Removable RFID IC Card for Wearable Payment Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing proximity payment systems face challenges in providing a compact, versatile, and efficient method for integrating radio frequency identification (RFID) technology into wearable devices, such as wristwatches, while maintaining compatibility with standard payment protocols like PayPass.

Innovation Solution

A small IC card with an embedded antenna is designed to be detachably integrated into a wristwatch or other proximity payment devices, using electrically conductive connections and spring-loaded contacts to ensure secure and efficient communication with POS terminals, allowing for pre-personalization and personalization of payment information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RFID IC and antenna are embedded in card-shaped plastic body, then payment functionality is achieved, but device size and flexibility for wearable integration are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearable device integrationVSAvoidcard-shaped form factor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The payment system is divided into separate functional modules: a removable IC card containing the RFID IC and antenna, and a wearable device housing. This segmentation allows the IC card to be detached and transferred between different wearable devices, providing versatility while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for wearables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The IC card is designed as a universal component that can be integrated into multiple types of wearable devices. The standardized electrical connections and antenna interface allow the same IC card to function across different wearable platforms, enhancing adaptability without requiring custom integration for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If antenna is embedded in card body for wireless communication, then proximity payment capability is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity payment capabilityVSAvoidintegrated antenna and IC structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna and RFID IC are extracted from the wearable device housing and placed in a separate removable IC card. This extraction simplifies the wearable device structure while maintaining reliable proximity payment capability through the standardized interface between the card and device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The IC card is designed to be inserted into and nested within the wearable device housing. This nested configuration allows the antenna and IC to be housed in a compact form factor that fits within the wearable device when inserted, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If detachable IC card design is used, then versatility and ease of replacement are improved, but connection reliability and signal transmission may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard replacement flexibilityVSAvoidelectrical connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system incorporates spring-loaded contacts that dynamically adjust to maintain optimal electrical connection. The spring mechanism compensates for manufacturing tolerances and wear over time, ensuring reliable signal transmission and power delivery despite the detachable nature of the IC card.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized interface structure acts as an intermediary between the IC card and wearable device housing. This intermediary includes aligned contact pads and guiding features that ensure consistent, reliable electrical connections during insertion and removal, maintaining connection stability while enabling easy replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables a compact, versatile, and efficient RFID-based proximity payment system that can be easily integrated into wearable devices, ensuring seamless compatibility with existing payment standards and enhancing the range and functionality of the payment devices.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna allows the card to receive a power signal from a point of sale terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8925825B2Identification token and method of making identification token

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 MASTERCARD INT INC

AI summary

In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes enabling operation of an RFID integrated circuit of a first card in an identification token using a first switch; and enabling operation of an RFID integrated circuit of a second card in an identification token using a second switch. In accordance with some embodiments, an identification token includes: a first card including an RFID integrated circuit; a second card including an RFID integrated circuit; a first switch to enable operation of the RFID integrated circuit of the first card; and a second switch to enable operation of the RFID integrated circuit of the second card.