Wireless Earbud Cradle Data Relay via Power Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cradles for wireless audio devices lack a wireless communication module, preventing them from transmitting or receiving data directly with electronic devices, and existing data communication methods are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a first wireless communication device with a power management module for electrical connection to a cradle, a communication module for wireless communication, and a processor to manage data transmission and reception, enabling high-speed power line communication (HPLC) between the cradle and a second wireless communication device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cradle is designed to house wireless communication devices for charging, then the cradle can provide power supply and storage functions, but the cradle cannot perform wireless data communication or firmware update operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the wireless communication device itself as an intermediary to enable data communication between the cradle and external electronic devices. The wireless communication device acts as a relay, receiving data from external devices via Bluetooth and forwarding it to the cradle through power line communication, thus eliminating the need for a wireless communication module in the cradle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wireless communication device serve multiple functions: it not only provides wireless audio output but also acts as a communication bridge for data transmission and firmware updates. By utilizing the existing communication capabilities of the wireless communication device, the system achieves multi-functionality without adding dedicated communication hardware to the cradle.
2Productivity
If data is transmitted from a wireless communication device to the cradle using traditional methods, then data communication can be established, but the data transmission speed is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wireless communication protocols (like Bluetooth) with power line communication for data transmission between the wireless communication device and cradle. Power line communication offers significantly higher data transmission speeds, enabling efficient firmware updates and large data transfers without the time constraints of wireless protocols.
3Ease of operation
If the cradle is equipped with a wireless communication module to enable direct data communication, then data transmission speed improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the wireless communication device to serve itself by using its own communication capabilities to facilitate data transmission to the cradle. The device leverages its existing Bluetooth module and processor to act as a communication gateway, eliminating the need for the cradle to have dedicated wireless communication hardware, thus simplifying manufacturing.
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
Facilitates two-way data communication and reduces data transmission time by dividing and transmitting data through HPLC, ensuring accurate data reception by the cradle from both wireless communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
a power management module configured to electrically connect with a cradle and execute power line communication
Data Source
AI summary
A cradle, first wireless communication device, and second wireless communication device, and method thereof, are disclosed. The first wireless device receives a first short-range wireless communication signal requesting activation of data communication with the cradle, detects electrical connection to the cradle, receive a second short-range wireless communication signal indicating that the second wireless communication device is electrically connected to the cradle, and transmit a third short-range wireless communication signal requesting the second wireless communication device to activate the power line communication. The second wireless device and cradle may execute corresponding and complimentary operations thereof.