Flexible Card Dynamic Magnetic Communications
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered cards and devices lack flexibility and efficient data communication methods, particularly in interacting with external objects and devices, and struggle to maintain functionality when bent or flexed.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic magnetic communications device is integrated into a flexible card structure, utilizing a multiple-layer board with coils for data communication and sensors for detecting external objects, allowing for flexible operation and data exchange through electromagnetic fields and touch-sensitive displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid multiple-layer board is used for magnetic communications device, then data communication reliability is improved, but device flexibility and ability to function when bent deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the previously rigid multiple-layer board flexible, allowing it to adapt to bending conditions. The flexible board maintains electrical connections and magnetic communication functionality while being bent, enabling the device to operate in flexible form factors without compromising data communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly implements this principle by replacing the rigid board with a flexible board that can be bent. The flexible board uses flexible circuitry and interconnections that maintain electrical continuity during flexing, allowing the magnetic communications device to function reliably in flexible card applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are added to detect external objects and flexing, then adaptive operation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing sensors that serve multiple functions: detecting external objects for communication initiation and detecting flexing conditions for adaptive operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving adaptive capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors enable the device to automatically detect its operational context (external objects and flexing) and adjust its behavior accordingly without external control. The device self-adapts its communication mode based on sensor inputs, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
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 enables flexible cards to maintain functionality when bent, enhance data communication efficiency, and allow for adaptive operation based on flexing, improving interaction with various devices like magnetic stripe readers.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic emulator, for example, may be provided to generate electromagnetic fields that directly communicate data to a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader
Implementation Method 2
A coil for each track of information that is to be communicated by the dynamic magnetic stripe communications device may then be provided by including wire segments on each layer and interconnecting the wire segments through layer interconnections to create a coil
Data Source
AI summary
Die may be thinned using a thinning and/or a polishing process. Such thinned die may be flexible and may change operational characteristics when flexed. The flexible die may be applied to a mechanical carrier (e.g., a PCB) of a card or device. Detection circuitry may also be provided on the PCB and may be used to detect changed operational characteristics. Such detection circuitry may cause a reaction to the changed characteristics by controlling other components on the card or device based upon the flex-induced changed characteristics. The thinned die may be stacked, interconnected, and encapsulated between sheets of laminate material to form a flexible card or device.