Metal Transaction Card Window With RF-Powered Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transaction cards, particularly those made of metal or ceramic materials, face challenges in incorporating a transparent window without functional patterns that obscure the view and require complex manufacturing processes, and there is a need for aesthetically pleasing, non-functional designs that enhance luxury feel and security.
Innovation Solution
A transaction card with a metal layer featuring non-magnifying, non-collimating windows and embedded electronics, such as LEDs, powered by RF energy harvesting, which can illuminate independently or indicate transaction status, and a non-functional pattern of openings filled with inserts that provide decorative or dynamic features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent window is incorporated in a metal or ceramic transaction card, then the card provides desirable differentiation and luxury feel, but the manufacturing complexity increases and production cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The card is divided into distinct layers including a transparent window layer, metal layer, and ceramic layer. The window can be a separate piece inserted into the card body, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly of each component, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the luxury aesthetic
Solution Approach 2:
The card combines multiple materials (transparent material, metal, ceramic) into a composite structure. This allows each material to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured separately using appropriate processes, then assembled into the final card, reducing the manufacturing complexity that would arise from attempting to create the multi-material structure in a single process
2Loss of information
If functional patterns are printed on the transparent window, then information can be displayed, but the view through the card is obscured and aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of printing information directly on the transparent window surface (2D), the patent uses RFID technology to wirelessly transmit information through the window. This moves the information display to a different dimension (electromagnetic field transmission), allowing the window to remain visually clear while still conveying information to the cardholder or reader
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnifying or collimating properties are added to the transparent window, then functional utility increases, but the window obscures the view and requires complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical functions (magnifying, collimating) from the transparent window itself and places them in separate optical components positioned behind or in front of the window. This allows the window to maintain its primary function of providing a clear view, while the extracted optical functions are implemented as optional add-on elements that can be manufactured and positioned separately
4Adaptability or versatility
If LED modules are embedded in the card, then dynamic illumination and transaction status indication are achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED modules are powered by energy harvested from RF signals during card transactions. The card's RFID circuitry captures energy from the electromagnetic field generated by the card reader, and this harvested energy is used to power the LEDs. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for batteries or other external power sources, reducing overall energy consumption while enabling dynamic illumination and transaction status indication
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 solution provides a luxurious, durable card with enhanced aesthetics and security through decorative patterns and functional electronics, while improving RF performance and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The transponder module comprises a component in a transaction circuit configured to communicate wirelessly with a card reader that is configured to emit radio frequency (RF) waves having energy. The transaction circuit is configured to receive an incoming RF signal from the card reader, to respond with an outgoing RF signal, and to power the transaction circuit by harvesting energy from the RF waves.
Implementation Method 2
The LED module comprises one or more LEDs configured to emit light, and a light guide for distributing the light emitted by the one or more LEDs across the illuminated area.
Data Source
AI summary
A transaction card includes at least one metal layer having one or more apertures therein. A light guide is disposed beneath the metal layer. The light guide has a light output and a light input. The light output is positioned to transmit light through at least the one or more apertures of the metal layer. At least one LED is positioned to transmit light into the light input of the light guide.