Modular Transaction Card Frame for Mini-Card Reader Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transaction cards with smaller form factors, such as mini-cards, are often incompatible with traditional card readers that require standard dimensions, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular transaction card assembly comprising a card frame with a receptacle that secures a smaller transaction card, equipped with electrical contacts and antennas, allowing it to function as a traditional transaction card by interfacing with a card reader through the card frame's antenna and potentially including a processing circuit for authentication and cryptographic functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transaction card uses a smaller form factor (mini-card), then it is more convenient to carry and can be attached to a keychain, but it becomes incompatible with traditional card readers that require standard credit card dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The mini transaction card is nested within a card frame that has traditional credit card dimensions. The card frame contains a receptacle that secures the mini-card, allowing the combination to present a standard-sized interface to card readers while the functional transaction card remains compact and portable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a reusable card frame that interfaces with card readers and a detachable mini transaction card. This segmentation allows the small card to be carried separately or inserted into the frame when needed, providing both portability and compatibility.
2Ease of operation
If a mini transaction card is used alone, then it maintains portability, but it cannot perform transactions with traditional card readers that require standard dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The mini transaction card is designed to be inserted into a card frame with standard credit card dimensions. When nested together, they form an assembly that presents the correct form factor to traditional card readers, ensuring reliable transaction functionality while maintaining the portability benefits of the small card size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a card frame with receptacle is used to accommodate a mini transaction card, then compatibility with traditional card readers is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The card frame is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different mini transaction cards while presenting a standard form factor to various card readers. This multi-functional design allows a single frame structure to work with multiple card types, reducing overall system complexity despite the added component.
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
Enables the smaller transaction card to perform data transactions with traditional card readers, providing compatibility and enhanced security features like authentication and multiple identities through unique identifiers.
Implementation Method 1
The card frame includes a receptacle that accepts and secures the transaction card and couples it to an antenna in the card frame, permitting the combined card frame and transaction card assembly to perform data transactions as a traditional form factor transaction card
Data Source
AI summary
A modular transaction card assembly includes a card frame having the traditional dimensions of a credit card, and a transaction card that is smaller than a traditional card and that fits into a receptacle of the card frame. Each of the card frame and the transaction card may be capable of performing contactless data transactions individually. The combined assembly of the card frame with the transaction card secured in the receptacle is also capable of performing contact data transactions, and in some instances, with an identifier that is distinct from the card frame or the transaction card alone. The card frame may include a processor enabling it to perform data encryption and authentication of the smaller transaction card.