Rotating Interface Card Connector for Space-Constrained Portable Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface card connector configurations in portable computers require dedicated space for accommodating smart cards, limiting space utilization in the device's bottom housing.
Innovation Solution
A fixing structure for the interface card connector that includes a bottom housing, a board body, a torsion spring, and a spring, allowing the interface card connector to be rotated outward, enabling smart card insertion without the need for additional space within the device, as the card connector can be moved outside the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an opening is formed in the bottom housing to allow smart card insertion, then card access is enabled, but the bottom housing requires significant accommodating space for the card body
Solution Approach 1:
The interface card connector is designed to be rotatable relative to the bottom housing, transitioning between a horizontal retracted position (when no card is inserted) and a vertical extended position (when a card is inserted). This dynamic configuration allows the connector to occupy minimal space during normal operation while providing full card accommodation functionality when needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes the vertical dimension by rotating from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane during card insertion. This dimensional transition allows the card body to extend outward from the bottom housing rather than requiring lateral accommodation space within the housing, effectively resolving the space constraint while maintaining operational accessibility.
2Volume of stationary object
If the interface card connector is fixed inside the bottom housing, then space utilization is poor, but if it is made movable, then structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotatable board body carrying the connector, a fixing plate with positioning features, and elastic elements (springs) providing biasing force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while collectively achieving the space-efficient movable connector system, thereby managing structural complexity through modular functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements (first and second springs) are configured to automatically bias the connector assembly toward the retracted horizontal position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for motors, actuators, or complex control systems to maintain the default position, reducing overall device complexity while enabling reliable movable functionality through passive elastic restoration.
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
This design allows for better space utilization in portable computers by enabling smart card insertion without the need for dedicated space within the device, accommodating cards of varying lengths and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion spring is sleeved on the fixing axis. When the board body is moved out the opening and the protruding portion contacts the stop wall, the fixing plate is stopped to move, and the interface card connector is separated from the interface card connector fixing portion. As a result, the interface card connector is rotated on the board body by the torsion spring, such that the slot is directed upwardly on the board body.
Implementation Method 2
The spring includes two end portions. The two end portions are respectively connected to the first spring fixing portion and the second spring fixing portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing structure for an interface card connector is provided and includes a bottom housing, a board body, an interface card connector, a fixing plate, a torsion spring, and a spring. The bottom housing has an opening and a stop wall. The interface card connector is rotatably located on the board body by a fixing axis and includes a slot. The fixing plate includes a main body, a second spring fixing portion, an interface card connector fixing portion, and a protruding portion. When the board body is moved out the opening and the protruding portion contacts the stop wall, the fixing plate is stopped, and the interface card connector is separated from the interface card connector fixing portion. As a result, the interface card connector is rotated on the board body by the torsion spring, such that the slot is directed upwardly on the board body.