Payment Card Powering via External Electromagnetic Induction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of batteries into payment cards increases manufacturing costs and design complexities, while also requiring proper disposal, and existing battery-less solutions lack the ability to dynamically update displays and magnetic stripes.

Innovation Solution

A payment card that receives power from an external electromagnetic signal, using energy storage elements and a voltage regulator to power a display and dynamic magnetic stripe, allowing for dynamic data changes without the need for an internal battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a battery is integrated into the payment card to power displays and dynamic magnetic stripes, then enhanced functionality and security features are achieved, but manufacturing costs and design complexities increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the battery from the payment card system, extracting the power source component entirely. Instead, the card uses passive components (magnetic stripe, display, antenna) that can be powered externally during transactions through electromagnetic induction from the card reader, thereby reducing design complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The card reader system serves multiple functions: it acts as both the transaction processing device and the power source for the card. The electromagnetic field generated for data transfer also provides power to the card's display and magnetic stripe components, eliminating the need for a dedicated battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a battery is integrated into the payment card to power security features, then dynamic data display and magnetic stripe updates are enabled, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery component is extracted from the card assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process. The card becomes a passive element that requires no internal power source, reducing bill of materials costs and assembly complexity while maintaining security functionality through externally powered components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The card system provides its own power needs through the transaction process itself. The electromagnetic field required for data communication automatically powers the display and magnetic stripe components when needed, eliminating the need for separate battery manufacturing and installation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a battery is included in the payment card to enable dynamic features, then displays and magnetic stripes can be updated, but proper disposal requirements are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic update capabilityVSAvoiddisposal requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is completely removed from the card construction, eliminating the source of environmental harm. The card becomes free of hazardous materials, allowing it to be disposed of as regular paper or plastic waste rather than requiring special battery disposal procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The card is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable item without embedded batteries or complex electronics. When the card needs replacement, the entire card can be discarded and replaced without special disposal procedures, as it contains no hazardous battery components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 incorporation of security features like persistent displays and dynamic magnetic stripes without the need for internal batteries, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact while enhancing security through unique transaction data creation.

Implementation Method 1

a payment card that receives power from an external electromagnetic signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2135192B1Payment card dynamically receiving power from external source
Publication Date: 2013.08.07 VISA USA INC
  • EP2135192B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2135192B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2135192B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A plastic bag comprising a first face and a second face, at least a portion of each being 2-ply and having an intermediate space therebetween, the 2-ply portion of the first face having an inner layer of air-impervious plastic material having openings therein; the 2-ply portion of the second face having an outer layer of air-impervious plastic material, the outer layer having openings therein permitting air to pass therethrough, the openings of the outer layer having a smaller average opening area than an average opening area of the openings of the inner layer of the first face; and a filtering chamber formed between the inner layer and the outer layer such that air in an interior of the bag may egress the bag by passing through the filtering chamber, the air being at least partially filtered of particulate matter as it egresses the bag.