Transaction Product With Flexible Circuit Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stored-value cards, such as gift cards, lack additional functionalities that could enhance user engagement and encourage repeat purchases, primarily serving as transaction tools without providing entertainment or interactive value.
Innovation Solution
A transaction product incorporating an electrical circuit with a flexible membrane and a piano-like interface, allowing users to play musical notes by pressing keys, which also functions as a stored-value card linked to an account, providing both transactional and non-transactional audio functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stored-value card is designed with basic transaction functionality only, then the device complexity remains low, but the user engagement and entertainment value are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating both transactional functions (stored-value card capabilities) and non-transactional functions (musical playback, audio output) into a single device. The gift card can serve as both a payment instrument and an entertainment device, allowing users to play music through the electrical circuit and speaker while maintaining its transactional value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate functions into one unified device. The electrical circuit, speaker, and stored-value card functionality are combined into a single integrated gift card system, eliminating the need for separate transactional and entertainment devices while reducing overall device complexity through consolidation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional non-transactional features like audio output are added, then user engagement increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible circuit member that can be easily integrated into the card structure. This flexible approach allows the electrical circuit to be incorporated without adding significant manufacturing complexity, as the flexible nature of the circuit member enables straightforward integration with the card's existing structure during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a power source that enables the audio functionality to operate independently or in conjunction with transactional use. The self-contained power source allows the musical features to function without requiring external power or complex infrastructure, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining entertainment capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible circuit member extends through the enclosure aperture, then electrical connection is achieved, but the structural integrity of the enclosure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit member is designed to extend through the enclosure aperture while maintaining the structural integrity of the enclosure. The flexible nature of the circuit member allows it to pass through the aperture without compromising the enclosure's strength, as the flexible material can accommodate the opening without requiring additional reinforcement that would complicate manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A transaction product includes an enclosure, an account identifier and an electrical circuit. The enclosure defines an aperture. The account identifier is at least one of connected to or enclosed within the enclosure and links the transaction product to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable. The electrical circuit includes a flexible circuit member, wherein the flexible circuit member extends through the aperture defined by the enclosure such that a first portion of the flexible circuit member is coupled to an outside surface of the enclosure and a second portion of the flexible circuit member is positioned inside the enclosure. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.