3D Printed Payment Card Model Data File Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of manufacturing and customizing payment cards is costly for issuing banks, as it involves large-scale production and subsequent customization, which can be inefficient and expensive per card.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based method using 3D printing technology, where a model data file representing the payment card is created and transmitted to a 3D printer, allowing consumers to print their own payment cards, which can then be customized with magnetic strips or microchips for functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing processes are used to produce payment cards in large quantities, then card bodies can be produced with laminated surfaces and embedded magnetic strips or microchips, but the cost per card becomes significant and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables consumers to print their own payment cards at home using personal 3D printers. The system provides consumers with digital model files containing card design data, which they can locally print without requiring bank personnel or traditional manufacturing infrastructure. This self-service approach eliminates the need for banks to maintain expensive card manufacturing facilities and reduces per-card costs significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital 3D model files that represent the complete card design, including embossed elements, logos, and structural features. These digital models are transmitted to consumers who then create physical copies using 3D printing technology. This copying approach allows unlimited reproduction from a single digital source without incremental manufacturing costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If payment cards are manufactured and customized in large quantities by manufacturers, then standard card bodies with laminated surfaces can be produced, but subsequent customization for individual consumers is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures digital model files with all necessary customization data including consumer names, account numbers, bank logos, and card design elements before transmission to the consumer. The 3D model incorporates parametric data that automatically personalizes each card based on consumer account information, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing customization steps such as embossing or magnetic strip encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a universal 3D printing approach that can produce all types of payment cards using the same digital model framework. The system accommodates different card designs, materials, and customization requirements through a single versatile manufacturing process, replacing multiple specialized manufacturing lines with one adaptable 3D printing system.
3Reliability
If traditional card manufacturing processes are used, then card bodies can be produced with embedded security features, but the per-card cost remains high due to the complexity of the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing processes (injection molding, lamination, embossing, magnetic strip encoding) with 3D printing technology. The 3D printer uses additive manufacturing to create cards with integrated security features directly during the printing process, eliminating the need for multiple sequential mechanical operations and reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-based method for generating a physical payment card for a consumer is implemented using a computer device including a processor. The method includes identifying a consumer account and creating, by the processor, a model data file associated with the physical payment card for the consumer account. The model data file includes data representing the physical payment card. The method includes transmitting the model data file to a 3-dimensional printer device and the model data file is configured to enable the printer device to print the physical payment card.