Sliding Credit Card Case with Segmented Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing credit card protection cases fail to securely store multiple cards while allowing easy access to each card without risking damage, as they either cause cards to touch and get damaged or are cumbersome in design.
Innovation Solution
A protective case with sliding parts that accommodate multiple cards, featuring reversible clamping mechanisms and non-contact housings to prevent card damage, allowing simultaneous access and extraction without cards touching, using a combination of rails, grooves, and optional indexing and assistance mechanisms for smooth sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cards are stacked in a box housing, then multiple cards can be stored, but card extraction becomes difficult and cards may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into multiple independent compartments, each housing a single card. This segmentation allows each card to be accessed individually through its own opening, eliminating the difficulty of extracting cards from a stacked configuration while still enabling storage of multiple cards.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of stacking cards vertically in a single housing, the invention arranges card housings horizontally in parallel. Each housing has its own opening accessible from the same external face, transforming the extraction problem from a vertical stacking issue to a horizontal arrangement where all cards are equally accessible.
2Reliability
If pressure is exerted on cards to retain them in housing, then cards are held securely, but card embossing may be damaged in the long run
Solution Approach 1:
The housing applies retention pressure only at specific localized points (edges and corners of the card) rather than distributing pressure across the entire card surface. This localized clamping secures the card while avoiding pressure on the embossed areas, preventing damage to the card's surface features.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure that provides retention through its geometric constraints and localized clamping features, rather than applying direct pressure to the card. The housing's internal geometry and flanges create secure retention without harmful pressure on the card embossing.
3Ease of operation
If a movable lever is used to extract all cards simultaneously, then access is provided, but cards may be damaged by contact with each other and it is difficult to replace intermediate cards
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction mechanism is segmented into individual card access points, with each housing having its own opening. This allows cards to be extracted independently without causing damage through contact with adjacent cards, and enables easy replacement of any single card without moving others.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing a mechanism to extract all cards simultaneously (excessive action), the invention provides individual access to each card (partial action). This simpler approach avoids the complexity and damage risks of simultaneous extraction while still providing easy access to any card when needed.
4Ease of operation
If slots are made in walls for manual card extraction, then cards can be accessed, but the design becomes less protective and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing and extraction opening are merged into a unified structure. The housing itself forms the protective enclosure while incorporating the opening as an integral feature, eliminating the need for separate extraction mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3f
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a protective case for at least two credit cards (2) or the like, having the shape of a flat envelope, comprising two parallel walls between which one or a plurality of spaces are formed, intended for accommodating the cards (2) to be protected. The case comprises at least two parts (3, 4), each comprising one of the two parallel walls, and one of the at least two parts (3, 4) is slidably mounted on the other, and each of the at least two parts (3, 4) is shaped to accommodate and hold a card (2), and to this end comprises a housing (32) into which a card (2) can slide, said housing (32) comprising a reversible means for holding the card (2), in order to secure same, and having an opening by which the card (2) can be extracted by sliding, after sliding the part (3, 4) containing the card (2).