Removable Caps for Flash Memory Wireless Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices lack flexibility in data transfer and operation modes, as they are typically limited to specific electrical contact standards and do not easily accommodate wireless communication capabilities, restricting their interoperability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The use of removable caps with passive or active elements that electrically or wirelessly connect with memory devices to control operation through external contacts, enabling dual data transfer paths and powering options, allowing for selection of transmission ranges and frequencies, and integrating additional functions like audio playback or voice recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory devices use fixed electrical contact standards, then reliability of connection is improved, but adaptability to different interfaces and wireless communication is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The removable cap acts as an intermediary device that bridges the memory device and different host interfaces. When attached to the memory device, the cap provides wireless communication capabilities and can interface with various host devices, allowing the memory device to adapt to different standards without compromising its own reliable electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed to provide multiple functions: it protects the electrical contacts, enables wireless communication, and can interface with different host devices. This multi-functionality allows a single memory device to work with multiple interface standards through the same cap attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If memory devices integrate wireless transceivers, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but power consumption and device complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication functionality is segmented from the main memory device and placed in a separate removable cap. This allows the wireless transceiver to be activated only when the cap is attached, reducing overall power consumption since the memory device itself does not continuously power wireless components.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication capability is made dynamic through the removable cap attachment. The system transitions between wired and wireless modes based on whether the cap is attached, allowing power consumption to be adjusted dynamically based on operational needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable caps with batteries are used, then power independence and operation flexibility are improved, but device complexity and battery management are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cap with battery provides self-service power supply to the memory device when attached. The battery in the cap can independently power the memory device and wireless transceiver without requiring connection to an external power source or host device, enabling operation flexibility.
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 flexible operation and data transfer modes, enhancing interoperability and functionality by allowing wireless access and power independence, while simplifying battery management and adding functionality like audio playback or voice recording.
Implementation Method 1
a battery is included in the cap to power the device when the cap is positioned over externally accessible contacts of the device
Implementation Method 2
an internal wireless transceiver may be either passive, where the power to operate it is wirelessly induced into the device, or active, where battery power is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A flash memory card structure with an external contact structure according to a published standard, such as the USB standard, also includes a second data transmission path, such as a wireless one. A removable cap fits over the card to cover the external contacts when they are not being used as a memory data path. One of two or more different caps may be selected to be placed on the card in order to control operation of the second data transmission path, such as to select the distance of wireless transmission from one of two or more pre-set distances. Power to operate the memory card through the second path, when not connected to a host, may also be provided through the external contacts by including a battery in the caps.