Waterproof Chip Card Terminal Sealed Compartment Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart card reader devices are ineffective in extreme weather conditions and malicious acts, as water infiltration exceeds the capacity of traditional rain screens and evacuation channels, reaching the main electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A sealed terminal design with compartments and sealing means, using EPDM rubber foam sealing elements and electronic connections that pass through sealed compartments to prevent water ingress, combined with a touch screen interface and waterproof smart card reading means, ensures the device remains operational even in wet conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rain screens and evacuation channels are used to prevent water infiltration, then the device can handle normal rain conditions, but the device fails under extreme conditions such as floods, storms, or malicious acts where water quantity exceeds evacuation capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is divided into multiple sealed compartments (first compartment for card reading, second compartment for electronics) separated by sealed partitions. This segmentation isolates electronic components from water exposure, ensuring that even if external water infiltration occurs, the internal electronics remain protected.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing means (gaskets, seals) are introduced as intermediary elements between compartments and at connection points where cables pass through. These sealing intermediaries create waterproof barriers that prevent water migration between compartments and protect electronic components from moisture damage.
2Reliability
If the terminal is made fully sealed to prevent water ingress, then waterproof performance improves, but accessibility for maintenance and repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal employs a nested compartment structure where the first and second compartments are housed within the outer casing. Each compartment can be independently accessed by removing the outer casing, allowing maintenance personnel to reach electronic components in the second compartment while maintaining the sealed integrity of the waterproof compartments during operation.
3Reliability
If multiple compartments with sealing means are implemented, then waterproof performance under extreme conditions improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed compartments serve multiple functions: they provide structural organization for different functional modules (card reading in first compartment, electronics in second), establish waterproof barriers, and enable independent replacement of modules. The sealing means simultaneously protect against water ingress and maintain pressure differential for detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing means are strategically placed at critical locations where water infiltration is most likely to occur (compartimentation joints, cable penetration points, external interfaces). This localized application of sealing elements provides effective waterproof protection without requiring complete sealing of every surface, thereby reducing overall complexity.
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 sealed terminal effectively prevents water from reaching the electronic components, maintaining functionality during floods, storms, and malicious acts, ensuring the smart card reader and communication systems remain operational.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing means is made of elastic material
Implementation Method 2
EPDM rubber foam sealing elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a card terminal having a display and virtual keyboard function and comprising at least: an outer casing adapted to receive compartments and provided with at least one slot adapted for the passage of a smart card, a touch screen configured to display information and be used as a virtual keyboard, a first compartment adapted to receive a contact smart card reader and provided with a slot that coincides with the slot in the outer casing, a second compartment adapted to receive at least one electronic card, a contact smart card reader, an electronic card configured to control said contact smart card reader and the touch screen as well as to communicate with a computer system, an electronic linking means between the electronic card and the smart card reader.characterized in that the connecting means passes through a sealing means placed in at least one wall of the first and/or second compartments, so that water cannot pass from the first compartment to the second compartment.