Dual UICC IoT Provisioning for Automatic Cellular Network Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT devices face challenges in managing UICC provisioning due to logistical and economic constraints, especially for enterprise customers lacking private mobile network infrastructure, and the GSMA standard's reliance on SMS for remote provisioning is inadequate.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for managing provisioning of dual UICCs in IoT devices, involving switch interfaces, cellular chipsets, and secure microcontrollers to facilitate switching between UICCs, downloading subscription profiles, and configuring them wirelessly, enabling connection to IoT platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional SMS-based provisioning is used for UICCs, then implementation is simple and widely supported, but it is inefficient and costly especially for enterprise customers needing to switch between networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprovisioning efficiencyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional SMS-based mechanical provisioning system with a data plan-based electronic provisioning system. This substitution enables automated remote provisioning of subscription profiles to UICCs, eliminating the need for manual SMS commands and significantly improving provisioning efficiency while reducing operational costs for enterprise customers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service provisioning where enterprise customers can remotely provision subscription profiles to their UICCs without requiring manual intervention. The automated provisioning process allows customers to manage their own network switching and profile deployment, improving productivity while reducing the costs associated with manual provisioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If enterprise customers use traditional UICC switching methods, then network switching is possible, but it requires manual intervention and lacks control over data plans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic switching between networksVSAvoidhuman intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically switches between public and private cellular networks by provisioning subscription profiles to UICCs without requiring manual intervention. Enterprise customers gain full control over their data plans and network switching operations through automated remote provisioning, eliminating the need for human involvement in routine network switching tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring and remotely provisioning subscription profiles to UICCs before network switching is needed. This advance preparation enables automatic network switching when required, as the necessary profile data is already in place, thereby achieving automation while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual UICC configuration is implemented, then network switching capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork switching capabilityVSAvoidUICC management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing a dual UICC configuration where a single device can hold and switch between multiple UICCs for different networks. This multi-functional setup enables the device to adapt between public and private cellular networks, enhancing network switching capability while managing complexity through a unified UICC management framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex manual UICC switching mechanisms with automated electronic provisioning and switching controlled by the processor. This substitution simplifies the management of dual UICCs by using software-based control for profile provisioning and network switching, thereby enhancing adaptability while reducing the operational complexity of UICC management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12621653B2Internet of things (IoT) device and method for managing provisioning of one or more universal integrated circuit cards (UICCs)

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 EASYMETERING LLC

AI summary

A method for managing provisioning of universal integrated circuit cards (UICC) in internet of things (IoT) devices, is disclosed. The method comprises (a) initiating a mobile network connection with one or more IoT platforms; (b) receiving one or more instructions from the one or more IoT platforms; (c) downloading one or more subscription profiles associated with one or more second UICCs from the one or more IoT platforms upon receiving the one or more instructions; (d) configuring the one or more subscription profiles in the one or more second UICCs; and (e) rebooting the mobile network connection to connect the one or more second UICCs of the one or more internet of things (IoT) devices with the one or more second UICCs IoT platforms through a second cellular network based on the one or more second UICCs subscription profiles configured in the one or more second UICCs.