Authentication Card Integrated Microfiber Cloth for Contaminant Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Physical impurities and contaminants such as oils, bacteria, and dust cause damage and malfunction to authentication cards and mobile device screens, and conventional sanitizing methods are either ineffective or damaging to the devices.

Innovation Solution

An authentication card with an integrated microfiber cloth layer, fastened between the card layers using rivets, stitches, or heat treatment, allowing users to easily clean oils, bacteria, and dirt from both cards and mobile devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If harsh chemicals or soap and water are used to sanitize authentication cards and mobile devices, then contaminants such as oils, bacteria, and dust are removed, but the card chip, magnetic stripe, or device circuits may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontaminantsVSAvoidcard functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cleaning function from the authentication card itself by integrating a separate microfiber cloth that can be removed and used independently. This allows the card's sensitive components (chip, magnetic stripe) to be protected from direct exposure to water and harsh chemicals while still enabling effective cleaning of contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The microfiber cloth acts as an intermediary between the user and the authentication card. Instead of directly applying water or chemicals to the card surface which could cause damage, the cloth mediates the cleaning process by absorbing contaminants through its fibrous structure, thereby protecting the card's electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If authentication cards are cleaned frequently to remove contaminants, then hygiene and functionality are maintained, but time and convenience are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontaminantsVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the authentication card with a cleaning cloth into a single integrated unit. The cloth is attached to the card through a夹层 structure, allowing users to clean multiple surfaces (card itself, mobile devices, keys) without needing separate cleaning supplies, thereby reducing the time and inconvenience of frequent cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated cloth serves multiple functions: it can clean the authentication card itself, clean mobile device screens, and clean other personal items. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning tasks, reducing overall time consumption while maintaining hygiene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a fabric layer is integrated into the authentication card to enable cleaning, then contaminant removal is facilitated, but the card structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidcard structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication card into distinct functional layers: a front card layer, a back card layer, and an intermediate夹层 layer where the microfiber cloth is positioned. This segmentation allows the cloth to be integrated without compromising the structural integrity or functionality of the card's electronic components, as each layer serves its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microfiber cloth is implemented as a thin, flexible layer that can be easily integrated between the card layers. The cloth's flexibility allows it to conform to the card's structure while maintaining its cleaning capability. The thin-film nature of the cloth minimizes the increase in overall card thickness and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 integrated cloth effectively removes contaminants from authentication cards and mobile devices, extending their lifespan, improving functionality, and reducing the risk of illness from bacterial exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a proximate fabric (e.g., microfiber) provided in an authentication card... to remove oils, bacteria, and dirt from other authentication cards or mobile devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the fabric layer may include one or more apertures through which a surface of the first card layer and a surface of the second card layer are bound together by heat treatment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentUS12210923B2Authentication card with integrated cloth

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 CAPITAL ONE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

Authentication card with integrated cloth. In some aspects, an authentication card for short range wireless communications includes a first card layer comprising a first cutout, a second card layer, and a fabric layer fastened between the first and second card layer, where the fabric layer is exposed through the first cutout. A microchip may be provided on the first card layer, wherein the microchip is coupled with an antenna enabling authentication (e.g., contactless) by employing radio frequency identification (RFID) or near field communication (NFC).