Modular Mobile Terminal Component Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

As mobile terminals become increasingly multifunctional, users face challenges in managing and securing discrete components, such as cameras and speakers, which require different levels of quality and functionality, leading to a need for a modular system that can lock and unlock these components securely.

Innovation Solution

A modular mobile terminal design that allows attachable or replaceable discrete components, with a controller managing their lock state through a memory system, enabling users to register and unlock components as needed, and remotely control access to prevent theft or loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If discrete components are made attachable or replaceable to enhance functionality and adaptability, then the versatility of the mobile terminal is improved, but the security risk of component loss or unauthorized use increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsecurity risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal is divided into a main body and separate discrete components (camera module, speaker module, etc.). Each component can be independently attached or detached, allowing users to customize functionality while maintaining security through individual component management and authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A controller acts as an intermediary between the main body and discrete components. It manages authentication, lock states, and communication between components and the main body, ensuring secure operation when components are attached or detached without requiring direct interaction between components and main body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If discrete components are locked to prevent theft or loss, then security is improved, but the ease of operation and component replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidcomponent replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock state of discrete components is dynamic rather than static. Components can be locked to prevent unauthorized removal or used, but can be unlocked through authentication when legitimate users need to replace or attach components. The controller manages these state transitions based on authentication results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service authentication and lock management. When a component is attached, the controller automatically detects it and prompts for authentication. Upon successful authentication, the component is automatically unlocked and registered, eliminating the need for manual lock management by users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a lock management system is implemented for discrete components, then security control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized use preventionVSAvoidlock management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves multiple functions: it manages lock states, handles authentication, communicates with discrete components, and maintains component information in memory. This multi-functionality consolidates the lock management system into a single component, reducing overall system complexity despite the added security features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3101878B1Modular mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3101878B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3101878B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3101878B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

There is disclosed a mobile terminal including a main body, a controller mounted in the main body and comprising a controller memory, and at least one component module assembled or attached to the main body, wherein the controller compares locked/unlocked state information and identification information of the component module with identification information registered in the controller memory and checks accessibility of the component module based on the result of the comparison, and when the component module is accessible, the controller controls functions of the component module or a locked state of the component module.