Dockable Data Transfer Module for Low-Power Device Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The communication of data between electronic devices often requires wireless communication, which increases device size and battery usage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus configured to be connectable to two electronic devices, equipped with a memory, a rechargeable battery, a real-time clock, and engagement means to establish physical communication links, allowing for the transfer of current time data and data collection while recharging the battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is used to transfer data between electronic devices, then data communication capability is improved, but device size and battery consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A docking station serves as an intermediary device that provides wireless communication capabilities to portable electronic devices when docked. The docking station contains the wireless communication module and power source, allowing the portable device to access these resources without carrying them internally, thus reducing the portable device's size and weight while maintaining communication capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is designed to be universally compatible with multiple types of portable electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables). It provides multiple functions including wireless communication access, battery recharging, and data transfer, allowing a single stationary device to serve various portable devices without requiring each portable device to have all these capabilities built-in.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication hardware is included in portable devices, then communication versatility is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station acts as an intermediary that houses the power source for wireless communication. When a portable device is docked, it can use the docking station's power supply for wireless communication operations, eliminating the need for the portable device to consume its own battery power for this function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the portable device's internal battery-powered wireless communication system with an external power source (docking station) when the device is docked. This substitution allows wireless communication to occur without draining the portable device's battery, effectively separating the communication function from the portable device's power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If portable devices have integrated battery and communication systems, then device functionality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two separate components: a compact portable electronic device and a larger docking station. The portable device contains only essential functions (display, basic processing), while the docking station houses non-essential but useful functions (wireless communication module, battery, data processing). This segmentation allows the portable device to remain small while still accessing expanded functionality when docked.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable electronic device is designed to be inserted into or nested within the docking station. When nested, the portable device gains access to the docking station's additional capabilities including wireless communication and extended battery power. This nesting arrangement allows the portable device to maintain a compact form factor while providing access to larger system capabilities when needed.
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
Enables efficient data transfer and battery recharging between devices via physical communication links, reducing the need for wireless communication and thereby minimizing device size and battery consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable battery; when subsequently held in engagement with the first electronic device, transmit the current time data to the first electronic device via the first physical communication link, receive data collected by the first electronic device via the first physical communication link for storage in the memory, and power the first electronic device with the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
The engagement means may comprise a mating surface configured to mate with a corresponding mating surface on the respective first and second electronic devices. The engagement means may be configured to releasably hold the apparatus in engagement with the first or second electronic devices by a magnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) configured to be connectable to a first electronic device (12) and a second electronic device (14). The apparatus comprises: a memory (16); a rechargeable battery (18); a real time clock (20); and engagement means. The engagement means is configured to releasably hold the apparatus in engagement with the first electronic device (12) to establish a first physical communication link between the apparatus (10) and the first electronic device (12). The engagement means is configured to releasably hold the apparatus in engagement with the second electronic device (14) to establish a second physical communication link between the apparatus (10) and the second electronic device (14). When held in engagement with the second electronic device (14) the apparatus (10) is configured to receive current time data from the second electronic device via the second physical communication link for storage in the real time clock (20), and recharge the rechargeable battery by the second electronic device (14). When subsequently held in engagement with the first electronic device (12) the apparatus (10) is configured to transmit current time data to the first electronic device (12) via the first physical communication link, receive data collected by the first electronic device (12) via the first physical communication link for storage in the memory (16), and power the first electronic device with the rechargeable battery (18).