Chip Module Coil Switch for Secure Contactless Data Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable data carriers with chip modules are vulnerable to unauthorized contactless data reading, and current security measures, such as mechanical switches, increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A chip module with a coil that forms part of a switch element, where the coil contacts are connected by an electrically conductive element within the data carrier body, allowing for secure contactless communication only when the switch is actuated, thus preventing unauthorized reading without adding complexity to the production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical switch element is added to prevent unauthorized reading, then security is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coil antenna and switch element into a single integrated structure. The coil is interrupted to form coil contacts that serve dual purposes: as antenna elements for contactless communication and as switch contacts for security control. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical switch components while maintaining both security functionality and communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil contacts serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as antenna elements for electromagnetic communication, switch contacts for security control, and connection points for the conductive element. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity while achieving both security and communication objectives.
2Reliability
If a mechanical switch element is added to prevent unauthorized reading, then security is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coil antenna and switch element into a single integrated structure. The coil is interrupted to form coil contacts that serve dual purposes: as antenna elements for contactless communication and as switch contacts for security control. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical switch components while maintaining both security functionality and communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil structure itself provides the switch contacts, eliminating the need for external switch components. The interrupted coil automatically forms the switching mechanism when the conductive element is introduced, making the system self-sufficient and reducing manufacturing steps.
3Reliability
If the coil is interrupted to form switch contacts, then security control is enabled, but contactless communication capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the coil's electrical continuity can be changed from interrupted to connected state. When the conductive element is introduced, the coil contacts are bridged, completing the circuit and enabling contactless communication. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt between secure (coil interrupted) and communicative (coil connected) states.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive element acts as an intermediary that bridges the interrupted coil contacts. This intermediary component enables the transition from a secure state (where the coil is interrupted and communication is blocked) to a communicative state (where the coil is connected and communication is enabled), without permanently compromising security.
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 solution provides significant security gains while maintaining cost-effectiveness by ensuring that contactless data communication can only occur when the switch is activated, thereby preventing unauthorized access without increasing production costs or mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a coil which is arranged on the carrier tape and is connected to the circuit, which coil serves as an antenna for contactless data communication with the circuit and for its energy supply in contactless mode
Implementation Method 2
The coil contacts can be connected by means of this switch element when the chip module is arranged in the data carrier body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A chip module (10) to be arranged in a data carrier body (100) for the formation of a portable data carrier (200) comprises a support strip (20), an integrated circuit (30) arranged on the support strip (20), contact surfaces (40) connected to the integrated circuit (30) for data communication with contact, and a coil (50) arranged on the support strip (20) and connected to the integrated circuit (30) for contactless data communication. The coil (50) forms coil contacts (60, 60') on a discontinuity of the coil (50), which contacts form a first part of a switch element (60, 60', 120) on the support strip (20). By means of this switching element, the second part (120) of which is arranged on the data carrier body (100), the coil contacts (60, 60') can be connected when the chip module (10) is arranged in the data carrier body (100).