Storage Tray Socket With Elastic Terminal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of storage media trays in electronic devices poses a challenge for downsizing due to mechanical structures required for insertion and detection, which occupy valuable space and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A socket design that integrates tray detection terminals within the existing socket structure, allowing for tray insertion and detection using existing parts, preventing damage and ensuring reliable detection by elastic displacement, and reducing the need for separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate mechanical structures are added for tray insertion and detection, then tray mounting functionality is improved, but device size increases and space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tray detection terminal with the socket structure, integrating two previously separate functions (tray detection and socket mounting) into a single unified component. The detection terminal is positioned within the socket's receiving space, allowing the socket to simultaneously provide mechanical support and electrical detection capabilities, thereby reducing the overall device volume while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical reception and support for the tray while simultaneously housing the detection terminal that electrically detects tray insertion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection mechanisms, optimizing space utilization and reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate mechanical structures are added for tray detection, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the detection terminal with the socket structure, the patent reduces the total component count and simplifies the assembly process. The detection terminal is integrated into the socket body, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and alignment mechanisms that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket structure is designed to fulfill both mechanical support and electrical detection roles simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the bill of materials (BOM) by eliminating redundant components and reduces assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining detection reliability through the elastic contact mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If rigid detection terminals are used, then detection precision is improved, but susceptibility to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection terminal is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to dynamically adapt during tray insertion. The terminal elastically deforms upon contact with the tray, providing precise detection of insertion status while the elastic nature absorbs impact forces and prevents permanent damage, thus simultaneously achieving both precision and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the detection terminal from rigid to elastic. This parameter change enables the terminal to maintain precise contact detection through elastic deformation while significantly improving damage resistance by absorbing mechanical shocks and preventing brittle failure that would occur with rigid materials.
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 enhances space efficiency and reduces costs by integrating tray detection within the socket, preventing damage, and ensuring accurate tray detection without additional mechanical structures.
Implementation Method 1
the first detection terminal is configured to move or deform in a second direction crossing the first direction while slidingly contacting the tray
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a socket for mounting a storage medium tray comprises: a containing space for containing a tray; a lower shell for providing the bottom surface of the containing space; an upper shell coupled so as to face the lower shell, thereby providing at least some of side walls of the containing space and the upper surface of the containing space; a first sensing terminal disposed between the bottom surface and the upper surface so as to extend at least partially along a first direction in which a tray is inserted into the containing space; and a second sensing terminal provided between the lower shell and the upper shell and configured to electrically contact the first sensing terminal. In an embodiment, the first sensing terminal may be configured to move or deform along a second direction intersecting with the first direction while making sliding contact with a tray as the tray contained in the containing space moves along the first direction. Various other embodiments may be possible.