Removable Memory Card Bridge for Modular Reader Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory card readers are prone to damage and costly to repair due to their fixed configurations, making it difficult to accommodate different types of memory cards and requiring significant redesign or replacement when new card types are introduced, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs for both manufacturers and users.

Innovation Solution

A modular card bridge system that allows for easy replacement and reconfiguration of memory card readers, enabling compatibility with various types of memory cards by interposing a removable bridge between the card and the reader's connector, which can be easily swapped or updated without requiring extensive redesign or replacement of the entire reader.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed configuration card reader is used, then the reader can reliably read specific card types, but it cannot accommodate different or new card types without redesign or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different memory card typesVSAvoidredesign or replacement requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The card reader system is divided into two functional segments: a fixed receiver portion integrated into the reader device and a removable bridge portion that interfaces with the memory card. This segmentation allows the bridge to be replaced or reconfigured to support different card types while the receiver remains fixed, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge is designed as a dynamic, removable component rather than a fixed structure. This allows the system to adapt to different card types by simply replacing the bridge component, providing versatility without requiring complex redesign of the entire reader device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire card reader is replaced to accommodate new card types, then compatibility is achieved, but cost and waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with new card formatsVSAvoidwaste of functional components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the reader into a permanent receiver and a replaceable bridge, only the bridge portion needs to be replaced when supporting new card formats. This prevents waste of the functional receiver components and reduces material loss compared to replacing the entire reader.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge component is designed to be discarded or replaced when obsolete, while the valuable receiver portion is recovered and retained for continued use. This selective replacement approach minimizes waste and reduces the need to discard functional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple card readers are provided to support different card types, then versatility is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to read multiple card typesVSAvoidmultiple slots and connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single receiver is designed to work with multiple bridge types, making the receiver universal. Each bridge is specialized for a particular card type, but the receiver can accommodate any bridge through standardized interfacing. This achieves multi-card-type support without requiring multiple dedicated receivers or slots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge acts as an intermediary component between the memory card and the receiver. It translates the card-specific interface requirements into a standardized connection that the universal receiver can handle, enabling one receiver to support multiple card types through different bridges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the receiver is made more robust to prevent damage, then reliability improves, but ease of repair decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to damage from excessive useVSAvoiddifficulty to replace damaged components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is segmented from the bridge, with the receiver being the robust, fixed component and the bridge being the replaceable component. This segmentation allows the receiver to be built for durability while the bridge absorbs wear and can be easily replaced if damaged, improving both reliability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge is designed as a cheaper, replaceable component that can be easily swapped out if damaged or obsolete. This allows the expensive, robust receiver to be preserved while replacing only the inexpensive bridge, making repair simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS7721962B2Removable memory card bridge

Publication Date: 2010.05.25 SAUN & MOON HLDG

AI summary

A memory card reader system includes bridges interposed between a memory card of a certain type and a memory card reader receiver which is them same for all receivers. The bridge may have the same or different contact patterns of a standard of a type of memory card and is readily removable and replaceable in order to change the type of memory card that may be used with that connector of the reader. A face plate prevents removal of a bridge until the face plate is moved from a normal position.