Partial-Glass Transaction Card With a Non-Glass Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Credit cards made of glass materials face issues with damage susceptibility and need constructions that minimize damage risk while maintaining desirable weight and appearance.

Innovation Solution

A transaction card design featuring a partial glass layer with a non-glass frame, additional layers, and a payment module, which may include booster antennas and various materials like metal or polymeric capping layers, to enhance durability and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a glass member is used in the transaction card, then the card gains modern appearance and weight, but the card becomes more susceptible to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoiddamage susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining glass member with polymer layers (including flexible polymer and rigid polymer) to create a transaction card that maintains the modern appearance and weight of glass while incorporating materials with higher damage resistance. The glass member is bonded between protective polymer layers to form a composite assembly that leverages the strengths of each material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a flexible polymer layer in the composite structure that provides conformability and damage resistance. This flexible layer can absorb impacts and stresses that would otherwise damage the rigid glass member, while maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance of the card.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a partial glass layer with frame and additional layers is used, then durability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transaction card is divided into distinct functional segments: a glass member for appearance, a non-glass frame providing structural support, multiple polymer layers for protection and flexibility, and a payment module for functionality. Each segment is optimized for its specific purpose while being integrated into a cohesive whole through bonding interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the glass member, houses the payment module, and forms part of the overall card assembly. The polymer layers also serve dual purposes of protection and structural integration, reducing the need for separate protective components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12462136B2Transaction card with partial glass layer

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 COMPOSECURE LLC

AI summary

A transaction card having a partial glass layer including an interior glass member connected to a non-glass frame. The frame defines opposite planar surfaces, has an outer periphery coextensive with the outer periphery of the card, and has a frame inner periphery spaced radially inward from the frame outer periphery. The frame inner periphery defines an interior area occupied by the glass member. The transaction card further includes at least one additional layer having a periphery coextensive with the periphery of the card, and a payment module configured for contactless operation or dual interface contact/contactless operation.