Transparent Logo Contactless Smartcard Antenna Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing contactless smartcards with transparent logos face challenges, particularly with antennas printed on transparent materials, which deform under high pressure and temperature, leading to electrical parameter variations and mechanical weaknesses, making it difficult to produce reliable cards with high production yield.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer contactless smartcard design featuring an opaque antenna carrier with a void filled with transparent plastic, and matching transparent plastic layers on either side, allowing for a transparent logo formation through precise lamination and printing techniques, using non-flowable materials like Teslin or PET to maintain mechanical strength and electrical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent material is used for the antenna carrier layer, then the card can achieve a transparent logo appearance, but the antenna deforms under lamination pressure and temperature causing electrical parameter variations and mechanical weakness
Solution Approach 1:
The card structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: an opaque antenna carrier layer for electrical integrity, transparent plastic layers for aesthetic appearance, and a transparent filling layer for the logo void. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent filling layer made of plastic material is introduced as an intermediary substance that fills the void in the opaque carrier layer. This filling material transmits light to create the transparent logo effect while being isolated from the antenna, thus not affecting electrical parameters.
2Ease of manufacture
If screen printing technique is used for antenna production, then the antenna can be manufactured with simple process, but the conductive ink with low binder content (15%) cannot withstand high pressure and temperature during lamination
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent filling layer acts as a protective intermediary between the screen-printed antenna and the lamination process. It shields the fragile conductive ink from direct exposure to high pressure and temperature, preventing deformation and rupture while maintaining the simplicity of screen printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The void-filled structure is prepared in advance before lamination, creating a cushioning effect that distributes and reduces the mechanical stress on the antenna during the subsequent lamination process, preventing ink deformation.
3Illumination intensity
If transparent layers are used throughout the card structure, then the transparent logo effect can be achieved, but the dark-colored antenna becomes visible through the card body
Solution Approach 1:
The card structure implements local quality by making only the logo area transparent while keeping the antenna carrier layer opaque. The transparent filling layer is selectively placed only in the void region, creating a localized transparent effect without compromising the overall opacity needed to hide the antenna.
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 ensures a reliable and high-yield production of contactless smartcards with transparent logos, maintaining the integrity of the antenna's electrical parameters and mechanical strength, preventing deformation and rupture, thus achieving a functional and aesthetically pleasing product.
Implementation Method 1
two card bodies, one on each side of said carrier, each consisting of at least one plastic layer... forming a transparent zone appearing in the thickness of the card, forming a transparent logo
Implementation Method 2
The layers are joined to one another by lamination, i.e. under elevated pressure and temperature conditions
Implementation Method 3
The layers are joined to one another by lamination, i.e. under elevated pressure and temperature conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer contactless smartcard 10 including an electronic chip embedded in the card, the chip being connected to an antenna 22 printed on a carrier layer 20, and two card bodies, one on each side of the carrier, each including at least one plastic layer 40 and 60. The antenna carrier is opaque and includes a first cut-out forming a void 23 filled with a transparent plastic; and the plastic layers of the two card bodies each include a second cut-out forming two identical voids 43 and 63 the outlines of which superimpose, in order to make a transparent zone appear in the thickness of the card, forming a transparent logo in the shape of the cut-out. A process for manufacturing such a card is also disclosed.