Modular Access Device with Interchangeable USB Sticks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access devices for Internet and telephone connections are inflexible and require replacement when technology changes, leading to electronic waste and increased costs, as they are designed as closed-end devices with combined components that cannot be easily modified to support different connection technologies.
Innovation Solution
The access device features interchangeable USB sticks and adapter modules connected via standardized USB technology, allowing users to expand or change components as needed, enabling support for various connection technologies without requiring a new device, thus reducing hardware waste and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If components are combined on one circuit board to increase rational production, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different connection technologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the access device into a permanent housing module and interchangeable functional modules (USB sticks, adapter modules). The circuit board is segmented to accommodate different USB sticks with different communication technologies (DSL, VDSL, fiber optic, mobile radio). This allows mass production of the housing module while enabling technology changes through simple module replacement rather than replacing the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing module is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple connection technologies through interchangeable USB sticks. The single housing module serves multiple functions by accepting different USB sticks for different technologies (fixed network, mobile radio network), eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and enabling adaptability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire terminal device is replaced when the modem cannot support required technology, then technology compatibility is improved, but cost increases and electronic waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the modem functionality from the permanent housing module into separate, removable USB sticks. When technology changes are needed, only the USB stick is replaced rather than the entire terminal device. This extraction allows the housing module to be reused, reducing electronic waste and costs while maintaining technology compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables discarding only the obsolete USB stick while recovering and reusing the housing module. The housing module with its circuit board, power supply, and housing is recovered and continues to serve with a new USB stick that supports the required technology, thereby reducing electronic waste and avoiding the costs of replacing the entire device.
3Ease of operation
If access devices are designed as closed-end devices, then ease of operation is improved, but flexibility to modify components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the access device by allowing users to interchange USB sticks and adapter modules based on their needs. The device transitions from a static, closed design to a dynamic system where components can be modified. The standardized USB interfaces maintain ease of operation while enabling flexibility through simple plug-and-play module replacement.
Data Source
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AI summary
An access device for internet and telephone connections is presented, comprising a housing module consisting of a housing base element (1) in which at least one circuit board equipped with electronic components for providing internet and telephone access to the network is arranged, and a housing cover (2) closing the interior of the housing base element (1), wherein the housing module has at least one indicator element for monitoring the connection functions provided by the access device, wherein, according to the invention, the housing base element (1) has, on its rear side facing away from the housing cover (2), at least one connection area I (9) for USB sticks with functionality extension modules and at least one connection area II (10) for adapter modules for connecting to external terminal devices, wherein the connection areas (9, 10) I and II are connected elements (12,13) to the circuit board and that a recess (3) for receiving a display/control unit (4) is provided on the housing cover (2) on the front of the housing base element (1).