MOBILE GEOINFORMATION TERMINAL WITH A REPLACEABLE PROTECTED GEOSPATIAL DATA MODULE

Description

[0001] Technical field

[0002] The utility model relates to computing and geoinformation technology, namely to mobile hardware systems designed for autonomous storage, display and use of digital maps, height matrices, routes, reference layers and other geospatial data in the field.

[0003] The design can be used in rugged tablet computers, specialized mobile terminals, portable navigation devices and other devices that require the prompt replacement of a large array of local geodata without opening the main body and without compromising the seal of the computing compartment.

[0004] Prior art and patent analogs

[0005] US7775834B2 "Rugged, removable, electronic device". https: / / patents.google.com / patent / US7775834B2 / en - discloses a rugged, removable electronic cassette with a connector for installation in a hardware housing.

[0006] US7275961B2 "Rugged, removable, electronic device". https: / / patents.google.com / patent / US7275961B2 / en - discloses a removable storage device in a protected housing with a mechanically oriented electrical connector.

[0007] Mobile terminals with built-in storage and slots for external memory cards are known. While these solutions allow for storage expansion, a conventional memory card does not form an independent, secure module, does not provide a controlled sequence of mechanical fixation and electrical connection, and can be removed during a write operation.

[0008] Rugged removable electronic devices comprising a drive, housing, and connector are known. They are designed for use in harsh environments, but known designs lack a connection between the position of the mechanical latch, the state of the protective cover of the receiving compartment, and whether power is enabled for the drive. The sealing of the main computing compartment is also not ensured when the card array is replaced.

[0009] When using conventional external drives, damaged contacts, incomplete installation, or premature removal can interrupt data transfer and corrupt the file structure. For a mobile geoinformation system, this results in the unavailability of the map base, routes, and elevation matrix precisely after switching to autonomous operation.

[0010] Disadvantages of the prior art

[0011] lack of mechanically determined sequence for safe connection of a removable storage device;

[0012] Power supply capability when the cassette is not fully installed;

[0013] ability to remove the drive during recording;

[0014] penetration of moisture and dirt through the open receiving compartment;

[0015] the need to open the main case or copy data over an external channel for a long time.

[0016] Technical task

[0017] Creation of a mobile geoinformation terminal in which a removable array of geospatial data is installed in a protected receiving compartment and is connected only after mechanical fixation is completed and the protective cover is closed.

[0018] Technical result

[0019] Improves geospatial data security and battery life by preventing incomplete connections, eliminating data extraction during recording, protecting contacts from the external environment, and reducing the time for replacing the map array.

[0020] The essence of the utility model

[0021] The mobile geospatial information terminal comprises a rugged terminal with a display, computing module, navigation receiver, and internal storage. The terminal's body contains a separate receiving compartment, isolated from the main computing volume, designed to accommodate a replaceable geospatial data module.

[0022] The replaceable module is designed as a sealed cassette. The cassette contains a non-volatile storage device, a memory controller, and an integrity control unit. A mating interface connector is located on the end of the cassette. The outer surface of the cassette contains guide sections and a gripping section for removal.

[0023] The receiving compartment is equipped with guide surfaces, an interface connector, a mechanical latch, a latch position sensor, and a protective cover with a closure sensor. The sensors are connected to a connection controller. The connection controller enables power supply and communication lines only when signals indicating the latch's operating position and the cover's closed position are simultaneously present.

[0024] The functional connection of the mechanical lock, two sensors and the connection controller ensures a specified sequence: the cassette is inserted into the compartment, oriented by the guides, pressed against the interface connector, fixed, closed with a lid and only then connected to the computing module.

[0025] Functionally related distinctive elements

[0026] Separate receiving compartment, isolated from the main computing volume;

[0027] sealed replaceable cassette with a drive, memory controller and integrity control unit;

[0028] mechanical cassette lock and its position sensor;

[0029] protective cover of the receiving compartment and its closing sensor;

[0030] Connection controller that allows power supply and data exchange only when both cassette lock and lid closing confirmation are made.

[0031] Detailed design description

[0032] The terminal's housing is made of impact-resistant polymer or light alloy. The receiving compartment is located on the side or rear of the housing so that its interior is not connected to the computing module. This separation allows the cassette to be replaced without exposing the system board, battery, and internal connectors to the external environment.

[0033] The guide surfaces of the receiving compartment form two longitudinal supports, corresponding to the guide sections of the cassette. The guide geometry prevents the cassette from being installed upside down. At the end of the stroke, the guides ensure the alignment of the mating and main interface connectors. The connector's floating support compensates for manufacturing tolerances and impact movements, reducing the load on the contacts.

[0034] The mechanical latch can be implemented as a rotating lever with an eccentric surface. When the lever is moved to the operating position, the cassette moves along the final portion of its stroke and is pressed against the interface connector. The latch position sensor can be a reed switch, optical sensor, or contact sensor. Its operating state occurs when the lever reaches the fully mechanically locked position.

[0035] The protective lid is hinged and equipped with a lock. The lid's elastomer seal is compressed between the lid and the compartment flange when closed. The lid's pressure lip accommodates the axial movement of the cassette and prevents loosening of the seal due to vibration. The closing sensor is positioned to activate when the seal reaches its operating pressure.

[0036] The connection controller contains a power switch and controlled switches for the data lines. Until both enable signals are received, the power switch is open, and the data lines are in a high-impedance state. After latching is confirmed and the cover is closed, the controller performs a delay, applies power, monitors voltage establishment, and then connects the data lines.

[0037] The cassette integrity control unit stores control characteristics of the file structure and primary partitions of the geospatial package. Upon initial connection, it transmits the cassette ID and drive status to the memory controller. The computing module is granted access to the primary partition only after hardware and file verification is complete.

[0038] The electromechanical locking device locks the mechanical locking lever in the active position during recording. A busy signal is received from the memory controller or the connection controller. After recording is complete, the buffers are flushed, and the data transfer lines are disconnected, the locking device releases the lever. Therefore, the user cannot mechanically disconnect the contacts until the recording is safely completed.

[0039] The cassette's heat-dissipating plate is connected to the drive's body via a heat-conducting gasket. During installation, it is pressed against the compartment's heat-dissipating wall. Heat is transferred to the terminal's body without creating an open ventilation channel, maintaining the drive's hermetic seal.

[0040] Working principle

[0041] Before starting work, open the protective cover, move the mechanical lock to the loading position, and insert the cassette along the guides. During the main part of the travel, the connectors do not yet touch, so accidental contact will not result in power being supplied.

[0042] After the cassette reaches the stop, the locking lever is moved to the operating position. The eccentric surface completes the mating of the connectors and compresses the elastic elements of the floating support. The locking sensor changes state, but the connection controller keeps the circuits disconnected until the cover is closed.

[0043] The lid is closed and locked. The pressure tab stabilizes the cassette, the seal seals the compartment, and the closure sensor generates a second enable signal. The controller applies power and connects the data lines. After checking for integrity, the map package is mounted as a local source.

[0044] When the cassette needs to be replaced, the computing module stops accessing the cassette, unmounts it, and sends a shutdown command to the controller. After power is removed, the electromechanical lock releases the latch. The user opens the lid, moves the lever to the eject position, and removes the cassette.

[0045] Disclosure of private design options

[0046] The lid seal creates a closed circuit around the compartment. To equalize pressure during temperature changes, a gas-permeable, moisture-proof membrane can be installed in the lid.

[0047] The connector's floating support is implemented on four elastic bushings. It allows for slight lateral movement but limits the axial travel required to maintain contact force.

[0048] The read-only backup area contains the basemap and a minimal set of service data. If the primary area is damaged, the terminal retains the ability to display the basemap and determine its position.

[0049] The cassette can have a mechanical identification key. An incompatible cassette will not fit through the guides to the connector, preventing the mistaken connection of modules with a different voltage or interface.

[0050] Execution example

[0051] A rugged tablet with a side compartment measuring 105 x 72 x 14 mm was manufactured. This compartment housed an aluminum cassette containing a solid-state drive, memory controller, and integrity monitoring microcontroller. The lid had a silicone seal and a twist lock.

[0052] During testing, the cassette was partially inserted and the lid was closed without engaging the latch. Power was not supplied to the drive. When the latch was fully engaged and the lid was open, power was also not supplied. Connection was only possible after both conditions were met.

[0053] While writing a mapping packet, an attempt to move the lever was blocked by an electromechanical stopper. After writing and unmounting were complete, the stopper was released. Replacing the packet took less time than copying a similar array via an external channel.

[0054] Industrial applicability

[0055] The design is manufactured using serial displays, navigation receivers, solid-state drives, interface connectors, position sensors and standard electronic housing sealing technologies.

[0056] The utility model can be implemented in tablet, vehicle, and portable versions. Cartridge replacement does not require special tools, and maintenance is performed without opening the main computing volume.

[0057] The invention is explained by a figure.

[0058] Figure - Mobile geoinformation terminal with a replaceable protected geospatial data module.

[0059] The figure shows a mobile geoinformation terminal, implemented in the form of a protected mobile terminal with the ability to install a replaceable protected geospatial data module. The drawing shows: 1 - mobile terminal housing, 2 - display, 3 - computing module, 4 - navigation receiver, 5 - internal storage device, 6 - receiving compartment, 7 - replaceable protected geospatial data module, implemented in the form of a sealed cassette, 8 - protective cover, 9 - mechanical latch, 10 - latch position sensor, 11 - storage device connection controller, 12 - power and data exchange connector.

[0060] Case 1 forms the supporting and protective part of the terminal and is designed to accommodate display 2, computing module 3, navigation receiver 4, internal storage 5 and storage connection controller 11. Display 2 is installed on the front side of case 1, providing visualization of cartographic information, service messages and results of working with geospatial data. Computing module 3 is located inside case 1, providing processing of geodata, access control to cartographic arrays and interaction between internal storage 5 and replaceable module 7. Navigation receiver 4 is designed to receive navigation coordinates and can be connected to computing module 3 to display the current location on an electronic map.

[0061] The lower and middle sections of housing 1 house internal storage 5, which can store a basic set of cartographic and service data. Adjacent to it is storage connection controller 11, which manages the logic for connecting the replaceable module 7, checks for data exchange, and prevents the cassette from connecting if it is not fully inserted or if the protective cover 8 is not closed. The lower section of housing 1 houses power and data connector 12, which can be used to charge the terminal, download cartographic information, and perform maintenance.

[0062] On the right side of housing 1, a receiving compartment 6 is formed, designed to accommodate a replaceable protected module 7. Reception compartment 6 has an internal cavity with guide surfaces and an electrical connector located deep within the compartment. The replaceable module 7 is designed as a separate sealed cassette containing a non-volatile geospatial data storage device. In the figure, module 7 is shown outside compartment 6, and the arrow indicates the direction of its installation within the terminal. This design allows for quick replacement of the geospatial array without opening housing 1 or dismantling the terminal's internal components.

[0063] Protective cover 8 is hinged and serves to seal receiving compartment 6 after module 7 is installed. A seal may be located on the inside of cover 8, engaging the end surface of compartment 6. A mechanical latch 9 is installed in the area of ​​cover 8, which ensures the cover is locked and held closed in the event of external impacts and vibration. A latch position sensor 10 is located near latch 9 and is connected to controller 11. Sensor 10 generates a signal indicating that the latch has reached its operating position, and controller 11, based on this signal, permits connection of module 7 to computing module 3.

[0064] In operating mode, after module 7 is installed in receiving compartment 6 and cover 8 is closed, controller 11 receives a signal from sensor 10, confirms proper placement, and then connects the removable storage device to the terminal's internal bus. This allows computing module 3 to access an expanded array of geospatial data, and when replacing the storage device, the terminal can quickly switch to another set of maps, images, routes, or thematic layers. The structural interconnection of housing 1, receiving compartment 6, protective cover 8, latch 9, sensor 10, and controller 11 ensures reliability, easy maintenance, and the safety of the removable geospatial data array.

Claims

1. A mobile geoinformation terminal comprising a housing, a display, a computing module, a navigation receiver and an internal geospatial data storage device, characterized in that the housing is provided with a receiving compartment isolated from the computing module with a replaceable protected geospatial data module, made in the form of a sealed cassette with a non-volatile storage device, a memory controller and a data integrity control unit located inside, wherein the receiving compartment contains guide surfaces, an interface connector, a mechanical lock of the replaceable protected module, a position sensor of the mechanical lock and a protective cover with a closing sensor, wherein the position sensor of the mechanical lock and the closing sensor are connected to the connection controller,designed with the ability to supply power to the replaceable protected module and connect its exchange lines with the computing module when the mechanical lock is in the working position and the protective cover is in the closed position, 2. The terminal according to paragraph 1, characterized in that an elastomeric seal is placed along the perimeter of the protective cover, interacting with the support flange of the receiving compartment.

3. The terminal according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the interface connector is installed on a floating support with elastic elements that provide compensation for the displacement of the cassette.

4. The terminal according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the cassette is provided with a heat-dissipating plate that, in the installed position, contacts the heat-dissipating wall of the receiving compartment.

5. The terminal according to item 1, characterized in that the protective cover is provided with a pressure projection that interacts with the rear surface of the cassette in the closed position.

6. The terminal according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the mechanical latch contains an electromechanical lock connected to the connection controller and preventing the latch from being moved to the extraction position during data recording.

7. The terminal according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the non-volatile storage device contains a main area and a reserve read-only area in which the basic cartographic set is located.

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