Modular Electronic Device Direct Touch Module Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular electronic devices require users to navigate complex graphical user interfaces to interact with and remove hardware modules, leading to increased mental overhead and usability issues, especially when modules need to be removed without proper software ejection, resulting in potential data loss and error messages.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic device with a frame that includes input sensors and a controller allowing direct user interaction with modules via touch, enabling operation or removal of modules without graphical interface navigation, using data connection interfaces and latch mechanisms for secure and controlled module management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized screen-based graphical user interface is used to control hardware modules, then the system can manage multiple functions through a unified interface, but the user interaction becomes complex and disconnected from the physical hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bay controller as an intermediary component between the user and the hardware modules. The bay controller receives direct physical interactions (touches, presses) on the bay itself and translates these into appropriate module operations, serving as a mediator that bridges the physical interface and the digital control logic without requiring complex screen-based navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The bay and module structure enables self-service interaction where the physical bay itself responds directly to user touches and presses. The bay controller detects interactions with the bay and automatically manages module operations, allowing the hardware interface to serve itself without requiring the user to navigate through external software interfaces
2Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanisms are used to secure modules, then the modules can survive reliability and drop tests, but the modules cannot be removed quickly without proper software ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary software ejection actions automatically when a user initiates module removal through direct physical interaction. The bay controller detects the removal intent and pre-executes necessary software operations (data writing, power down) before the mechanical latch is disengaged, ensuring data integrity while enabling quick removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical locking with an integrated electromechanical system. The latch mechanism is controlled by the bay controller, which can electronically manage the locking state while still providing robust mechanical retention. This allows the system to maintain reliable mechanical securing while enabling controlled, quick release through electronic management
3Adaptability or versatility
If users must navigate through multiple screen layers and applications to control hardware modules, then comprehensive software control is achieved, but the interaction process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control functionality from the complex software interface and places it directly at the physical bay level. The bay controller handles basic module operations (enable, disable, remove) through direct physical interactions, taking out the most frequently used functions from the deep software navigation structure and making them immediately accessible
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into multiple levels: the bay controller handles direct physical interactions for common operations, while the main system software manages complex functions. This segmentation allows simple operations to be performed quickly at the bay level without requiring navigation through the full software interface hierarchy
Data Source
AI summary
One example modular electronic device of the present disclosure includes a frame and a plurality of electronic modules which are respectively removably received at a plurality of bays formed by the frame. The modular electronic device can enable a user to directly operate, interact with, remove, or otherwise manipulate the electronic modules without requiring the user to navigate through or otherwise interact with a graphical user interface. In particular, the modular electronic device can enable the user to operate, remove, or otherwise interact with the electronic modules by simply touching or pressing a particular electronic module.