Modular Transaction Card Assembly for Reader Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transaction cards with non-standard dimensions, such as mini credit cards, often face compatibility issues with card readers designed for traditional credit card formats, limiting their functionality in contactless data transactions.
Innovation Solution
A modular transaction card assembly comprising a card frame with a receptacle that secures and couples a smaller transaction card to an antenna, enabling it to perform data transactions as a traditional form factor card, with features like electrical contacts, additional antennas for wireless communication, and 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 credit card), then it becomes more convenient to carry, but it is not compatible with certain card readers designed for traditional 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 securely holds the smaller transaction card, allowing the combination to present a standard-sized interface to card readers while the user benefits from the compact, portable mini card design.
Solution Approach 2:
The transaction card system is divided into two separate components: a mini transaction card containing the transaction circuitry and a card frame containing the antenna and receptacle. This segmentation allows the mini card to remain portable while the frame provides the standard dimensions and communication interface.
2Ease of operation
If a mini transaction card is used alone, then it is portable, but it cannot perform transactions with chip readers that require traditional credit card format
Solution Approach 1:
The mini transaction card is nested within a card frame that provides the traditional credit card interface. The card frame's receptacle securely holds the mini card, and when inserted, the combination presents a standard-sized card to chip readers, ensuring reliable transaction functionality while maintaining the portability benefits of the mini card.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a card frame with antenna is used to enable contactless transactions, then compatibility with card readers is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two separate functional units: a mini transaction card containing the transaction circuitry and a card frame containing the antenna and receptacle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide both contactless and chip transaction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The card frame is designed to be universal and can work with multiple different mini transaction cards. The frame provides the antenna for contactless transactions and the receptacle for securing mini cards, making it a multi-functional platform that supports various transaction types.
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 modular assembly allows for seamless compatibility with various card readers, enabling contactless data transactions and providing unique identifiers for secure transactions, enhancing the versatility and security of the transaction card system.
Implementation Method 1
The transaction card may be capable of performing contactless data transactions (for example, credit card purchases) on its own via wireless communications
Implementation Method 2
The receptacle in the card frame may have electrical contacts that mate with electrical contacts on the transaction card to couple it to the card frame antenna
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.