Illuminating Transaction Card With Inductive Illumination Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transaction cards with non-traditional designs face constraints such as size restrictions and magnetic strip positioning limitations, limiting their compatibility with standard reader devices.
Innovation Solution
A transaction card design featuring a transparent or translucent portion, a loop antenna, and a light-emitting element positioned between print layers, powered by a wireless signal from a reader device, allowing illumination and enabling standard compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If non-traditional designs are implemented in transaction cards, then aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but compatibility with standard reader devices deteriorates due to size restrictions and magnetic strip positioning limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction card is designed with multiple functions: it maintains standard card dimensions and magnetic strip positioning for universal reader compatibility, while simultaneously incorporating light-emitting elements and transparent portions to provide aesthetic illumination effects. The card serves both functional payment purposes and decorative illumination purposes through a single integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The card features localized transparent portions and strategically positioned light-emitting elements that provide aesthetic illumination without affecting the overall card structure, magnetic strip positioning, or compatibility with standard readers. The illumination is confined to specific regions rather than compromising the entire card design.
2Shape
If light-emitting elements are added to transaction cards, then aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting elements are integrated into the card structure by embedding them within transparent portions of the card body, merging the illumination function with the card's physical structure. This reduces the need for separate housings or additional structural components that would otherwise increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The card utilizes thin transparent portions or films that contain the light-emitting elements, allowing the illumination components to be embedded within a thin, flexible structure that maintains standard card dimensions without adding significant bulk or structural complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If transparent portions are incorporated in transaction cards, then illumination capability is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent portions are pre-formed into the card structure during manufacturing, with light-emitting elements positioned within these predetermined areas. This preliminary preparation of transparent zones simplifies subsequent assembly and ensures precise positioning without requiring complex post-manufacturing adjustments.
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 design allows transaction cards to illuminate when powered by a wireless signal, enhancing aesthetic appeal and maintaining compatibility with standard reader devices while adhering to ISO standards.
Implementation Method 1
A light-emitting element is disposed or otherwise positioned between the antenna inlay layer and one of the first print layer and the second print layer, such that the light-emitting element is positioned proximate to the transparent portion
Implementation Method 2
The transaction card further includes wireless power receiver circuitry coupled to the light-emitting element and the loop antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A transaction card is described that includes a first layer, a second layer, a loop antenna, an inductive illumination antenna, and a light-emitting element. At least a one of the first layer and the second layer has a transparent planar portion through which light transmits. The loop antenna is inset between the first layer and the second layer. The light-emitting element has a first terminal and a second terminal. The inductive illumination antenna is inset between the first layer and the second layer and positioned proximate to the loop antenna such that, when the transaction card is positioned in a magnetic field, the inductive illumination antenna is induced with a current from the loop antenna. The inductive illumination antenna is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal.