Modular Sled for Wireless Peripheral Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile terminals face limitations in simultaneous operation with peripheral devices due to physical and electronic connectivity challenges, making it difficult for users to effectively utilize peripherals like barcode scanners and Magnetic Strip Readers (MSRs) in conjunction with mobile phones and PDAs.
Innovation Solution
A modular sled system that provides a physical and electronic platform for attaching peripheral devices such as barcode scanners and MSRs to mobile devices, enabling secure attachment and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, with optional hands-free triggers and supplemental battery charging, allowing for easy switching of devices without setup or integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection methods are used to connect mobile terminals with peripheral devices, then electronic connectivity can be established, but the devices cannot be used simultaneously due to physical manipulation limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the connection function into separate components: a connection device that interfaces with the mobile terminal and peripheral devices independently, allowing each device to maintain its own connection interface without requiring manual manipulation of both devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device acts as an intermediary between the mobile terminal and peripheral devices, physically linking them together so that the mobile terminal can communicate with peripherals without the user needing to manually hold or manipulate both devices at the same time
2Ease of operation
If proximate electronic connectivity ranges are required for device operation, then wireless connection can be established, but the devices must be kept close together which limits user mobility and simultaneous usage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device extends the connectivity range by adding a physical dimension to the connection - rather than relying solely on wireless proximity, the physical connection allows the mobile terminal and peripherals to be separated by greater distances while maintaining stable electronic connectivity through the wired connection at the connection device
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple peripheral devices are connected to a mobile terminal, then functionality is expanded, but the physical size and complexity of the setup increases making it difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device merges multiple connection interfaces into a single unified device that can simultaneously connect to the mobile terminal and multiple peripheral devices, consolidating what would otherwise be separate connection points into one manageable physical unit
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate various types of peripheral devices (barcode scanners, MSRs, printers, etc.), allowing a single connection device to support multiple different peripheral types without requiring separate specialized connection solutions for each device type
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates convenient, hands-free operation of mobile devices with peripherals in a compact and modular fashion, ensuring seamless interoperability and supporting various device types without blocking communication or charging ports, thus overcoming the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
The sled may further include a supplemental battery pack that allows a user to charge the smart phone/cell phone using a sled battery pack contained within the sled
Implementation Method 2
providing improved interoperability between a mobile device and a peripheral device
Implementation Method 3
electronic communication being afforded between all devices in a variety of ways, including according to wireless communication means, such as a connection via a Bluetooth®-protocol based connection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method offering a specialized modular sled systems for combination, both in a physically proximate sense, and electronically peripheral devices such as a compact bar code scanner, magnetic strip reader, IC card reader, RF tag reader, charging base etc., without the need for cables, and with structural capabilities that offer the ability for a user to employ the same in substantially simultaneous fashion through a consolidated physical integration that eliminates awkward manual manipulation of the same.