Self-Centering SIM Tray with Compliant Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subscriber identification module (SIM) trays in mobile devices are prone to deformation due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to misalignment, increased stress on internal components, and a compromised cosmetic appearance, as they attempt to accommodate the mismatch between external and internal features.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a compliant portion within the SIM tray assembly, such as an elastomeric polymer or interlocking features, to allow for flexibility and independent movement of the tray portion relative to the external portion, thereby accommodating manufacturing tolerances without affecting the external appearance or internal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid SIM tray assembly is used to maintain structural integrity, then the tray can hold the SIM card securely, but the tray deforms due to tolerance stacking between internal and external features
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM tray assembly is divided into two separate portions: a external portion that interfaces with the device housing and an internal tray portion that holds the SIM card. These portions are connected through a compliant interface that allows relative movement, enabling each portion to independently accommodate tolerances without deforming the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface between the external portion and tray portion is designed with compliance characteristics that allow it to deform elastically within a certain range. This compliant interface can accommodate misalignment caused by tolerance stacking while maintaining structural integrity of both portions.
2Reliability
If the SIM tray is designed to accommodate internal feature misalignment, then connectivity is maintained, but the external cosmetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the external portion from the internal tray portion, the design allows the external portion to maintain its cosmetic appearance while the internal tray portion can move independently to accommodate misalignment with electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant interface acts as an intermediary between the external portion and tray portion, absorbing the misalignment through elastic deformation while allowing the external portion to remain flush with the housing surface for aesthetic purposes.
3Shape
If the SIM tray is made rigid to maintain external appearance, then cosmetic appearance is preserved, but stress on internal components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of external portion and tray portion with a compliant interface allows the external portion to remain rigid and flush with the housing for cosmetic purposes, while the internal tray portion can move independently, reducing stress transmission to internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant interface is designed with specific elastic properties that allow it to deform under stress, absorbing misalignment forces and preventing excessive stress from being transmitted to the internal tray portion and SIM card connectors.
4Manufacturing precision
If tolerance stacking is accommodated through deformation, then misalignment is corrected, but tray removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant interface between external portion and tray portion allows the tray to flex and self-center during insertion, correcting misalignment without creating excessive friction. During removal, the compliant interface maintains flexibility, allowing smooth extraction without permanent deformation or binding.
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 compliant interface reduces stress on the SIM tray and maintains a seamless cosmetic appearance by allowing the external portion to remain flush with the device's surface, while ensuring proper alignment and reducing the risk of damage to internal components.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible region connecting the external portion to the tray portion, the flexible region configured to allows the tray portion to shift with respect to the external portion
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to methods and apparatus pertaining to a SIM tray that includes a deformable portion. When the SIM tray is subjected to stresses that result from tolerance stacking, the deformable portion accommodates the differences tolerance errors by allowing the non-deformable portion of the SIM tray to move substantially independently from one another. Creating the deformable portion can be accomplished by utilizing materials with lower relative moduli of elasticity, dovetails, magnets, or other means.