Universal SIM Card Adapter With Elastic Stop And Snap-Fit Slot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Different sizes of SIM cards, such as ordinary, Micro, and Nano SIM cards, pose a challenge as they cannot be easily accommodated on the same terminal, limiting user experience and compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A compatible apparatus featuring a second card slot with metal elastic pins and an elastic stop apparatus allows for the secure insertion and accommodation of various SIM card sizes by using a first card slot that snaps onto the second card slot, ensuring proper alignment and fixation of both the first and second SIM cards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If SIM cards are designed with different sizes to lock users, then user retention is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser retentionVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal SIM card slot that can accommodate multiple SIM card sizes (standard SIM, Micro SIM, Nano SIM) through a single interface. The slot includes an elastic stop apparatus that can be adjusted to different positions to securely hold different card types, making the device compatible with various SIM formats while maintaining user retention through dual SIM functionality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a nested structure where smaller SIM cards (Micro SIM, Nano SIM) can be placed within the larger slot space. The elastic stop apparatus acts as an adjustable component that nests within the slot structure, allowing it to adapt its position to securely accommodate different sized SIM cards in the same physical space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single terminal supports multiple SIM card sizes, then device compatibility is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SIM card slot is segmented into functional components: a base slot structure, an elastic stop apparatus with multiple positioning points, and contact areas. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while enabling support for multiple SIM card sizes through the coordinated action of these modular elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic stop apparatus provides dynamic adaptability within the slot structure. It can be positioned at different locations along the slot to accommodate various SIM card sizes, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one that maintains simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If elastic stop apparatus is added to accommodate smaller SIM cards, then compatibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSIM card compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic stop apparatus is implemented as a flexible component that can be integrated into the slot structure. This flexible element can be manufactured as a single piece or simple assembly that provides the necessary adaptability for different SIM card sizes without requiring complex multi-component assemblies, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 installation of both larger and smaller SIM cards on a single terminal, enhancing user experience and compatibility by providing a secure and adaptable solution for different SIM card sizes.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of parallel metal elastic pins provided therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an elastic stop apparatus matched with a second SIM card in shape is arranged on the outside of the card insertion area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9444208B2Compatible device for SIM card and related terminal
Publication Date: 2016.09.13 ZTE CORP
  • US9444208B2 patent drawing
  • US9444208B2 patent drawing
  • US9444208B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A compatible apparatus for an SIM card and a related terminal are disclosed. The compatible apparatus includes: a second card slot and a first card slot rotatably connected to the second card slot; wherein a card insertion area with parallel metal elastic pins is arranged in the second card slot; a first SIM card is inserted into fillets on both sides of the first card slot, and when the first card slot is snapped on the second card slot, the first SIM card contacts with the metal elastic pins; and an elastic stop apparatus matched with a second SIM card is arranged outside of the card insertion area in the second card slot, the elastic stop apparatus is for arranging the second SIM card, and when the first card slot is snapped on the second card slot, the second SIM card contacts with the metal elastic pins.