Modular Antenna Module for Non-Contact Card Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-contact card readers face limitations due to EMV certification requirements, which restrict the design flexibility of antenna modules, leading to increased costs and complexity in accommodating different card reader shapes and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A modular antenna module design with adjustable light pipes and a spacer system allows for fixed installation in various panel housings, including vertical, horizontal, and square configurations, while maintaining compliance with EMV certification by ensuring a unique relative space relationship between the motherboard and antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specifications of antenna modules are designed for different card reader shapes, then various housing configurations can be supported, but processing procedures and costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna module is designed with a universal structure that can be installed in multiple housing configurations (vertical, horizontal, square) through a standardized mounting interface. The light pipe arrangement is made adjustable within the housing to adapt to different orientations, allowing a single antenna module design to serve multiple card reader shapes and sizes, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specifications.
2Reliability
If the antenna module is installed with a fixed disposing direction, then EMV certification can be maintained, but the card reader appearance and orientation options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent parts: the antenna module with its fixed disposing direction for EMV certification compliance, and the light pipe assembly that can be rotated or repositioned within the housing. This segmentation allows the antenna module to maintain its certified orientation while the light pipes adapt to different housing orientations, enabling vertical, horizontal, and square configurations without compromising certification.
3Ease of manufacture
If light pipes are fixed in position relative to the antenna module, then assembly is simplified, but design flexibility for different card reader appearances is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing the light pipes to be rotated or repositioned to different angles and orientations within the housing. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the same antenna module to be used in card readers with various appearances and orientations, while maintaining a standardized assembly process that does not significantly complicate manufacturing.
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and enhances the versatility of the antenna module for use in multiple types of card readers, allowing for easier assembly and installation without the need for multiple specifications, thus improving convenience and reducing processing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a technology of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system becomes gradually mature, many credit cards and financial cards show up on the market in forms of non-contact cards
Implementation Method 2
The antenna module includes a first board, a second board, an antenna, and multiple light-emitting components
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact card reader is provided, including: an antenna module, a spacer, multiple light pipes, and a panel housing. The antenna module includes a first board, a second board, an antenna, and multiple light-emitting components. The second board includes a surrounding area in which the antenna is disposed and a central area that is located at a center of the surrounding area and in which the multiple light-emitting components are disposed. The spacer is combined with the multiple light pipes and disposed between the first board and the second board. A single type of antenna module may be installed in the vertical housing, the horizontal housing, or the square housing of the panel housing in a fixed direction, thereby improving applicability of the antenna module.