Modular IoT Platform with Stacking Connectors for Scalable Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT systems face challenges in enabling reliable, secure, and identifiable devices that can form networks autonomously to accomplish tasks, particularly in heterogeneous networks with a combination of wired and wireless technologies, and require innovative solutions for scalable and flexible connectivity and management.
Innovation Solution
A modular platform for IoT devices that allows plug-and-play connectivity of various modules, including compute, connectivity, and sensor modules, with a flexible framework for interoperability, enabling easy expansion and upgrading, and supporting both low-end and high-end systems, along with decentralized authentication and authorization systems for autonomous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular platform with plug-and-play connectivity is implemented, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IoT system is divided into independent modular components (sensors, actuators, gateways, platforms) that can be separately developed, deployed, and managed. Each module has standardized interfaces that enable plug-and-play connectivity, allowing the system to adapt to different configurations without increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular platform is designed with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that allow the same hardware or software module to function in multiple roles across different IoT applications. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability while avoiding the need for specialized complex components for each use case.
2Extent of automation
If decentralized authentication and authorization systems are implemented for autonomous operations, then extent of automation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to security challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The decentralized authentication system enables IoT devices to autonomously authenticate and authorize themselves without centralized intervention. Devices self-manage their credentials and permissions through distributed identity management protocols, achieving high automation while maintaining security through cryptographic verification and peer-to-peer trust validation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous networks with wired and wireless technologies are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Gateway devices serve as intermediaries between heterogeneous wired and wireless network technologies. The gateways translate and bridge different communication protocols and physical interfaces, allowing diverse devices to interoperate seamlessly. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of network heterogeneity from end devices, maintaining ease of operation while supporting broad adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An Internet of Things (IoT) apparatus including a plurality of boards and one or more connectors to couple IoT modules to one or more of the plurality of boards and to couple the plurality of boards to each other. The connectors include stacking connectors on both sides of at least some of the boards and at least some of the IoT modules to be coupled to the boards.