Automatic eSIM Transfer Through Device Transition Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional eSIM transfer technologies require user input, leading to potential missed time-sensitive communications if the transfer is forgotten, and the process of physically transferring removable SIM chips is complex and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

An eSIM transfer system that automatically detects a user transitioning between devices and initiates the transfer of an eSIM profile without human intervention, using proximity, network connectivity, and device usage patterns to deactivate the profile on one device and activate it on another.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual eSIM transfer is required, then user control over the transfer process is maintained, but the risk of missed time-sensitive communications increases and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of eSIM transferVSAvoidreliability of communication continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting transfer events in advance (through proximity detection, network connectivity changes, or usage pattern analysis) and automatically initiates the eSIM profile transfer before the user needs to switch devices. This eliminates the risk of forgotten manual transfers and ensures continuous communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The eSIM transfer system operates autonomously by monitoring device states and usage patterns to detect when a transfer is needed, then automatically executing the transfer process without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by managing the transfer lifecycle from detection to completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical SIM chip transfer is used, then device portability is enabled, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of SIM transfer process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically removing and inserting SIM chips with an automated electronic transfer system. The eSIM profile is transferred wirelessly between devices through detection of transfer events and automated protocol execution, eliminating manual handling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of physically moving a unique SIM chip, the system creates and transfers a digital copy of the eSIM profile (containing IMSI and security keys) between devices. This digital copying approach enables seamless transfer without physical manipulation of hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If automated eSIM transfer is implemented, then transfer reliability is improved and user convenience is enhanced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of eSIM transferVSAvoidcomplexity of transfer system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring device proximity, network connectivity status, and usage patterns to detect transfer events. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically respond to changing conditions and initiate transfers at the appropriate moments, improving reliability through informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250301305A1Automatic esim transfer between devices

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

In aspects of automatic eSIM transfer between devices, a first device having a first embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) chip determines, while an eSIM profile associated with a user is activated on the first eSIM chip, that the user is transitioning from using the first device to using a second device. In response, the first device initiates a transfer of the eSIM profile from the first device to the second device. The transfer causes deactivation of the eSIM profile on the first eSIM chip and activation of the eSIM profile on a second eSIM chip of the second device.