Shock-Resistant Contactless Payment Module with Integrated Light Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic payment terminals with externally mounted contactless payment modules face electromagnetic compatibility issues and fragility, particularly when dropped, as existing solutions like casings are aesthetically and cost-ineffective, and may detach during falls.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a light guide with shock-absorbing pads extending beyond the terminal's surface, made from a single material like silicone, which absorbs shocks and guides light, providing enhanced protection without the drawbacks of separate casings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the contactless payment module is externally mounted on the terminal, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved and communication performance is enhanced, but the terminal becomes more fragile and susceptible to shock damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic compatibilityVSAvoidshock resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light guide function with the shock-absorbing protection function into a single integrated structure. The light guide is embedded within the contactless payment module housing, serving both optical guidance for status indication and mechanical shock absorption during drops, thereby resolving the contradiction between electromagnetic isolation and shock resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction for the contactless payment module housing, combining materials with different properties: electromagnetic shielding materials to maintain signal isolation, and shock-absorbing materials (such as rubber or silicone) to provide mechanical protection during falls, thus simultaneously improving both electromagnetic compatibility and shock resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a separate protective casing is added to the terminal, then shock resistance is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock resistanceVSAvoidaesthetic integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective function into the existing light guide structure of the contactless payment module. The light guide serves dual purposes: optical status indication and shock absorption during falls. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective casings, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing shock resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: guiding light for status indication during contactless transactions and absorbing shock during drops. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated protective components, reducing overall device complexity and maintaining aesthetic integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If a separate protective casing is used, then shock resistance may be improved, but the casing can detach during falls reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock resistanceVSAvoidattachment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective shock-absorbing function is integrated directly into the contactless payment module housing structure itself, rather than being a separate detachable component. The light guide is embedded within the housing, creating a unified structure that cannot detach during falls, thereby ensuring reliable protection while maintaining shock resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock-absorbing light guide structure is pre-integrated into the contactless payment module housing during manufacturing. This preliminary integration ensures that the protective function is permanently attached and cannot detach during use or falls, eliminating the reliability issues associated with separate protective casings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution significantly increases the terminal's shock resistance while maintaining a low cost and aesthetic integrity, ensuring compliance with performance standards and preventing detachment during falls.

Implementation Method 1

at least one shock-absorbing pad extending beyond the external surface of said electronic payment terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

made from a single material like silicone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

a light guide to guide the light from at least one light source internal to said electronic payment terminal to the exterior of said electronic payment terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight guidance: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS10600042B2Electronic payment terminal integrating a shock-resistant contactless payment module, corresponding light guide

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 BANKS & ACQUIRERS INT HLDG SAS

AI summary

An electronic payment terminal includes a light guide to guide the light from at least one light source internal to the electronic payment terminal to the exterior of the electronic payment terminal. The light guide is integrated with a contactless payment module integrated with the electronic payment terminal and additionally includes at least one shock-absorbing pad extending beyond the external surface of the electronic payment terminal.