal (2) and a housing 3 for a communication terminal (4), hatch (5). According to the invention, such a hatch comprises: - a frame (6) for blocking access to said housing (3) for a communication terminal (4), - a locking device (8) comprising at least: • an actuating part, • a locking part, the actuating part and the locking part being respectively movable relative to the frame (6) between a locked position and an unlocked position.