Transponder Insert Module for Contactless Card Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing process of contactless electronic devices, such as passports and microcircuit cards, is complex due to the need for reliable connections between antennas and microcircuits, which are critical for ensuring the longevity and functionality of these documents.

Innovation Solution

A transponder insert with a substrate and transponder assembly is designed as a microcircuit module, where the microcircuit is assembled using a 'flip-chip' method or 'Wire Bonding', and the antenna extends around the microcircuit, housed within a multilayer structure to simplify and secure the connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the antenna and microcircuit are directly incorporated into the substrate with the antenna following the outer contour, then the device can be housed in the thickness of the multilayer structure, but the manufacturing process becomes particularly complex due to connection reliability requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing space utilizationVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional modules: the substrate layer, the antenna layer, and the microcircuit layer. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and prepared separately, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining compact housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements (such as conductive traces or bonding structures) are introduced as intermediary components between the antenna and microcircuit. These intermediaries facilitate reliable electrical connection while simplifying the assembly process and reducing direct connection complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If direct connection between antenna and microcircuit is implemented, then the device structure is compact, but the connection reliability is compromised leading to untimely disconnections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact structureVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The design incorporates connection elements with sufficient mechanical strength and electrical conductivity that are prepared in advance to withstand operational stresses. These pre-engineered connection structures cushion against potential failure modes, ensuring long-term reliability while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure utilizes composite material properties combining conductive materials with mechanically robust substrates. This composite approach ensures both electrical connectivity and mechanical reliability within a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of moving object

If the antenna follows the outer contour of the substrate, then the device can be housed in the thickness of the multilayer structure, but the manufacturing process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness utilizationVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna design transitions from a two-dimensional planar contour following approach to a three-dimensional structured arrangement using vertical stacking and layered construction. This dimensional change allows the antenna to maintain its functional contour while simplifying manufacturing through standard layered assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2410472B1Transponder insert and device including such an insert
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS
  • EP2410472B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The insert (10) has a transponder assembly including a microcircuit and an antenna that is connected to the microcircuit. The transponder assembly is provided in a microcircuit module (26). A substrate comprises a receiving cavity (28) dimensioned to receive the entire microcircuit module. The cavity is opened on a face of the substrate. The microcircuit module comprises a support that carries the microcircuit and the antenna. The cavity is defined by bottom and a peripheral wall. An independent claim is also included for a device such as passport and chip card that conforms to ISO 7816standard.