Staircase Card Socket for Dual-Card Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card sockets in mobile communication terminals require separate spaces for authentication and data memory cards, limiting miniaturization and functionality, and incur increased molding costs due to separate contact terminals for each type.
Innovation Solution
A card socket with a staircase-shaped housing allowing two cards to be inserted on top of each other, featuring a single unit of contact terminals and a sloping surface to prevent misinsertion, enabling continuous use of both cards and simplifying terminal manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate card sockets are used for authentication and data memory cards, then each card type can be independently accessed, but the terminal size increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate card sockets into a single integrated card socket structure. The housing contains both an authentication card insertion space and a data card insertion space within one unified component, allowing both card types to be accessed independently while occupying less overall space in the terminal device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking in the card insertion direction to arrange authentication and data cards at different heights within the same card socket. This three-dimensional arrangement allows both cards to coexist in a compact space, reducing the terminal's footprint while maintaining independent access capability.
2Reliability
If separate contact terminals are manufactured for each card type, then proper electrical contact is ensured, but molding costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple contact terminals into a single molded unit within the card socket. The housing is designed with embedded contact terminals that can simultaneously contact both authentication and data cards, eliminating the need for separate molded components for each card type and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The card socket is designed as a universal component that handles both authentication and data cards through a single integrated structure. The contact terminals are configured to provide electrical contact for multiple card types simultaneously, making the single socket component multi-functional and reducing the total number of parts required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual card socket structure is used, then both cards can be accessed simultaneously, but the card socket cannot be slimmed and miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the authentication and data card insertion spaces in a vertical stack within the card insertion direction. By utilizing the vertical dimension rather than horizontal placement, the card socket achieves simultaneous access capability for both cards while minimizing the overall depth and footprint of the socket structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests one card insertion space within the other in the vertical direction. The authentication card socket and data card socket are positioned such that one is located above the other within the same housing, creating a nested arrangement that reduces the total space required compared to side-by-side placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A card socket for use in an electronic device is disclosed, wherein two cards may be inserted on top of one another into the card insertion space, so that both of the two cards may be used continuously. The card socket according to one embodiment of this disclosure for use in an electronic device comprises a housing having a space wherein a card is inserted, wherein the housing comprises a step part having a staircase shape in the card insertion direction within the card insertion space, so that two or more cards may be inserted on top of one another.