Multiplexer SIM Switching with Mobile Station Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for checking the quality of service in mobile radio networks require multiple SIM cards and expensive infrastructure, and there is a need for a simpler way to use multiple SIM cards without damaging them during switching.

Innovation Solution

A mobile radio device with a multiplexer that allows switching between multiple SIM cards, where the mobile station is switched off before disconnecting one SIM card and connecting another, ensuring a secure shutdown to prevent damage and using USB interfaces for external control and data connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SIM cards are used interchangeably in mobile radio terminals, then quality of service checks in different mobile radio networks can be performed, but the infrastructure required is relatively expensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to check quality of service in multiple networksVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple SIM card functions into a single mobile radio terminal by integrating a SIM card holder that can accommodate multiple SIM cards. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate test stations for each SIM card, thereby reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining the ability to perform quality of service checks across multiple networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile radio terminal is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple SIM cards and operate in different mobile radio networks. The terminal can selectively activate different SIM cards based on the network being tested, making a single device capable of performing quality of service checks across multiple networks rather than requiring dedicated infrastructure for each network.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If SIM cards are switched during operation, then multiple networks can be tested, but the SIM cards may be damaged due to improper shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to switch between SIM cardsVSAvoidSIM card integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically shutting down the mobile radio terminal before physically switching SIM cards. This preliminary shutdown ensures that any active processes are properly terminated and data is safely saved, preventing damage to the SIM cards. The shutdown occurs before the switching action, ensuring reliability is maintained while enabling versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a single mobile station is used with multiple SIM cards, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but the switching process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrastructure costVSAvoidswitching mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SIM card switching mechanism is designed to be self-service, where the system automatically manages the switching process without requiring complex external control infrastructure. The mobile radio terminal itself handles the coordination of shutdown, SIM card switching, and restart sequences, reducing the need for additional switching infrastructure and thereby lowering overall system costs while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2244528B1Wireless device with multiple SIM cards
Publication Date: 2015.06.03 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP2244528B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2244528B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2244528B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile communication device comprising a mobile station (103) that can be connected to a mobile communication network (102) using a SIM card (101a; 101b; 101c; 101d). Furthermore, a multiplexer (106) that can be connected to the mobile station (103) is provided for receiving several SIM cards (101a; 101b; 101c; 101d), wherein the multiplexer (106) has first switching means by which each SIM card (101a; 101b; 101c; 101d) can be connected to the mobile station (103). Furthermore, the device includes a second switching means designed to switch off the mobile station (103) while one SIM card (101a; 101b; 101c; 101d) is disconnected from the mobile station (103) and another SIM card (101a; 101b; 101c; 101d) is connected to the mobile station (103).Switching off the mobile station (103) ensures in particular that a shutdown procedure is carried out to deactivate a previously used SIM card (101 a; 101 b; 101 c; 101d), so that SIM cards (101 a; 101 b; 101 c; 101 d) can be changed safely.