Modular Transaction Card Assembly with Nested Mini-Card
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transaction cards with smaller form factors face compatibility issues with traditional card readers and are challenging for users to locate, manipulate, and use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular transaction card assembly comprising a card frame with traditional dimensions and a smaller transaction card, where the card frame includes a receptacle to secure the transaction card, couple it to an antenna, and enable contactless data transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transaction card uses a smaller form factor for convenience, then portability is improved, but compatibility with traditional card readers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The smaller transaction card is nested within a traditional-sized card frame, allowing the mini card to maintain its portability advantages while the card frame provides the standard dimensions needed for compatibility with traditional card readers and ATMs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mini transaction card with a card frame to create a hybrid assembly that merges the advantages of both small portable cards and traditional full-sized cards, enabling the system to function with both contactless and chip readers
2Ease of operation
If a transaction card uses a smaller form factor, then carrying convenience is improved, but ease of locating and manipulating the card deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The card frame incorporates distinctive visual features including color coding and graphical indicators that make it easily distinguishable from other cards and objects, allowing users to quickly locate and identify the transaction card assembly in a wallet or pocket
Solution Approach 2:
The card frame includes asymmetric visual indicators such as directional arrows and aligned graphical features that guide proper insertion orientation, making it intuitive for users to manipulate and insert the card in the correct direction without confusion
3Ease of operation
If a transaction card uses a smaller form factor, then portability is improved, but capability to perform transactions with traditional systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The card frame is designed with multi-functionality to support both contactless transactions (using the mini card's antenna) and chip-based transactions (using the card frame's antenna and electrical contacts), allowing the assembly to work with various card reader types including traditional chip readers that cannot read mini cards directly
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 allows the transaction card assembly to perform data transactions as a traditional form factor transaction card, overcoming compatibility issues with card readers and enhancing user interaction through visual and tactile features.
Implementation Method 1
The card frame may have a second antenna that wirelessly communicates with an antenna in the transaction card when it is secured in the receptacle
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. The transaction card and/or the card frame may include one or more visual or tactile regions that allow the transaction card and card frame to be distinguished from other cards and/or to be properly oriented and aligned with one another when combined to form the card assembly.