Metal Transaction Card with Diamond-Like Carbon Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transaction cards made from thermoplastic materials are susceptible to damage and degradation from exposure to moisture and sunlight, lacking the necessary strength and durability for long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A metal-containing transaction card with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating on its surfaces, combined with a metallic card body and potential additional features like a microchip and magnetic stripe, is fabricated to enhance durability and resistance to environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic materials are used for transaction cards, then ease of manufacture is improved, but strength and durability are worsened due to susceptibility to damage and degradation from moisture and sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal (such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium) with diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating to create a transaction card that maintains ease of manufacture through established metallurgical processes while achieving superior strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors like moisture and sunlight
2Reliability
If metal is used for the card body, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases compared to conventional thermoplastic cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing standard metallurgical parameters and established coating processes (such as physical vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition for DLC coating) to manufacture metal-based transaction cards, thereby achieving superior strength and durability while controlling manufacturing complexity through proven industrial techniques
3Reliability
If DLC coating is applied to the card surfaces, then resistance to scratching and corrosion is improved, but manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the metal card body with diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating during the manufacturing process, establishing corrosion and scratch resistance before the card enters service. This preliminary protective measure is integrated into the manufacturing workflow, reducing the need for subsequent maintenance or re-coating operations
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 DLC coating provides robustness and corrosion resistance, making the transaction card more resistant to scratching and deformation, while the metallic body improves RF signal distribution, offering improved security and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
the card body including a primary surface, a secondary surface, an aperture and a slit, wherein the primary surface and the secondary surface are coated with a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating
Data Source
AI summary
A transaction card is provided comprising a card body comprising a metallic material, the card body including a primary surface, a secondary surface, an aperture and a slit, wherein the primary surface and the secondary surface are coated with a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating.