Universal Card Interface for SIM and Memory Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing integration of chips in electronic devices requires more efficient space utilization, particularly due to the large space occupied by external memory cards and their interfaces, which is a challenge in compact mobile device design.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is designed with a card interface that can distinguish between nano SIM cards and nano memory cards using a nano SIM card interface, where the device determines the type of card inserted based on the level of springs connected to the processing module, allowing both types to share the same interface and enabling the implementation of either user identification or storage functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate interfaces are used for SIM cards and memory cards, then each card type can be properly supported, but the space occupied by card interfaces becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal card interface that can accommodate both SIM cards and memory cards by using a single nano SIM card interface design. The interface uses N springs (where N>1) that can electrically connect to different metal pin configurations depending on which card type is inserted, allowing one interface to serve multiple functions and eliminating the need for separate interfaces for each card type.
2Area of stationary object
If a single interface is used for both SIM cards and memory cards, then space is saved, but the device must identify and distinguish between different card types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical identification mechanisms with an electrical detection system. The processing module identifies card type by detecting the electrical connection status of N springs when a card is inserted. Different card types create distinct electrical connection patterns (e.g., SIM cards connect to specific metal pins while memory cards connect to different ones), allowing automatic identification through electrical signals rather than mechanical switches or sensors.
3Shape
If different card sizes are used (micro SD card vs nano SIM card), then each card can optimize its form factor, but the total space required increases due to area differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two differently-sized cards (micro SD card and nano SIM card) into a single unified interface design. By adopting the smaller nano SIM card dimensions (8.8mm×12.3mm) as the common interface size, the patent eliminates the need for a larger micro SD card interface (11mm×15mm), thereby reducing the overall space required in the device while still supporting both card types through appropriate adapter or direct insertion mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a card interface and a processing module. The card interface is electrically connected to the processing module, and a SIM card or a memory card may be inserted into the card interface. The card interface includes N springs, where N>1; when a memory card is inserted into the card interface, the memory card is electrically connected to the processing module; and when a SIM card is inserted into the card interface, the SIM card is electrically connected to the processing module, and one metal pin of the SIM card is electrically connected to a first spring in the N springs and one spring adjacent to the first spring. The processing module is configured to determine, based on at least a level of the first spring, whether an inserted card is a SIM card or a memory card.