Interchangeable Bridge Modules for Wearable Public Safety Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Public safety communication devices lack adaptable and ergonomic designs that integrate video recording capabilities while being wearable and hands-free, posing challenges in size, weight, and ease of use for law enforcement and fire rescue applications.

Innovation Solution

A portable communication device with interchangeable bridge interface modules, including camera and non-camera modules, and interchangeable power sources, such as portable batteries and corded power, allowing for customizable configurations for shoulder mountable applications, providing access to remote speaker microphone controls and hands-free video operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If video recording capability is incorporated into portable public safety communication device, then functionality is improved, but size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a communication module and an interchangeable module that can contain video recording capability. This segmentation allows the base communication device to remain lightweight while video functionality is added only when needed through module interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interchangeable module is designed to provide multiple functions including video recording, additional communication capabilities, or power extension. This universal module can be swapped depending on the specific operational requirements, allowing the device to adapt functionality without permanently increasing base weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If video recording capability is incorporated into portable public safety communication device, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating video recording functionality into a distinct interchangeable module, the complexity of video processing is isolated from the core communication device. This modular approach simplifies the main device while allowing complex functionality to be added through standardized module interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interchangeable module acts as an intermediary between the user's need for video recording and the core communication device. It provides the necessary video processing capabilities without requiring the main device to be redesigned, thus managing complexity through a buffer component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If device is designed for hands-free wearable operation, then ease of operation is improved, but ergonomics and weight distribution become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device is segmented into a lightweight core communication unit and separate interchangeable modules. This allows the main body to be optimized for ergonomic wearability while additional functionality is distributed across interchangeable modules that can be attached as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device architecture transitions from a single integrated unit to a distributed modular system where components can be positioned in different spatial configurations. This dimensional change allows optimization of weight distribution and ergonomics while maintaining hands-free operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable modules and power sources are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal interface standard is implemented for interchangeable modules and power sources, allowing different functional modules to work with the same base device and power interface. This universality provides high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same connection protocol handles multiple module types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic reconfigurable system where modules and power sources can be changed based on operational needs. This dynamic adaptability is managed through standardized interfaces that simplify the complexity of module interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10469116B2Portable communication device providing configurable wearable architecture

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A portable communication device (200) provides a remote speaker microphone (RSM) (204) that is adaptable to a plurality of interchangeable bridge interface modules. The plurality of interchangeable bridge interface modules may comprise interchangeable camera (212), (218) and non-camera (220) bridge interface modules that couple between the RSM (204) and a power source (208). The power source (208) may also be interchangeable via a portable battery (212) or corded power module (214). The portable communication device is shoulder mountable and well suited to portable public safety applications.