Cigarette Lighter Adapter with Integrated Antenna and Circuit Segregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cigarette lighter adapters (CLAs) have limited market value and functionality, particularly when used with personal navigation devices (PNDs), as they only provide power without integrating communication capabilities or efficient power management, leading to high engineering and manufacturing costs and limited design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The enhanced CLA integrates an antenna component with electronic processing capabilities, a rechargeable battery, and a wireless modem, allowing for simultaneous power delivery and data processing, including telecommunications standards like GPRS and Wi-Fi, while segregating heat-generating components for efficient cooling, thereby reducing component count in PNDs and enhancing design possibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional CLAs only provide power without integrating communication capabilities, then manufacturing costs and device complexity are reduced, but market value and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and wireless communication functions into a single CLA device. The adapter integrates a power management circuit connected to the vehicle battery through the cigarette lighter contacts, and a wireless communication module with antenna, both powered from the same power source. This merging allows the CLA to simultaneously provide power to external devices and deliver processed communication signals (such as traffic congestion data) through the same device, thereby enhancing functionality without requiring separate power and communication adapters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PNDs include all necessary components for wireless communication and power management, then communication capabilities are improved, but PND component complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wireless communication module and power management circuitry from the PND and relocates them to the CLA adapter. The antenna is integrated into the CLA body, and the communication circuit processes signals independently before delivering processed data through the power cable connection to the PND. This extraction reduces the PND's component count and complexity, as the PND only needs to receive power and data through its existing interface, while the CLA handles all wireless communication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The CLA is designed as a universal adapter that can serve multiple functions: delivering power to various devices, providing wireless communication capabilities, and processing communication signals. The power management circuit can power any device connected to the CLA, while the wireless module can communicate with various types of devices. The processed signal output can be connected to different PND models through standard interfaces, making the solution broadly applicable and reducing the need for device-specific components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If CLAs integrate electronic circuits for power management and wireless communication, then consumer appeal and market value are enhanced, but engineering costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CLA is designed as a modular device with distinct functional segments: a power management module connected to the vehicle battery through the cigarette lighter contacts, a wireless communication module with integrated antenna, and a signal processing unit. Each module can be independently developed, tested, and manufactured. The power management circuit handles voltage regulation and power distribution, while the wireless module handles signal reception and transmission. This segmentation allows for specialized component selection and streamlined manufacturing processes for each function, reducing overall engineering complexity.
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
This solution enables cost-effective, consumer-appealing CLAs that provide both power and data processing, reducing PND component complexity and manufacturing costs, while offering advanced features like traffic congestion data extraction and wireless connectivity, thus enhancing user experience and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna component in electrical communication with said electronic circuit, the latter delivering at least one of: the antenna signal, an electronically processed version thereof
Implementation Method 2
data derived from the electronic processing thereof
Implementation Method 3
the source of which is derived from said contacts when disposed within a live vehicle cigarette lighter or from an alternative power source provided within the body of said CLA
Data Source
AI summary
A cigarette lighter adapter (CLA) is disclosed comprising a body and a barrel portion extending therefrom, said barrel portion including a first and second contacts respectively connectable within a vehicle cigarette lighter to be powered therefrom, said CLA being additionally provided with at least one primary electronic circuit within the body thereof, connected directly or indirectly to said contacts, and an output to which a power signal is capable of being delivered. The CLA is characterized in that it includes an antenna component in electrical communication with said primary electronic circuit, the latter delivering at least one of the antenna signal, a electronically processed version thereof, or data derived from the electronic processing thereof, to said output in conjunction with said power signal, the source of which is derived from said contacts or from an alternative power source provided within the body of said CLA, such as an on-board rechargeable battery, said power signal source further providing power to said primary electronic circuit to enable operation thereof. Further features include the provision of one or more secondary electronic circuits within the CLA to provide power management, regulation, control, switching, and/or battery re-charging functions, and the segregation of the primary and secondary electric circuits so as to ensure effective heat dissipation. Most preferably, the CLA is provided with vents adjacent which at least one of the secondary electronic circuits is provided.