Modular Portable Device Slices With Stacking Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
As cellular devices increasingly incorporate multiple functions such as video entertainment, audio, photography, and gaming, manufacturers face challenges in maintaining the ideal thickness and weight, making it difficult to accommodate additional features without compromising device dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A modular device system that allows multiple modules to be stacked on a base device, with an alignment mechanism and electrical interconnection, enabling flexible addition of functions without increasing thickness, using magnetic retention and spring-loaded contact systems for secure and convenient docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are added to a base device, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a base device and separate modular attachments. Each attachment provides specific functionality (camera, display, audio) that can be independently added or removed. This segmentation allows functionality to be improved without permanently increasing the base device thickness, as modules are only present when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular attachments are designed to nest onto the base device when not in use, similar to nested dolls. The attachments can be stored within or alongside the base device, minimizing the overall thickness increase. When functionality is needed, the attachments are deployed; when not needed, they are nested away, maintaining a compact form factor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules are stacked on a base device, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base device and attachments are designed with universal interfaces that allow multiple different attachments to be used with a single base device. The standardized mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces mean that the same base device can work with various attachments for different functions, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular attachment system allows the device configuration to dynamically change based on user needs. Attachments can be easily added or removed without permanent modifications, allowing the device to adapt its functionality and complexity level. Users can start with a simple base device and add complexity only when specific functions are needed, rather than dealing with permanent complex configurations.
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 users to add multiple functions to a base device without increasing thickness, providing flexibility for developers and users, while maintaining the device's compact form factor and ensuring seamless electrical connectivity between modules and the base device.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic retention system that uses magnetic force to hold the module slice, a previous module slice, or both to a base device or to a previous module slice
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded contact system that uses elastic force to maintain contact between a module slice, a previous module slice, or both and a base device or a previous module slice
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment of the disclosed principles, a modular device system includes a base device configured to accept multiple modules at once. The system further includes thin modules designed to stack upon one another on the base device to provide extended functionality. In an embodiment, an alignment mechanism is provided to allow multiple modules to be easily stacked such that their stacking also provides convenient electrical interconnection between the modules and the base device.