Detachable Wireless Keypad for Multi-Protocol Mobile Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile devices are limited to a single wireless protocol, making them unable to support multiple types of wireless connectivity, which can be necessary for extended functionality, adapting to changing network conditions, and future protocols, while also being constrained by factors like cost, weight, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A modular keypad system for mobile devices that allows detachable wireless communication using different protocols, enabling the device to switch between protocols based on network conditions and supporting future protocols without requiring extensive hardware changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional wireless mobile device includes an integral wireless arrangement operating using a single wireless protocol, then the device structure is simple and cost-effective, but the device cannot support multiple wireless connectivity types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless protocol supportVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless arrangement is segmented into separate detachable keypads, each supporting a specific wireless protocol. The base unit remains protocol-agnostic, allowing users to attach only the keypad needed for the current wireless network, thus achieving multi-protocol support without permanently increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of keypads supporting different wireless protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular). This universal base unit can adapt to different protocols by simply changing the attached keypad, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple integrated wireless arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional wireless mobile device is pre-configured to support multiple wireless protocols, then the device can support multiple connectivity types, but the cost, weight and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless protocol supportVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Wireless protocol capabilities are segmented into separate detachable keypads rather than being integrated into the base unit. Only the wireless arrangement actively attached to the base unit consumes power, allowing users to attach only the necessary keypad for current needs, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless arrangement transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic detachable configuration. Users can dynamically attach or detach keypads based on current wireless connectivity needs, enabling the device to adapt its power consumption profile to match actual usage requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional wireless mobile device is pre-configured to support multiple wireless protocols, then the device can support multiple connectivity types, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless protocol supportVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Wireless protocol capabilities are segmented into separate detachable keypads with individual antennas and circuitry. Users only carry and attach the keypad corresponding to the wireless protocol needed, significantly reducing the weight of the mobile device compared to having all wireless arrangements permanently integrated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional wireless mobile device is pre-configured to support multiple wireless protocols, then the device can support multiple connectivity types, but the device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless protocol supportVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless arrangement is segmented into modular keypads that can be manufactured separately and attached as needed. This allows manufacturers to produce base units without expensive multi-protocol wireless arrangements, and users only pay for the specific keypad modules they need, reducing overall device cost while maintaining protocol support flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device configuration changes from a fixed high-cost multi-protocol integrated design to a flexible modular design where the wireless protocol capability parameter can be changed by simply attaching a different keypad, allowing cost-effective access to multiple protocols without permanently increasing base unit cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20080293367A1Modular Keypad with Wireless Arrangement for a Mobile Device

Publication Date: 2008.11.27 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Described is a mobile device comprising a base unit and a keypad detachably coupled to the base unit. The keypad includes an input arrangement and a first wireless arrangement operating in accordance with a first wireless protocol.