WO2015167833A1

WO2015167833A1 - Information card socket assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015167833A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/026554
Authority: WO
Inventors: Randy Wayne CRAIG; Mickey Jay Hunt
Original assignee: Thomson Licensing
Priority date: 2014-04-30
Filing date: 2015-04-18
Publication date: 2015-11-05
Also published as: TW201607177A

Abstract

An improved socket assembly for holding an information card includes a card indicator switch that avoids placing a force upon the information card that tend to push the information card out of a slot in an information card socket. A metal tension spring anchored at one point along a vertical sidewall is used to retain the information card in the socket slot when fully seated.

Description

INFORMATION CARD SOCKET ASSEMBLY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/986831 filed 30 April 2014 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/093439 filed 18 April 2014, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to an information card assembly. Specifically, the invention relates to the signaling and retention of information cards in information card socket assemblies.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Information cards, such as smart cards, are well known electronic devices that most generally comprise a microchip processor, memory, an input/output controller, and a contact arrangement carried onboard a printed circuit card-like medium. Generally, the cards need to be fully inserted into a socket in order for the electronic device to operate. While information cards are generally designed to meet international standards to ensure compatibility with a wide range of card accepting devices, great variations exist in current information card use and capability. For example, while some information cards are designed to perform very low level and non-microchip processor intensive functions, other information cards employ advanced microchip processor functions and perform microchip processor intensive functions over long periods. As with other electronic devices, information cards generate heat as a byproduct of their function. Currently, some information cards generate heat at a high level which can complicate practical performance criteria.

[0004] In particular, information card insertion and extraction forces, which are influenced by heating, can tend to not meet specifications over all tolerances of the information card size. In particular, this is case for systems in which the card reader socket is under the main printed circuit board (PCB) with the PCB being one side of the insertion slot (Type 1) and in which the card reader is attached to the PCB with a connector (Type 2).

[0005] It has been observed that during thermal cycling the information card reader socket relaxes, and, consequently causes the information card socket assembly to not meet the insertion and extraction force specifications, including tolerances of the information card. This has been observed for all designs including the case in which the card reader socket stands off the PCB (Type 3).

[0006] It should be noted that the thermal cycling refers to testing temperature cycles of the device with the cards inserted in the slots under the conditions that the devices may experience in transportation and storage in the harsh hot and cold climates. Such testing is performed on test samples to ensure that manufactured devices will perform if subjected to such conditions.

[0007] When the force specifications are not met, one of the consequences is the information cards tend to back out of the socket slot during thermal cycling and likewise during heating in information card operations. This tends to be a problem when the card reader socket is located under the main printed circuit board (PCB) with the PCB being one side of the insertion slot as is typical of Type 1 types of cared reader sockets.

[0008] Figure 1 depicts the various types of information card reader socket assembly systems to which the invention is applicable. Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 card reader assemblies are depicted. Figure 2 shows retention features which have been considered and to which improvements are needed. Here, plastic retention fingers are used to hold the card in place. These fingers contribute pressure and resistance to the card which affect the insertion and extraction forces. It has been noted that under thermal cycling, the plastic fingers can move exert forces against the card to move the extraction and insertion forces to become out of tolerance.

[0009] Figures 3 and 4A and 4B depict features of some of the prior art designs which have the problem of the information card backing out of the socket slot. A slot region is defined to encompass a lateral area that a fully inserted information card occupies. Figure 3 depicts one prior design having an indicator switch that pushes against the leading edge of the information card. This design applies force which may cause the information card to back out of the closed position during thermal cycling or during electronic device operation. It should be noted that card indicator switches are generally employed to alert the device or system that hosts the card reader assembly when a card is present. If the card is present, the device (such as a set top box, mobile phone, computer, and the like) is now operable. When the switch contacts are open, the electronic system hosting the card reader socket assembly detects that a card is not present. In the absence of a card or in the instance of an un-seated card, the electronic system hosting the card may produce a "NO CARD PRESENT" error and may not operate. The figures and description herein describes an example switch configuration whose electrical contacts are normally open when no card is present such that electrical switch contacts close when a smart card is fully inserted. In this configuration, card insertion makes an electrical connection between two contacts. However, the electrical switch can also be configured such that the switch configuration has contacts that are normally closed when no card is present such that the electrical switch contacts open when a smart card is fully inserted. In this configuration, card insertion breaks an electrical connection between two contacts. Thus, the switch can be configured to make or break an electrical connection between the contacts of the switch. Accommodating either a make or a break switch type configuration is possible within the scope of the invention.

[0010] Figure 4A shows a different view in the instance where the indicator switch, which has two metal pieces, is in the open position because the card is not fully inserted into the slot. The switch is open because the metal contact that protrudes into the slot is not touching the contact that is set back out of the slot. Figure 4B shows the instance where the indicator switch is in the closed position because the card is fully inserted into the slot. The switch is closed because the proximal metal contact that protrudes into the slot is touching the distal contact that is set back out of the slot.

[0011] In short, the prior card indicator switch design is usually two pieces of metal that closes when the card is fully inserted into its socket. The metal contacts are closed by the end of the card pushing against the contacts when fully inserted into the card slot socket. The metal contacts apply some resistance force parallel with the card travel. This force may cause the card to slide out during thermal cycling or electronic device operation. The use of plastic retention fingers in a prior card socket assembly can change the expected tolerance values of extraction and insertion forces on the card.

[0012] In light of the above mentioned problems with the various type of information card socket systems, a need exists to design an information card reader socket that will meet the insertion/extraction specifications over all tolerances of the information card size, that will be tolerant to thermal cycling, and that will eliminate any forces that could push the information card out during thermal cycling.

SUMMARY

[0013] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. The summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the invention, nor is it intended to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0014] In one aspect of the invention, an electronic device, such as a set top box, has an improved information card socket assembly that is tolerant to thermal cycling. The information card socket assembly includes an improved indicator switch and an improved retention mechanism. Specifically, a socket assembly for holding an information card includes a frame having a horizontal base, a rear vertical wall, and two opposing vertical sidewalls. A switch is positioned at the rear vertical wall, the switch indicating presence of an information card. The switch includes a distal contact positioned within the rear vertical wall and outside of a slot region that defines lateral area that a fully inserted information card occupies. An armature of the switch includes a proximal contact anchored to the horizontal base in the slot region and extending toward the rear vertical wall. A ramp portion of the armature contacts a broad horizontal side of the information card. When the information card is fully inserted, the ramp moves the proximal contact to establish an electrical connection with the distal contact.

[0015] In one aspect of the invention, an electronic device, such as a set top box, mobile device, computer, and the like, has an improved retention mechanism that includes a curved metal tension spring anchored at one of its ends to one of the sidewalls, wherein a convex side of the tension spring contacts a side edge of the information card. When the information card is inserted, the tension spring provides an inward retention force perpendicular to the side edge of the information card to secure the information card in the slot.

[0016] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and is not necessarily the only possible

configuration for illustrating the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing summary of the invention, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included by way of example, and not by way of limitation with regard to the claimed invention. In the drawings, like numbers represent similar elements. [0018] Figure 1 shows various types of smart card reader assembly systems to which the current invention is applicable;

Figure 2 shows various perspective views of previous smart card socket systems having plastic retention fingers;

Figure 3 is perspective view of a prior smart card socket assembly;

Figure 4A shows a plan view of a prior smart card socket assembly depicted in an open contact condition;

Figure 4B shows a plan view of the prior smart card socket assembly depicted in a closed contact condition;

Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a typical smart card reader socket assembly according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 6A depicts the contact and ramp elements of the indicator switch according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 6B depicts elements of the indicator switch according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 6C depicts a cut away view of elements of the indicator switch according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 6D depicts a view of the indicator switch when the smart card is fully installed according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 7 depicts a view of the indicator switch showing the armature portion of the indicator switch according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 8A depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing card insertion direction for a Type 1 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 8B depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing an uncompressed side-mounted tension spring for a Type 1 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 8C depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing a card indicator switch location for a Type 1 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 8D depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing a compressed side-mounted tension spring for a Type 1 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 9A depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing card insertion direction for a Type 2 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention; Figure 9B depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing an uncompressed side-mounted tension spring for a Type 2 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 9C depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing a card indicator switch location for a Type 2 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 9D depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing a compressed side-mounted tension spring for a Type 2 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 10A depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing card insertion direction for a Type 3 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 10B depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing an uncompressed side-mounted tension spring for a Type 3 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention;

Figure IOC depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing a card indicator switch location for a Type 3 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 10D depicts a perspective view of a smart card socket assembly showing a compressed side-mounted tension spring for a Type 3 card reader socket according to aspects of the invention; and

Figure 11 depicts an electronic device having a smart card socket assembly according to aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0019] In the following description of various illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, how various embodiments in the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modification may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0020] In one embodiment, an information card may take the form of a smart card. Although a smart card may be described in the examples that follow, one of skill in the art will recognize that a smart card is but one embodiment of an information card. In one aspect of the invention, a design is achieved that dramatically increases the robustness of an information card socket design so as to successfully pass thermal cycling tests. One level of improvement over prior design assembly features includes the use of metal retention springs to secure the smart card in place. The metal spring is an improvement compared to the use of plastic springs. The metal springs push on the side of the card which is a more stable dimension than the smart card thickness, because the thickness is significantly smaller than the width. The metal springs will not weaken during thermal cycling as can plastic retention fingers shown in Figure 2.

[0021] An additional feature of the invention is that smart card indicator switch contacts have been redesigned such that no forces associated with the card indicator switch contacts are pushing the smart card out of being fully seated in the reader socket assembly. The switch contacts provide an indication/detection that the smart card is fully inserted and ready to be read and used. The improved card indicator switch design is such that now the force required to bend or deflect the indicator switch contacts is perpendicular to the card travel and not parallel to the card travel as in prior designs.

[0022] Figure 5 highlights features of the smart card socket assembly. The assembly shown in Figure 5 may be referred to as a smart card slot or reader socket assembly. According to aspects of the invention, a smart card socket 200 comprises a frame 202 shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of a conventional smart card. A smart card typically may be the size of a credit card or smaller. However, aspects of the invention can apply regardless of the size of the smart card. The frame 202 comprises a base 204, a left sidewall 206 (which is an interior side edge) extending up from a left side of the base 204, a right sidewall 208 (which is an interior side edge) extending up from a right side of the base 204, and a rear wall 210 extending up from a rear side of the base 204. Smart card socket 200 further comprises a left forward alignment tab 212 extending from the left sidewall 206 toward the right sidewall 208 and a right forward alignment tab 214 extending from the right sidewall 208 toward the left sidewall 206. Generally, the frame and related member are made of a plastic or other electrically non-conductive material.

[0023] The innermost faces of the base 204, left sidewall 206, right sidewall 208, and rear wall 210 (which is the end interior side) with the underside of each alignment tab 212 and 214 can generally define a slot for receiving a smart card into the frame 202 of the smart card socket 200. Specifically, the tabs 212 and 214 are biased toward the base 204. A card indicator switch 6 is located at the back of a slot in which the smart card resides when fully inserted. The indicator switch 6 includes a distal contact 8 and an armature 14 which includes a proximal contact 9, a ramp portion 11, and a proximal end 12A shown in Figure 6. [0024] Referring to Figure 5, a tension spring 10, also known as a compression spring, serves as a retention mechanism for the smart card. The retention mechanism includes a curved metal tension spring 10 anchored at one of its ends to at least one of the sidewalls 206, 204, wherein a convex side of the tension spring 10 contacts a side edge of the smart card when the smart card is inserted. The tension spring 10 provides an inward retention force perpendicular to the side edge of the smart card to secure the smart card in the slot.

[0025] Figures 6A-6D depicts details of the indicator switch 6 which can include an armature 14 and contact switch having a distal contact switch 8 which are adapted to touch or electrically connect upon full inserted of the smart card according to aspects of the invention. Figure 6A depicts the distal contact 8 and the proximal contact 9 of the armature of the indicator switch 6. Figure 6 A depicts the indicator switch in an open position indicating that no card is fully seated in the card reader socket assembly. Also shown in Figure 6A is a ramp portion of a metal armature which supports the proximal contact 9. Figure 6 B depicts a corner of the frame 202 having the indicator switch 6. In Figure 6B, the proximal contact 9 and the distal contact 8 are not touching and are therefore in an open position indicating the smart card is not fully inserted or seated in its slot in the fame 202.

[0026] Figure 6C depicts a side cut view of the socket assembly in the area of the insertion switch. Figure 6C depicts a fully inserted smart card that has resulted in an electrical contact between proximal contact 9 and distal contact 8. In one embodiment, a metal armature 14 includes proximal end 12A, ramp portion 11, proximal contact 9, and distal end 12B (not shown in Figure 6C). The armature 14 of indicator switch 6 can have a ramp portion 11 or slope portion that forms an obtuse angle with a proximal end 12A of the armature 14. The proximal end 12A of the armature 14 extends into the slot away from the slope portion 11 and away from the end interior side of the slot that can receive the leading edge of the smart card. The proximal end 12A of the armature 14 can be anchored. The armature 14 of insertion switch 6 is constructed such that as the card is inserted, it pushes the proximal contact 9 down as the card rides on the ramp 11. Once the card is fully inserted, the ramp portion 11 can be fully underneath the card and the proximal contact 9 provides electrical conductivity with the distal contact 8 to close the indicator switch 6. Also, with the card inserted, a force that is perpendicular to the broad side of the card is applied to the card by the top of the ramp portion 11 and this force will not be in a direction that will tend to push the card out of the card reader socket. That is, the force applied by the top portion of the ramp avoids pushing the smart card out of the card socket. The distal contact 8 can be fixed in position. [0027] Figure 6D depicts another view of the fully inserted card in the same condition as shown in Figure 6C. In Figure 6D, the card is shown fully seated into the frame 202 where the indicator switch 6 has its electrical contacts (proximal and distal) in an electrical closed position. Also, the ramp portion of the proximal contact is shown lying under the fully inserted smart card.

[0028] Figure 7 depicts a view of the indicator switch 6 showing the L- shaped armature 14. Armature portion 14 is a single piece-part of switch 6 that includes proximal end 12A, ramp 11, proximal contact 9, and distal end 12B. In one embodiment, the L-shaped armature portion 14 of the indicator switch 6 has physical support at two points. The support points are at each end of the armature 14 that makes up part of the indicator switch 6 assembly. The support of armature 14 is located at proximal end 12A and at distal end 12 B. Switches of prior designs used only one support end which can allow an armature to be susceptible to twisting. The two point support or two point mount for armature 14 results in a more robust design. A first leg of the armature 14 includes the proximal contact 9 and the ramp 11. A second leg of the armature includes a flat portion that acts as a flat metallic spring to raise the armature when the smart card is removed from the fully inserted position of the slot. This unseated position allows the flat spring action of the armature to raise the ramp against an edge of the smart card as the smart card is removed from a fully seated position in the slot.

[0029] The inventive aspects of an improved card reader socket configuration may be included in the different types of card reader socket assemblies shown Figure 1. Referring now to Figures 8A-8D, the views shown are generally associated with the Type 1 design format. Specifically, Figures 8A-8D show the smart card or information card being inserted in the smart card slot along insertion direction 5. The views in Figures 8 A and 8B show that the socket has socket contacts 50 for information exchange with the smart card which are on an interior side of the slot. The socket contacts 50 mate with corresponding printed circuit contacts on the underside of the smart card. Figures 8 A, 8B, and 8D show that the card reader can have at least one compression spring 52 (tension spring) at interior vertical sides of the slot in which the spring applies an inward horizontal force along the lateral dimension of the card on the narrow long side of the card. The improved card socket assembly shown in Figures 8A-8D has been effective with just one compression or tension spring 52 along the side of the card reader. One end of the compression spring 52 can be fixed in place to the card reader and the other end is allowed to slide along the card reader interior side edge during the compression of the spring as the smart card is inserted. Figure 8D depicts a smart card fully inserted into the socket assembly where the compression or tension spring 52 is compressed and applying force that retains the smart card in the slot.

[0030] Figure 8A depicts the instance where the indicator switch 6, which has two metal pieces, each having an electrical contact, is in the open position because the card is not fully inserted into the slot. The indicator switch 6 includes a proximal contact and a distal contact shown in more detail in Figures 6-7. In Figure 8 A, the indicator switch 6 would be in an open condition because the metal contact (proximal contact 9) region that extends out of the slot is not touching the metal contact (distal contact 8) that is set back out of the slot. Figure 8B also shows the case where the indicator switch 6 is in the open position because the card is not fully inserted into the slot.

[0031] Figure 8C shows that the indicator switch 6 can be positioned to contact the leading edge and/or the bottom side of the smart card. The proximal contact (i.e. the one that contacts the card and/or is in the slot area) of the indicator switch 6 can be oriented along the long axis of the card and can be positioned such that the distal contact 8 can be out the periphery of the slot; which means outside the intended peripheral region of the card when fully inserted. The distal contact 8 can be outside the slot area and can be orient along the short axis of the card. When the card is fully inserted, the indicator switch 6 is in a closed condition because the proximal metal contact 9 that extends out of the slot is touching the distal contact 8 that is set back out of the slot (to be outside the lateral profile of the card). The armature 14 of the indicator switch 6 moves in an up and down motion in response to the smart card being inserted and withdrawn. The armature 14 of indicator switch 6 is generally a mechanism that can extend on the bottom surface of the slot under the smart card. When the card is inserted, the proximal switch contact 9 can move down and close. When the card is withdrawn, the mechanism causes the proximal switch contact 9 to go up and open.

[0032] As is depicted in Figure 8C, the indicator switch 6 can be positioned to contact the leading edge and/or the bottom side of the card and the contacts can be oriented along the long axis of the card and can be positioned such that the distal contact 8 of the contacts can be out the periphery of the slot (which means outside the intended peripheral region of the card when fully inserted). As described earlier, the indicator switch 6 can be positioned to move under the card when the card is inserted.

[0033] The views of Figures 9A-9D are generally associated with the Type 2 design format. Specifically, Figures 9 A, 9B, 9C and 9D show the smart card or information card being inserted in the smart card slot along insertion direction 5. The views in Figures 9 A and 9B show that the slots have card contacts which are on an lateral interior side of the slot that include card contacts. These figures show that the card reader socket can have compression springs 52 at interior side edge (i.e. interior vertical sides) of the slot in which the springs apply an inward horizontal force along the lateral dimension of the card on the narrow long side of the card.

[0034] Figure 9C shows that the indicator switch can have a distal contact positioned parallel to the short axis of the card and be positioned outside the lateral profile of the card and/or slot. As in Figure 8C, the proximal contact of the switch 6 can move in an up and down motion in response to the card being inserted and withdrawn. The switch 6 has an armature 14 that runs on the bottom surface of the slot under the card and extends under the switch. When the card is inserted, the proximal contact 9 of the switch can move down and make contact with distal contact 8. When the card is removed, the armature 14 causes the proximal contact 9 of the switch to go up and open the electrical connection with distal contact 8.

[0035] The views of Figures 10A-10D are generally associated with the Type 3 design format. Specifically, Figures 10A, 10B, IOC and 10D show the smart card or information card being inserted in the smart card slot along insertion direction 5. The views in Figures 10A and 10B show that the slots have card contacts which are on a lateral interior side of the slot that include socket contacts 50. Figure 10A shows that smart card slot having a top cover which can include a heat sink or heat spreader element. Figures 10B and 10D show that the card reader can have compression springs 52 at interior side edges (i.e. interior vertical sides) of the slot in which the springs apply an inward horizontal force along the lateral dimension of the card on the narrow long side of the card.

[0036] Figure IOC shows that one end of the L- shaped armature 14 having proximal contact 9 of the indicator switch 6 can be positioned parallel to the long axis of the card and be positioned outside the lateral profile of the card. The armature moves in an up and down motion in response to the card being inserted and withdrawn. The switch has an L-shaped armature 14, the proximal end 12A of which runs on the bottom surface of the slot under the card. When the card is inserted, the proximal contact 9 of the switch can move down and close the switch 9. When the card is removed, the armature 14 causes the proximal contact 9 of the switch to go up and open the switch 6.

[0037] Figure 11 depicts an electronic device, such as a set top box, gateway, modem, digital camera, cell phone, and the like, that has a bay for housing an information card socket assembly such as is described above. The electronic device functions to house the information card socket assembly so that information, such as digital information, can be read and/or written to the information card. Such information may be useful in the operation of the electronic device and as such, a socket assembly as described herein above would be a useful addition to the electronic device.

[0038] Although the illustrative embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present principles are not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art without departing from the scope of the present principles. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present principles as set forth in the appended claims.

[0039] Also, it should be noted that expressions such as "vertical," "horizontal," "front," "back," "top," base," and other such relationship expression are used in the description and/or claims with regards to certain elements with respect of an arbitrary coordinate system are employed for understanding aspects of the present principles; however, the invention is intended for use in components and/or the electronic devices that may be rotated 90 degrees, 180 degrees or to some other value either about a vertical reference line or a horizontal reference lines. This implies that "horizontal" can mean "vertical" and vice versa, "top" can mean "base" and vice versa, etc.

Claims

Claims:

1. A socket assembly for holding an information card, the assembly comprising:

a frame (202) having a horizontal base (204), a rear vertical wall (210), and two opposing vertical sidewalls (206, 208);

a switch (6) positioned at the rear vertical wall, the switch indicating presence of an information card, the switch comprising:

a distal contact (8) positioned within the rear vertical wall and outside of a slot region that defines lateral area that a fully inserted information card occupies;

an armature (14), the armature comprising:

a proximal contact (9) anchored to the horizontal base in the slot region and extending toward the rear vertical wall;

a ramp (11) that contacts a broad horizontal side of the information card, and when the information card is fully inserted, the ramp moves the proximal contact (9) to make or break an electrical connection with the distal contact (8);

wherein the ramp is positioned below the information card when the information card is fully inserted into the slot.

2. The socket assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a tension spring (52) anchored at one end to one of the and two opposing vertical sidewalls wherein a convex side of the tension spring contacts a side edge of the information card when the information card is inserted into the slot of the socket.

3. The socket assembly of claim 2, wherein the tension spring provides an inward retention force perpendicular to the side edge of the information card to secure the information card in the slot.

4. The socket assembly of claim 2, wherein the other end of the tension spring is not anchored.

5. The socket assembly of claim 2, wherein the tension spring comprises a metal tension spring.

6. The socket assembly of claim 1, wherein the distal contact (8) is in a fixed positon.

7. The socket assembly of claim 1, wherein the armature is L-shaped.

8. The socket assembly of claim 7, wherein the armature is supported at each end.

9. The socket assembly of claim 7, wherein a first leg of the armature includes the ramp and the proximal contact.

10. The socket assembly of claim 9, wherein a second leg of the armature includes a flat portion that acts as a flat metallic spring to raise the armature when the information card is removed from the fully inserted position of the slot.

11. The socket assembly of claim 1, wherein the ramp comprises a top portion that applies a force perpendicular to the information card.

12. The socket assembly of claim 11, wherein the force applied by the top portion of the ramp avoids pushing the information card out of the socket.

13. An electronic device having a bay for an information card, the electronic device comprising:

a casing having a plurality of exterior sides, wherein one of the plurality of exterior sides contains the bay for the information card, the bay housing a socket assembly for holding the information card, the socket assembly comprising:

a frame 202 having a horizontal base (204), a rear vertical wall (210), and two opposing vertical sidewalls (206, 208);

an armature (14), the armature comprising:

a proximal contact (9) anchored to the horizontal base in the slot region and extending toward the rear vertical wall; a ramp (11) that contacts a broad horizontal side of the information card, and when the information card is fully inserted, the ramp moves the proximal contact (9) to make or break an electrical connection with the distal contact (8);

14. The electronic device of claim 13, further comprising:

15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the tension spring provides an inward retention force perpendicular to the side edge of the information card to secure the information card in the slot.

16. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the other end of the tension spring is not anchored.

17. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the tension spring comprises a metal tension spring.

18. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the distal contact (8) is in a fixed positon.

19. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the armature is L-shaped.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the armature is supported at each end.

21. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein a first leg of the armature includes the ramp and the proximal contact.

22. The electronic device of claim 21, wherein a second leg of the armature includes a flat portion that acts as a flat metallic spring to raise the armature when the information card is removed from the fully inserted position of the slot.

23. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the ramp comprises a top portion that applies a force perpendicular to the information card.

24. The electronic device of claim 23, wherein the force applied by the top portion of the ramp avoids pushing the information card out of the socket.