SIM Card Tray Ejection Mechanism Without Eject Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing SIM card removal mechanisms in mobile phones require an eject pin, making the process inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A device with a card tray and locking mechanism that uses elastic components and a press component to securely hold and release the card tray, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without an eject pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an eject pin is used to remove the card tray, then the card tray can be securely removed, but the user must carry an eject pin which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of SIM card removalVSAvoidneed for external eject pin
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The card tray is designed with a built-in popping mechanism that includes a pressing component, lock rod, and elastic component. When the pressing component is actuated, it pushes the lock rod to pop the card tray out of the card holder automatically. This self-contained mechanism eliminates the need for external eject pins, allowing users to remove the card tray conveniently using only the integrated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to fix the card tray, then the card tray is securely held, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of card tray fixationVSAvoidstructure of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted as a separate, modular locking mechanism consisting of a lock rod with a lock catch and a pressing component. This modular design allows the locking mechanism to be integrated into the card tray assembly without significantly increasing overall structural complexity. The lock rod can be actuated independently to engage or disengage the lock catch, providing reliable fixation while maintaining a relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock rod serves as an intermediary component between the pressing component and the card holder. When the pressing component is actuated, it pushes the lock rod, which in turn moves the lock catch to release the locking engagement with the card holder. This intermediary mechanism translates the pressing action into effective unlocking motion, achieving reliable card tray release while keeping the overall structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If elastic components are used to push the card tray, then the card tray can be automatically popped out, but the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic card tray ejectionVSAvoidnumber of elastic components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic component is pre-loaded in a compressed state during assembly, storing potential energy. When the locking mechanism is actuated, the elastic component automatically expands to push the card tray outward, providing automatic ejection without requiring additional active components. This preliminary action eliminates the need for motors, solenoids, or other complex ejection mechanisms, achieving automatic card tray popping with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 convenient and user-friendly SIM card insertion and removal by eliminating the need for an eject pin, improving operational convenience in mobile phones.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic component which is configured to apply a thrust toward outside of the terminal to the card tray when the SIM card is being removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the second elastic component is connected to the lock rod, and configured to reset the lock rod after the card tray is removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the third elastic component being configured to, under action of an elastic force of the third elastic component, reset the press component after being pressed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3016293B1Device for fixing a SIM card and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3016293B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3016293B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3016293B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A device for fixing a SIM card and a mobile terminal are provided, wherein the device is arranged in the terminal, and comprises: a card tray, a card holder, and a locking mechanism for fitting the card tray; the card holder is provided with a first elastic component; the locking mechanism includes: a press component, a lock rod and a second elastic component; the lock rod is provided with a lock catch, while the card tray is provided with a lock piece; the press component is provided with a first driving surface in contact with the lock rod; and the second elastic component is connected to the lock rod and configured to reset the lock rod after the card tray is removed. The embodiments of the present disclosure may conveniently realize assembly and disassembly of a SIM card.