Ejector Mechanism for SIM Card Tray Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ejectable component assemblies for electronic devices, such as those used for SIM cards, often require a significant amount of space for the ejector mechanism and can allow debris to enter the device, impairing its function.
Innovation Solution
A dual-state ejector mechanism with a user interface portion and a tray interface portion that alternates between states to eject or insert a removable module, using tension to bias the mechanism and apply an ejection force without the need for additional space or external components, thereby preventing debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional ejector mechanism is used, then the tray can be ejected from the connector, but the mechanism takes up valuable space within the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ejector mechanism with the tray structure itself, where the tray includes an ejector portion that integrates the ejection function into the tray rather than having a separate mechanism. This merging reduces the overall space required while maintaining ejection capability through the interaction between the ejector portion and the connector's retention structure
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a separate ejector mechanism that actively pushes the tray out, the design inverts the approach by having the tray's ejector portion interact with the connector's retention members to enable ejection. The connector structure itself becomes part of the ejection system, reversing the traditional role assignment and reducing space requirements
2Ease of operation
If an ejector mechanism with an opening for user interaction is provided, then the tray can be ejected, but debris can enter the housing through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a membrane as an intermediary element that covers the opening in the housing. This membrane allows the ejector mechanism to interact with the tray through the opening while simultaneously blocking debris from entering the housing interior. The membrane acts as a mediator that permits necessary mechanical interaction while preventing harmful contamination
3Volume of moving object
If the ejector mechanism is simplified to reduce space, then space is optimized, but the mechanism may not provide sufficient ejection force
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector system is segmented into multiple functional components: the ejector portion on the tray, the retention members on the connector, and the membrane covering the opening. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the ejection force generation, enabling sufficient total force with a compact overall structure that occupies minimal space
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 allows for efficient and debris-free ejection of removable modules, optimizing space usage and maintaining device functionality while simplifying user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
Tension between the fixed first ends may bias the ejector mechanism to alternate between its two ejector mechanism states when the ejector mechanism receives either a user input force to eject the tray and module from the connector or a tray input force to insert the tray and module into the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided with an ejector mechanism for at least partially ejecting a removable module (e.g., a SIM card tray) from the device. The ejector mechanism may include a user interface portion and a tray interface portion, and each interface portion may include a first end fixed to the device and a second end coupled to the second end of the other interface portion. Tension between the fixed first ends may bias the ejector mechanism to alternate between two ejector mechanism states when the ejector mechanism receives either a user input force to eject the removable module from the connector or a tray input force to insert the removable module into the connector.