Illuminable Payment Card Structure for Low-Cost Custom Branding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card production technologies face challenges in implementing creative visual and functional features efficiently, particularly for smaller financial institutions and merchants, as these features often increase production costs without effectively addressing both differentiation and customization needs.
Innovation Solution
The development of an illuminable card with a light transmissive core layer, conductive contact pads, an antenna for contactless power reception, and a mask-defined image, allowing for customizable illumination features that enhance both aesthetics and functionality while reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If creative visual and functional features are incorporated into cards to distinguish one card from another, then card differentiation is improved, but production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The card is divided into functional layers including a light transmissive core layer, an illuminable patch layer, and a mask layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together to create the differentiated card without requiring expensive custom manufacturing for each card design.
Solution Approach 2:
The card structure incorporates multiple functions within a single standardized platform: visual differentiation through masks, illumination capability through the illuminable patch, and contactless power reception through the antenna. This universal base design can accommodate various customization needs without requiring separate manufacturing processes for each feature.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customization features are added to cards for brand recognition, then consumer recognition is enhanced, but production expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask layer is pre-configured with predetermined images, logos, or patterns during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows customization to be achieved through simple layer assembly rather than complex custom manufacturing processes, significantly reducing production expenses while maintaining brand recognition capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask layer acts as a template or copy that defines the visual appearance of the card. By creating master mask designs that can be replicated across multiple cards, the system enables widespread distribution of customized cards at low marginal cost, addressing the needs of smaller financial institutions and merchants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If illumination features are implemented to provide visual indication, then functional differentiation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminable patch is integrated directly into the card body structure and electrically connected to the antenna system. This merging of the illumination function into the existing card layers, rather than adding separate components, provides functional differentiation while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The card uses contactless power reception through the antenna to self-power the illuminable patch, eliminating the need for separate batteries or external power sources. This self-service approach enables functional differentiation through illumination without adding the complexity of power management 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
This solution enables cost-effective customization and production of cards with visually and functionally distinct features, providing a cost-effective means to differentiate cards while accommodating various design requirements and enhancing consumer recognition.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna electrically interconnected at offset positions thereof to different ones of the first and second contact pads, for receiving a contactless power signal from an external source of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
an illuminable patch, supportably interconnected to the carrier layer between the first and second contact pads to illuminate upon receipt of a power signal at the first and second contact pads
Implementation Method 3
a mask overlying at least a portion of the illuminable patch and defining a predetermined image visible on a first side of the illuminable card upon illumination of the illuminable patch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An improved illuminable card includes a carrier layer, first and second contact pads, or rails, supportably interconnected to the carrier layer to receive a power signal, and an illuminable patch supportably interconnected to the carrier layer or another carrier layer for electrical coupling with the first and second contact pads and illumination upon receipt of a power signal at the first and second contact pads. The illuminable card may include a mask overlying at least a portion of the illuminable patch and having a predetermined pattern to define a predetermined image visible on a side of the illuminable card upon illumination of the illuminable patch.