Foldable Transaction Card With Living Hinge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transaction cards lack a compact configuration option without damaging the card, as they are typically rigid and cannot be easily folded for storage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a foldable living hinge between sections of the card body, allowing the card to pivot between a stowed and deployed configuration without interrupting essential payment components like the EMV chip or magnetic stripe, using thermoplastics like polypropylene or polyethylene for flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a transaction card is made rigid for durability, then strength is improved, but the card cannot be folded for compact storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard durabilityVSAvoidfolding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The card body is divided into multiple sections (first section and second section) that can pivot relative to each other about the living hinge, enabling the card to fold into compact configurations while maintaining structural integrity of each segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A living hinge is integrated into the card body, providing a flexible pivot point that allows the card to bend and fold repeatedly without damage, combining the flexibility needed for folding with the durability required for everyday use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a living hinge is added to enable folding, then folding capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidcard structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The living hinge is merged with the card body itself rather than being a separate component, creating a unified structure where the hinge is an integral part of the card substrate, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining folding functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The living hinge structure is designed to be self-contained within the card body, requiring no additional parts, fasteners, or external mechanisms to enable folding, thus simplifying the overall card construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables the card to be folded into a compact form without damaging it, maintaining functionality and cost-effectiveness by integrating the living hinge into the manufacturing process without additional parts or significant cost increases.

Implementation Method 1

a living hinge connecting a first section of the body and a second section of the body. The living hinge may extend between the first and second main sides of the body, wherein the first and second sections of the body are pivotable about the living hinge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11455506B1Transaction card with foldable living hinge

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 CAPITAL ONE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

Provided are foldable transaction cards with a living hinge. In some approaches, a transaction card may include a body including a first main side opposite a second main side, wherein an identification chip is coupled to the body, and wherein a living hinge connects a first section of the body and a second section of the body. The living hinge may extend between the first and second main sides of the body, wherein the first and second sections of the body are pivotable about the living hinge between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.