Static Magnetic Read/Write Head for Stripe Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic stripe readers and writers suffer from wear and tear due to abrasive swiping, are complex and difficult to miniaturize, and require relative motion between the head and the magnetic stripe, limiting their use in mobile applications and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A static read/write head using a uni-dimensional, bi-dimensional, or multi-dimensional conductor array without moving parts, allowing for stationary writing and reading by addressing individual conductor elements, which reduces complexity and wear, and enables simultaneous card printing and embossing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional magnetic heads with relative motion are used, then reading and writing can be performed, but wear and tear occurs due to abrasive swiping
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the head relative to the magnetic stripe as in conventional systems, this invention inverts the approach by keeping the head stationary and moving the magnetic stripe through the head's air gap. This eliminates the abrasive swiping action that causes wear and tear on conventional magnetic heads, thereby improving head durability while eliminating harmful friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical sliding contact system with a magnetic field-based system. By using a stationary head with precisely controlled magnetic fields generated by conductor arrays, the system eliminates mechanical wear while maintaining the ability to read and write magnetic data through non-contact magnetic induction.
2Manufacturing precision
If precision moving parts are used to maintain data density, then writing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex precision mechanical moving parts with a stationary head containing conductor arrays. Data density control is achieved through precise electrical control of current pulses to the conductors rather than through mechanical positioning, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while dramatically reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains data density control by changing electrical parameters (current pulse width, amplitude, and timing) rather than relying on mechanical precision. The stationary head with controlled conductor arrays allows precise magnetic field generation through electrical parameter adjustment, eliminating the need for complex mechanical moving parts.
3Measurement precision
If card guiding slots are used to stabilize swipe rate, then reading accuracy is improved, but the device cannot be miniaturized for mobile applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical card guiding slots with a stationary magnetic head system. Synchronization and measurement precision are achieved through magnetic field detection and electronic synchronization rather than mechanical guidance, allowing the device to be miniaturized for mobile applications while maintaining read accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of guiding the card through mechanical slots to achieve synchronization, the invention inverts the approach by using a stationary head that detects magnetic fields from the moving card. Electronic synchronization is achieved through detection of magnetic transition patterns rather than mechanical guidance, enabling miniaturization for mobile devices.
4Power
If conventional magnetic writing is used, then data is written on magnetic stripe, but current flow generates heat and requires cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces conventional high-current magnetic writing with a stationary head system that uses precisely timed current pulses to conductor arrays. This approach maintains writing capability while reducing heat generation through more efficient magnetic field generation and better thermal management in the stationary head structure.
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 minimizes wear and tear, reduces manufacturing costs, and facilitates compact, mobile applications by eliminating the need for guiding slots and relative motion, while maintaining data density and format precision.
Implementation Method 1
there is provided a method of data writing onto a magnetic stripe by using a bi-dimensional or multi-dimensional conductor array that is proximate to the magnetic stripe
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic induction at the air gap, strong enough to overcome the magnetic stripe's coercivity, creates a new remanence pattern (writing)
Implementation Method 3
reading or writing occurs when the magnetic stripe moves along the head's air gap while the magnetic remanence transitions are converted to voltage in the head's coil
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention enables reading from and writing onto a magnetic stripe medium with a static read/write head that does not require relative linear motion between the magnetic stripe medium and the head while reading or writing takes place. The reading and writing is accomplished using a stationary uni-dimensional, bi-dimensional, or multi-dimensional conductor array addressing and driving current through an individual conductor element. Reading from magnetic stripe is accomplished by using magnetic flux sensing method such as a fluxgate.