Transaction Card With Hand-Crank Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transaction products, such as gift cards, lack innovative features that enhance user experience and encourage repeat usage, with limitations in powering devices without battery replacement and failing to promote purchase incentives effectively.
Innovation Solution
A transaction product incorporating an electro-mechanical circuit with a dynamo generator and a light circuit, allowing users to generate and store electricity by cranking a handle, powering a light source without batteries, and featuring a machine-readable account identifier for value addition or deduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery is used to power the light circuit, then the light can be powered continuously, but the transaction product requires battery replacement which reduces convenience and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction product generates its own electrical energy through a hand-crank generator mechanism, eliminating the need for external batteries or power sources. The user manually cranks the generator to produce electrical energy that is stored in a capacitor and used to power the light circuit, making the system self-sufficient and reusable without battery replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical energy conversion system. The hand-crank generator converts mechanical energy from user motion into electrical energy, which is then stored in a capacitor. This substitution eliminates the need for battery replacement while maintaining continuous power capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transaction product includes only basic functionality, then it is simple and cost-effective, but it lacks innovative features that enhance user experience and encourage repeat usage
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction product combines multiple functions into a single device: it serves as a payment instrument with account identification capabilities while simultaneously functioning as a light source powered by a hand-crank generator. The light circuit can be used to illuminate areas, signal presence, or provide visual feedback, enhancing user experience beyond basic transaction functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transaction card functionality with an electro-mechanical light-generating system. The account identification elements (magnetic strip, barcode, RFID) are integrated with the hand-crank generator, capacitor, and light circuit within a single portable device, creating a multi-functional transaction product that enhances user engagement
3Duration of action of moving object
If the transaction product uses a hand-crank generator to create electricity, then battery replacement is eliminated, but the device requires manual operation which may reduce power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor stores electrical energy generated during cranking operations for later use. Users can generate energy in advance by cranking the generator, and the stored energy in the capacitor powers the light circuit when needed, decoupling the power generation action from the power consumption timing and enabling repeated use without requiring continuous manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor maintains a continuous supply of electrical energy to the light circuit even after the user stops cranking. The stored energy allows the light to remain illuminated for an extended period, ensuring continuous useful action without requiring constant manual power input
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 repeated use of the transaction product without battery replacement, promotes purchase and loading through the light feature, and provides a convenient method for value management, enhancing user experience and encouraging repeat visits.
Implementation Method 1
the generator uses the motion from the mechanical drive member to create an electrical voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A transaction product includes an electro-mechanical circuit and an account identifier. The circuit includes a mechanical drive member, a generator in mechanical communication with the drive member, and an electrically driven device in electrical communication with the generator. The circuit is configured such that when a bearer moves the drive member, motion from the drive member is transferred to the generator, the generator uses the motion from the drive member to create an electrical voltage, and the electrical voltage is transferred to the electrically driven device to selectively power activation of the electrically driven device. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the account or record using the account identifier. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.