LANDING TYPE CONNECTOR FOR A SMART CARD
by Alfred Tan, Tang Puay Meng and Tan Poh Choo
The working mechanism of this invention centers around the swing mechanism with one end acting as a card detector and the other end providing the pressure to hold a connector against a Smart Card.
WORKING PRINCIPLE
When a Smart Card is inserted up to the far end of the landing type connector, the inner edge pushes a knob head on one end of see-saw member, causing the knob head to move downwards against a C-shaped spring.
Through a see-saw action, the other end of the see-saw member having a Smart Card connector to move upwards and come into contact, and exerts pressure against the contact pads on the Smart Card.
When the Card has been pushed in up to the innermost position, the Card is ready for use.
Naturally, as a user withdraws the Card, the C-shaped spring pushes up the knob head end of the see-saw member and through the see-saw action, this causes the connector end to move downwards away from the contact pads on the Card.
ADVANTAGES
This mechanism allows minimal contact between the contact pads on the Card and the connector until the Card is fully inserted the landing type connector slot. This implementation will help to prolong the credit card life by reducing the wear and tear to the contact pad, which, if it is envisaged, will reduce the cost of maintenance.
[See the accompanying PDF file for the Figure]
