Modular RF Receiver Module Design for Feature Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of maintaining and supporting multiple RF receiver module designs increase with the number of feature choices, as each choice requires different hardware and software components, leading to increased design complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a modular design that uses a common base with optional hardware components for selected feature choices, allowing for flexible feature selection while reducing system design complexity and cost by mapping feature choices to specific hardware and software components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate hardware and software designs are created to support different feature choices, then the system can accommodate diverse customer requirements, but the complexity and expense of maintaining and supporting separate designs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF receiver module is divided into a common base portion and separate optional feature portions. The common base contains shared hardware and software components, while optional features are segmented into distinct add-on modules that can be selectively included based on customer requirements. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple feature configurations without creating entirely separate designs for each combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The common base portion is designed with universal hardware and software components that can support multiple different feature configurations. By creating a universal platform that can accommodate various optional features, the system reduces the need for separate designs while maintaining adaptability to diverse customer needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate hardware and software designs are created to support different feature choices, then the system can accommodate diverse customer requirements, but the expense of maintaining and supporting separate designs increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the module into a common base and optional feature portions, manufacturing can be optimized by producing the common base in high volumes at lower cost, while optional features are produced as separate modules and assembled only when needed. This reduces overall manufacturing expense compared to producing complete separate designs for each feature combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple potential designs into a single common base structure that can accommodate various optional features. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and expense by eliminating redundant components and processes that would exist if separate designs were created for each feature combination.
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular design with common base and optional components is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced and design flexibility is increased, but the system must accommodate variable configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The common base is designed with universal interfaces, connection points, and software architecture that can accommodate any combination of optional features. This universal design simplifies configuration management by providing a consistent framework that works with all feature combinations, reducing the complexity of managing variable configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments relate to a communication device (200) that implements a subset of feature choices selected from a complete set of feature choices. An exemplary embodiment comprises at least one common hardware component (210) common to any subset of feature choices, and a base (102) that is adapted to accommodate installation of at least one optional hardware component (221) associated with at least one feature of the complete set of feature choices.