Multi-part Transaction Card with Segmented Magnetic Stripe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transaction cards are susceptible to malicious interception during postal delivery, as the information is typically carried on a single physical card, making it vulnerable to interception by third parties.

Innovation Solution

A multi-part transaction card design where the card is split into two parts, each containing a section of the magnetic stripe and card number, which can only be read when assembled, thereby preventing unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If transaction card information is carried on a single physical card, then ease of operation is improved, but security against interception is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidinterception vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transaction card is divided into multiple separate parts (first part and second part), each containing a portion of the magnetic stripe information. The first part has a first section of the magnetic stripe and the second part has a second section, so that complete transaction capability is only achieved when both parts are assembled together using the engagement member and slot mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If transaction card is delivered via postal system, then distribution reach is improved, but exposure to malicious interception is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution reachVSAvoidmail interception

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The card is segmented into multiple parts that can be mailed separately through different postal routes or at different times, making it significantly more difficult for a single interception event to compromise the entire transaction card. The engagement member and slot mechanism ensure that only assembled parts are functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If magnetic stripe is split into multiple sections on separate parts, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcard structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic stripe is divided into a first section on the first part and a second section on the second part, with each part containing engagement features (engagement member and slot) that enable secure assembly. This segmentation provides security while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement member and slot act as intermediary mechanical features that connect the two card parts. These intermediaries provide a secure physical connection that aligns the magnetic stripe sections properly while adding minimal complexity to the overall card design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10936925B2Multi-part transaction card

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 CAPITAL ONE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A transaction card may include a body having a first part connectable with a second part, and a magnetic stripe on a first main side of the body. A first section of the magnetic stripe is provided on the first part of the body, and a second section of the magnetic stripe is provided on the second part of the body. The transaction card may further include an engagement member extending from the first part of the body for retention within a slot of the second part of the body, the slot embedded within the body between the first main side and a second main side.