Modular Biometric Card Inlay with Reconfigurable Lead Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fingerprint biometric cards face challenges in flexible electrical connections and adaptability, with fixed pin configurations limiting user flexibility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

The card design incorporates a modular inlay with a microcontroller, module lead frame, and fingerprint sensor lead frame, along with an antenna and electrical wires, allowing for easy reconfiguration of electrical connections and flexible arrangement, using transparent overlay sheets and a thickness compensation sheet for enhanced protection and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed pin configurations are used in traditional card designs, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability and ease of reconfiguration are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The card design is divided into multiple independent layers including overlay sheets, antenna carrier sheet, and base sheet, each performing specific functions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer while maintaining overall system adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connections are made dynamic and reconfigurable through the use of modular components that can be easily replaced or repositioned. The lead frames and contact elements are designed to accommodate different pin configurations, enabling the system to adapt to various sensor and module requirements without fixed rigid connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If modular components with easy swapping capability are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular components are pre-configured with standardized interfaces and connection protocols during manufacturing. The lead frames and contact elements are prepared in advance with predefined geometries and electrical pathways, so that end-users or technicians can perform swaps without complex configuration or calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The card architecture employs universal interfaces and standardized connection methods that work across different sensor types and module configurations. The overlay sheets and lead frames are designed with generic features that accommodate multiple pin configurations, allowing the same base structure to support various operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If transparent overlay sheets and thickness compensation sheets are added, then protection and adaptability are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprotectionVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional layers including transparent overlay sheets, antenna carrier sheets, and thickness compensation sheets are combined into a single integrated card structure through lamination. This merging approach provides comprehensive protection and adaptability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency by processing all layers together in standardized production workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent overlay sheets and thickness compensation sheets are manufactured with controlled optical and mechanical parameters to ensure transparency, uniform thickness, and proper flexibility. By standardizing these parameters during production, the sheets provide enhanced protection and adaptability without requiring complex custom manufacturing processes for each card.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3948667B1An improved card with fingerprint biometrics
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 ADVANIDE HLDG PTE LTD
  • EP3948667B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3948667B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3948667B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The application provides an inlay for a card. The inlay includes a first transparent overlay sheet, an antenna carrier sheet, a thickness compensation sheet, a second transparent overlay sheet. The inlay also includes a microcontroller, a module lead frame, a finger sensor lead frame, an antenna, and electrical wires. The module lead frame is adapted for being milled and it includes a plurality of first contact pads for contacting a contact module. The finger sensor lead frame is adapted for being milled and it includes a plurality of second contact pads for contacting a fingerprint sensor. The electrical wires are connected to the microcontroller, to the first contact pads, to the second contact pads, and to the antenna.