SIM Card Socket With Movable Stopper for Dual SIM Size Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing diversity in SIM card sizes, particularly with the introduction of nano SIM cards, poses a challenge for terminal devices as most sockets are designed for micro SIM cards, making it difficult to accommodate both micro and nano SIM cards without compromising mounting space, allowing only one SIM card to be inserted at a time.

Innovation Solution

A SIM card socket design featuring a first contact part for micro SIM cards and a second contact part for nano SIM cards, with a movable stopper mechanism that allows both card sizes to be inserted and removed, enabling shared space usage through distinct contact surfaces and a cover structure for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate sockets are provided for micro SIM cards and nano SIM cards, then both SIM card sizes can be supported, but mounting space in the terminal device is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSIM card size compatibilityVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The socket is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both micro SIM cards and nano SIM cards through a single unified structure. The movable stopper mechanism allows the same socket to adapt to different SIM card sizes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sockets for each card type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The socket incorporates a movable stopper that can change position dynamically based on the inserted SIM card type. When a micro SIM card is inserted, the stopper moves to a first position; when a nano SIM card is inserted, it moves to a second position, allowing the socket structure to adapt flexibly to different configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If a single socket is used for both micro SIM cards and nano SIM cards, then mounting space is saved, but the socket structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting spaceVSAvoidsocket structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a contact part for electrical connections, a movable stopper for positioning and identification, and a stopper engaging part for mechanical linkage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable stopper automatically identifies the inserted SIM card type through its interaction with the card edges and moves to the appropriate position without requiring external control mechanisms. The stopper engaging part automatically couples with the stopper, enabling self-adjusting functionality that reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the stopper is constrained to prevent movement, then structural stability is improved, but insertion and removal of different SIM card sizes becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesocket structural stabilityVSAvoidSIM card insertion and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper is designed to be movable within controlled limits, transitioning between a first position for micro SIM cards and a second position for nano SIM cards. This dynamic capability allows the socket to maintain stability during operation while adapting to different SIM card types during insertion and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper engaging part acts as an intermediary mechanism that couples the movable stopper with the socket structure. It enables controlled movement of the stopper while maintaining overall structural stability, facilitating easy insertion and removal of different SIM card sizes without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2757702B1Sim card socket and terminal device including the same
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2757702B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2757702B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2757702B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A SIM card socket is provided, includes a first contact part having first contact terminals electrically contacting a first SIM card when the first SIM card is received; a second contact part having second contact terminals electrically contacting a second SIM card when the second SIM card is received, wherein the second SIM card has a size different from that of the first SIM card; a first stopper disposed on the second contact part and being movable by a predetermined distance in a lengthwise direction of the second contact part along a surface of the second contact part to support insertion of the first SIM card or insertion of the second SIM card; and a cover covering the first contact part, the second contact part, and the first stopper.