Spring-Loaded Card Support Adapting to Length Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card supports are inflexible and cannot adapt to variations in electronic card lengths, leading to improper support and potential damage due to fixed positioning, which fails to accommodate cards within specified length tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded card support apparatus that automatically adjusts to variations in card length, using slotted bars and springs to ensure proper support for cards of different dimensions, both horizontally and vertically, by compressing or extending to fit within the tolerance range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed card support is used with standard positioning, then the support structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate cards with length variations within tolerance ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The card support uses a spring-loaded mechanism that allows the support position to dynamically adjust based on the card length. The spring enables continuous movement within a range, transforming the static fixed support into a dynamic adaptive support that automatically accommodates cards of varying lengths within the tolerance range without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manually adjustable card support with fixed increments is used, then the support can be repositioned for different card lengths, but cards at tolerance extremes still cannot be properly supported
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded card support performs the adjustment function automatically without requiring manual intervention. When a card is inserted, the spring mechanism self-adjusts the support position to accommodate the card length, eliminating the need for users to manually move the support and making the system self-servicing within its operational range.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed card support is used, then the manufacturing and installation are simple, but cards at tolerance extremes are either squeezed too tightly or not supported at all
Solution Approach 1:
The card support system changes the position parameter continuously within a defined range through the spring mechanism, rather than being fixed at a single position. This parameter variation allows the support to adapt to different card lengths within tolerance, ensuring reliable support for all cards while maintaining a relatively simple fixed-mounting structure that attaches to standard chassis locations.
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 self-adjusting card support effectively accommodates cards with lengths within the tolerance range, preventing damage and ensuring secure support against gravity, even for cards at the extremes of the specified length, thereby improving support quality compared to fixed supports.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded support automatically adjusts to provide support for cards with different lengths
Data Source
AI summary
A card support is provided that passively and automatically adapts to variations in the length of an electronic card. When a card is inserted into a slotted bar of the card support, variations in the length of that card are adjusted for by the compression or expansion of a spring disposed between the slot and a supporting face.