Modular Extension Interface for Retrofitting Smart Electronic Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and environmental impact of replacing or upgrading electronic devices, such as ballasts and lighting systems, due to the need for disposal of old devices that no longer meet modern requirements for controllability and network capability.
Innovation Solution
A modular design that allows for the retrofitting of electronic devices by connecting a base module with a connection device to an extension module, which provides additional functionality through voltage and signal connections, enabling the upgrade of devices to smart devices without significant changes in appearance or design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices are replaced or upgraded to meet modern requirements for controllability and network capability, then functionality and performance are improved, but cost and environmental impact increase due to disposal of old devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a base module and a separate extension module. The base module contains the connection device and basic functionality, while the extension module provides additional smart features. This segmentation allows the extension module to be detached and reused across different base modules, reducing electronic waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is designed with universal compatibility to work with both base modules and extension modules. The standardized interface allows the same connection device to establish electrical connections in different configurations (base module alone, base module with extension module, extension module with another extension module), enabling one component to serve multiple functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices are replaced or upgraded to meet modern requirements, then functionality and performance are improved, but cost increases due to disposal of old devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a base module and a separate extension module. The base module contains the connection device and basic functionality, while the extension module provides additional smart features. This segmentation allows the extension module to be detached and reused across different base modules, reducing electronic waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery and reuse of valuable components. When upgrading functionality, the extension module can be removed from one base module and attached to another, recovering the investment in the extension module and avoiding disposal costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with extension modules is implemented, then adaptability and ease of upgrading are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is designed with universal compatibility to work with both base modules and extension modules. The standardized interface allows the same connection device to establish electrical connections in different configurations (base module alone, base module with extension module, extension module with another extension module), enabling one component to serve multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the base module complex and integrating all features, the design inverts the approach by keeping the base module simple and adding complexity only when needed through optional extension modules. This allows users to start with a simple device and add complexity gradually.
4Ease of manufacture
If the connection device is used for both electrical contacting and extending functions, then ease of manufacture and simplicity of retrofitting are improved, but the requirement for standardized interfaces increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is designed with universal compatibility to work with both base modules and extension modules. The standardized interface allows the same connection device to establish electrical connections in different configurations (base module alone, base module with extension module, extension module with another extension module), enabling one component to serve multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A base module of an electronic device is adapted to provide a basic functionality, wherein the base module comprises a connection device for electrically contacting the base module, and wherein the connection device is adapted to establish an electrical connection between the base module and an extension module for functional extension of the base module, so that the base module may be electrically contacted through the extension module. Furthermore, an extension module and an electronic device with extended functionality are proposed.