Passive Interface Box for Radio Set Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for interfacing radio sets with external equipment, such as GPS and chargers, often require complex and expensive 'P octopus cords' that are difficult to produce and integrate, and can lead to system failures if a connection is faulty, necessitating complete disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A passive interface box with multiple bases for different protocols (RS232, Ethernet, USB) that allows for simple and robust connections between radio sets and external devices, using filtered and decoupled Ethernet and USB links to maintain system operation even if one connection fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex P octopus cords are used to interface radio sets with multiple external equipment, then all connections can be made, but the device complexity and production difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidcord complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface box is divided into multiple independent bases (first base for radio set, second base for geolocation device, third base for Ethernet device, fourth base for charger, fifth and sixth bases for USB peripherals, seventh base for second radio set, eighth base for test device). Each base handles a specific connection type independently, allowing the system to interface with multiple external equipment without requiring a single complex multi-end connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface box acts as an intermediary device between radio sets and various external equipment. Instead of directly connecting radio sets to multiple external devices using complex P octopus cords, the interface box receives connections from radio sets and distributes them to appropriate external devices through its multiple specialized bases, simplifying the overall connection architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex P octopus cords are used, then all connections can be made, but the manufacturing cost and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidproduction ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The interface box is divided into multiple independent bases (first base for radio set, second base for geolocation device, third base for Ethernet device, fourth base for charger, fifth and sixth bases for USB peripherals, seventh base for second radio set, eighth base for test device). Each base handles a specific connection type independently, allowing the system to interface with multiple external equipment without requiring a single complex multi-end connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface box provides universal connectivity by incorporating multiple bases that support different communication protocols and connection types (Ethernet, USB, RS232, GPS). This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized connectors, simplifying manufacturing and integration while maintaining broad adaptability.

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

3Reliability

If a malfunction occurs in a function of the cord, then connection can be maintained, but complete disassembly is required which stops services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidrepair accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The interface box is divided into multiple independent bases (first base for radio set, second base for geolocation device, third base for Ethernet device, fourth base for charger, fifth and sixth bases for USB peripherals, seventh base for second radio set, eighth base for test device). Each base handles a specific connection type independently, allowing the system to interface with multiple external equipment without requiring a single complex multi-end connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular base design provides built-in redundancy and fault isolation. If one base or connection experiences a malfunction, the independent architecture prevents the failure from propagating to other bases, maintaining system availability without requiring complete disassembly. Each base can be accessed and repaired independently while other connections remain operational.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of manufacture

If simpler cables are used instead of complex P octopus cords, then production is easier, but connection versatility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction easeVSAvoidconnection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interface box provides universal connectivity by incorporating multiple bases that support different communication protocols and connection types (Ethernet, USB, RS232, GPS). This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized connectors, simplifying manufacturing and integration while maintaining broad adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The interface box acts as an intermediary device between radio sets and various external devices. Instead of directly connecting radio sets to multiple external devices using complex P octopus cords, the interface box receives connections from radio sets and distributes them to appropriate external devices through its multiple specialized bases, simplifying the overall connection architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3674840B1Passive interface device
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 THALES SA
  • EP3674840B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3674840B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3674840B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Interface box (20) between at least one first radio station and one or more external equipment characterized in that it comprises at least the following elements: - A first base S1 dedicated to the first radio station, - A second base S2 adapted to ensure the link between the first station and a geolocation device, - A third base S3 adapted to ensure the link between the first radio station and an external Ethernet device, - A fourth base S4 adapted to ensure an Ethernet link with a charger, - A fifth base S5 adapted to ensure a link with a USB device, - A sixth base S6 adapted to ensure a link with a USB device, - An eighth base S8 adapted to ensure the connection between the first radio station and a test device.