Modular Mobile Computing Architecture for Selective Peripheral Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional smart devices are highly integrated and multifunctional, leading to unnecessary costs, increased weight, and energy consumption, and require multiple devices for different applications, which is costly and cumbersome for users.

Innovation Solution

A modular smart device with a central communication and data processing unit and interchangeable peripheral components, allowing users to select and connect only necessary peripherals based on application needs, reducing weight and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional smart devices are highly integrated with multiple functions, then device functionality is improved, but device weight and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a central processing unit housed in a housing and separate peripheral components that can be independently connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the core device to remain lightweight while functionality is expanded through selective attachment of peripheral components such as displays, cameras, or audio devices depending on the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central processing unit is designed with universal interfaces and communication capabilities that can work with various types of peripheral components. This allows a single core device to perform multiple functions by connecting to different peripherals, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional smart devices include many functionalities, then device versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into a standardized core unit and separate peripheral components, manufacturing costs are reduced. The core device can be produced in high volumes with standardized interfaces, while peripheral components are manufactured separately and only attached when needed, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The universal interface design allows a single core device model to support multiple functions through different peripherals, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized device variants. This reduces manufacturing costs through economies of scale in producing the core unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If conventional smart devices are designed for specific applications, then application performance is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to carrying multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication performanceVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single core device with universal communication capabilities can replace multiple application-specific devices. Users connect different peripheral components based on their current needs, achieving specialized performance for each application while maintaining a single portable device in their possession.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device configuration is dynamic rather than static. Users can adaptively connect and disconnect peripheral components based on current application requirements, allowing the device to transform its functionality on-demand rather than being fixed for a single purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If peripheral components are integrated into the device, then device functionality is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous power supply to peripherals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Peripheral components are segmented from the core device and can be independently powered. They only consume power from the core device when actually connected and needed, rather than requiring continuous power supply as in fully integrated designs. This reduces overall power consumption while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12530065B2Mobile and modular communication and data processing device with computer functionality

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 ECOM INSTR

AI summary

A device may include a data processing unit, at least one wireless communication interface, at least one wired communication interface, a supply connection, and a rechargeable battery store. The data processing unit may be configured to run a computer program product. The at least one wireless communication interface may be communicatively coupled with the data processing unit to establish a wireless communication connection between the data processing unit and at least one external peripheral component. The at least one wired communication interface may be communicatively coupled with the data processing unit to establish a wired communication connection between the data processing unit and at least one external peripheral component or an external network. The supply connection may be configured for connection with an external electrical power supply to supply at least the data processing unit with external electrical energy. The rechargeable battery store may be for storing electrical energy.