Spring-Loaded SIM Reader Drawer Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SIM card readers with drawers face issues of large installation space requirements, fixed dimensions, complex constructions, and a risk of the drawer being lost when pulled out, limiting their flexibility and security in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular SIM card reader with a spring-loaded drawer system that integrates a self-supporting locking and guiding mechanism, using a metallic housing with a one-piece locking lever that acts as both a guide and holding element, reducing the number of components and ensuring secure locking and flexible use across different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided along the long side edges of the SIM card reader, then the drawer can be securely locked in the reading position, but the overall width of the card reader increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and drawer guide are merged into a single integrated component. The U-shaped guide structure incorporates locking elements that engage with the drawer at specific positions, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms along the side edges and reducing overall width.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the drawer along its insertion path, locks the drawer in the reading position, and prevents the drawer from slipping out when pulled. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate components with a single universal element.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for the locking mechanism and drawer guide, then the drawer can be securely locked, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and drawer guide are merged into a single integrated component. The U-shaped guide structure incorporates locking elements that engage with the drawer at specific positions, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms along the side edges and reducing overall width.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the drawer along its insertion path, locks the drawer in the reading position, and prevents the drawer from slipping out when pulled. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate components with a single universal element.
3Ease of operation
If the drawer is made to protrude from the housing in the reading position, then the SIM card can be easily accessed, but the reader size increases and flexibility for different applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is designed to be dynamically positioned within the housing rather than being fixed. It can extend partially when needed for card access and retract completely when not in use, adapting to different application requirements while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing horizontal protrusion, the design utilizes vertical space and internal housing depth to accommodate the drawer mechanism, allowing the drawer to be accessible while keeping the overall footprint compact and adaptable to different device form factors.
4Ease of manufacture
If the drawer guide structure is simplified, then manufacturing costs decrease, but the drawer may slip out of the housing when pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and drawer guide are merged into a single integrated component. The U-shaped guide structure incorporates locking elements that engage with the drawer at specific positions, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms along the side edges and reducing overall width.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure includes self-locking features that automatically engage with the drawer through spring-loaded or elastic elements. The drawer itself interacts with the guide structure to create retention forces, eliminating the need for additional active locking components and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and secure SIM card reader that can be used in various applications, ensuring the drawer is securely locked in the reading position and reducing the risk of loss, while minimizing assembly complexity and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a locking lever (30), designed as a spring arm, which is elastically connectable to the cover (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The reader (1) has a metal cover (2), and a tray (3) insertable into the cover. A contact support (4) with read contacts is freely positionable for the cover. The cover has locking arms (30) to lock the tray with the cover. The cover has lateral guide walls (20) along a longitudinal side edge, and a cover lower side section (22) along the side edge to support the tray. The guide walls and the lower side section run parallel to each other at an angle of 90 degrees. The guide walls and the lower side section together with a cover upper side section form a tray accommodating area.