Metal Transaction Card with Transparent Window and Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for transaction cards that offer a luxury feel and aesthetic appeal without the manufacturing challenges and high costs associated with metal or ceramic materials, while also providing functional features like contactless payment modules and decorative designs that do not obscure the view through a transparent window.
Innovation Solution
A transaction card with a metal, ceramic, or ceramic-coated body featuring a non-magnifying transparent or translucent window insert that enhances RF performance and allows for decorative or electronic features without obscuring the view, using a non-metal backing layer and conductive traces connected to electronic components within the card.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a transparent window is embedded in a metal or ceramic card body, then the card provides aesthetic appeal and differentiation, but manufacturing complexity and structural challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The card is divided into distinct components: a metal or ceramic body, a separate transparent window insert, and a non-metal backing layer. These segments are manufactured independently and then assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process for each component while achieving the complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent window insert is nested within a recess in the metal or ceramic body, creating a layered structure where the window is embedded but maintains its own structural integrity. The non-metal backing layer is then laminated to the back of both the body and insert, completing the nested assembly.
2Reliability
If printed information is added to the transparent window for functional purposes, then the window serves as a security feature, but the view through the window is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The window surface is divided into different zones with different properties: a clear central area that maintains view clarity, and a peripheral region where security patterns or printed information can be applied. This local differentiation allows the window to serve both aesthetic and security functions without completely obscuring the view.
3Strength
If metal or ceramic materials are used for the card body, then durability and luxury feel are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The card uses a composite structure combining metal or ceramic body material with a non-metal transparent window insert and backing layer. This allows the card to achieve the durability and luxury feel of metal or ceramic while using cost-effective materials for the window and backing components, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
4Shape
If the transparent window insert is made flush with the body surface, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A recess is pre-formed in the metal or ceramic body at the location where the transparent window will be inserted. This preliminary action creates a guide structure that automatically positions the window insert at the correct depth and orientation, ensuring flush alignment without requiring extremely high precision during the insertion step.
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 guide light input