IC Card Input Means Recessed Design for False Operation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

IC cards with switches are prone to false operations due to unintentional pressing during carrying, caused by the switch being pressed unintentionally by the user or unexpected contact.

Innovation Solution

The IC card design features an input means with its uppermost part located at the same height as or below the card surface, requiring pressure to be applied in the direction of the card's thickness for activation, and includes a shielding cover portion to prevent incorrect inputs from horizontal or angled pressure, enhancing the card's strength and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the switch is provided on the IC card surface, then the user can easily input information, but the switch is pressed unintentionally during carrying causing false operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput operationVSAvoidfalse operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The input means is positioned at the same height as or below the card body surface, changing the spatial dimension from protruding to flush or recessed. This dimensional change allows the switch to remain accessible for intentional pressing while preventing unintentional activation during carrying, as the input means does not protrude to be accidentally contacted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the input means is located below the card surface, then false operation is prevented, but the user must apply pressure in the thickness direction which reduces ease of input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefalse operation preventionVSAvoidinput operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The position parameter of the input means is changed to be at the same height as or below the card body surface. This parameter change creates a balance where the switch remains accessible for intentional input while the recessed or flush positioning prevents accidental activation from lateral or angled contacts during carrying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a cover portion is added to shield the input means, then false operation is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefalse operation preventionVSAvoidcard structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The card body surface itself serves multiple functions: it acts as the protective cover for the input means while also being the operational surface for user input. By making the card body surface flush with or covering the input means, the design eliminates the need for a separate protective cover structure, thus preventing false operation without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7597267B2IC card

Publication Date: 2009.10.06 E INK CORP

AI summary

An integrated circuit card including: a card body; an input means formed on the card body; and a function part that operates corresponding to the input of the input means; wherein, in the direction of the thickness of the card body, an uppermost part of the input means is located at the same height as that of a surface of the card body, or is located more inwardly than the surface of the card body.