Detachable Remote Control for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote control units for electronic devices often get lost during transportation, and the duplication of buttons on both the main unit and remote control unit increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design where the remote control unit can be used wirelessly or plugged into the main unit, reducing the likelihood of loss and eliminating the need for duplicate buttons by integrating the remote control unit into the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) when plugged in, allowing for secure wire-line or wireless signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If buttons are provided on both the main unit and the remote control unit, then the electronic device can be controlled without the remote control unit, but the production costs increase due to the duplication of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration where buttons are provided only on the remote control unit when used wirelessly, but when the remote control unit is docked with the main unit, the main unit's display shows virtual buttons that replace the physical ones. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for duplicate physical buttons on both units, reducing production costs while maintaining full control capability.
2Ease of operation
If the remote control unit is used wirelessly, then the handling is convenient, but the remote control unit may be lost during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two modes: a wireless mode where the remote control unit operates independently for convenient handling, and a docked mode where the remote control unit connects to the main unit via a receptacle. The segmentation allows the system to provide both wireless convenience and physical retention by offering a docking station that securely holds the remote control unit when not in wireless use.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle/docking station serves as an intermediary between the remote control unit and the main unit. It provides a secure connection point that retains the remote control unit during transportation while maintaining full control functionality through the connection, thus preventing loss without compromising handling convenience.
3Ease of manufacture
If the remote control unit is integrated into the main unit, then the production costs are reduced, but the wireless transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the remote control unit and main unit connection system to support multiple transmission modes. The same physical components (remote control unit, receptacle, and main unit) can operate in wireless mode for remote control, or in docked mode for integrated control with visual feedback on the main unit display. This universality allows the system to provide both wireless capability and cost-effective integration without requiring separate hardware configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an electronic device comprising: - a main unit (10) having - a data processor which is configured for processing data in response to a control signal; - a receptacle (12), - a remote control unit (20) comprising input means for controlling the electronic device, wherein in a first operating mode, in which the remote control unit (20) is located outside the receptacle (12) of the main unit (10), the remote control unit (20) is configured for providing said control signal (19) via a wireless transmission to said data processor in response to control actions manually input via said input means by a user of the electronic device, and wherein, in a second operating mode, in which the remote control unit (20) is positioned in said receptacle (12) of the main unit (10), the control signal is also generated in response to control actions manually input via said input means of the remote control unit (20).