Inductive Coupling for Automatic Device Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional docking stations for mobile computing devices face challenges in accommodating smaller form factors due to size constraints of connectors, which can strain the connector structure and limit device thickness and dimensions, and require user intervention for pairing, which can be inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for secure and persistent pairing of computing devices using out-of-band credential information exchange, such as inductive coupling, to establish a link key for wireless communication, enabling automatic pairing and data sharing without the need for user input or physical connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional insertive male/female connectors are used for docking stations, then mechanical connection and power supply are achieved, but device thickness and dimensions are constrained and connector structure is strained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical insertive connector system with an inductive coupling system that uses electromagnetic fields for both connection establishment and power/credential exchange. This eliminates the physical male/female connector structures that constrain device dimensions and strain connector elements during repeated mating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the credential exchange and connection establishment functions from the mechanical connector itself, moving them to a separate inductive coupling mechanism. This allows the mechanical connector to be simplified or eliminated entirely, freeing device design from connector size constraints.
2Ease of operation
If traditional docking stations require user intervention for pairing, then secure connection is established, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically perform pairing and credential exchange without user intervention. The mobile device autonomously detects the docking station, initiates inductive coupling, exchanges credentials, and establishes the connection, making the entire process self-service and eliminating the need for manual pairing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Credentials are exchanged and stored in advance through the inductive coupling mechanism before the actual docking operation is needed. This preliminary credential exchange enables automatic connection establishment subsequent times without requiring user intervention, as the authentication is already completed.
3Productivity
If repeated mating and removal of devices occurs, then docking functionality is used, but mechanical stress strains connector structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mating/removal cycle with a contactless inductive coupling system. The mobile device can be placed near the docking station without precise mechanical alignment, and the connection is established through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the mechanical stress and strain on connector elements that occurs during repeated traditional docking operations.
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 seamless and automatic pairing and data sharing between devices, reducing mechanical stress on connectors and allowing for thinner device designs, while eliminating the need for user intervention in the pairing process.
Implementation Method 1
credential information is exchanged using an out-of-band medium, such as inductive coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
A device is enabled to establish a secure and persistent pairing with one another across a communication medium, using credential information that is exchanged out- of-band.