Portable Radio Vehicular Interface with Single Sheath Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for installing portable radio receivers in vehicles are complex, messy, and prone to reliability issues due to the need for multiple cables and complex connections, especially when dealing with direct broadcast satellite radio systems like the Starmate Replay ST2, which require reliable power and antenna alignment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular interface apparatus and method that uses a single sheath cable with a conformal connector to provide power and antenna connections to a portable radio, featuring a battery housing, antenna conductor, and vehicle interface for charging, simplifying the installation process with a two-stage setup where a skilled installer mounts the interface enclosure and connects external components, and the user easily connects the radio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables and complex connections are used to connect portable radio to vehicle power and antenna systems, then reliable power and signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate cables (power cable, antenna cable, audio cable) into a single integrated cable assembly. This single cable contains multiple conductors that carry power, antenna signals, and audio signals simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate connection operations and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable transmission of all signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission from the vehicle's power system, carries antenna signals for satellite radio reception, and transmits audio signals to the vehicle's audio system. This multi-functional cable replaces what would traditionally require three separate cables, simplifying the interface between the portable radio and vehicle systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are connected to portable radio, then comprehensive interfacing with vehicle systems is achieved, but ease of operation and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple connection functions into a single plug-and-play cable assembly that connects to the portable radio's interface. This single connection point provides simultaneous access to power, antenna, and audio system interfacing, transforming what would require three separate connection operations into one simple plugging action, thereby dramatically improving installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly is segmented into distinct functional sections (power conductors, antenna conductors, audio conductors) that are bundled together but remain electrically separate. This segmentation allows each function to be independently designed and optimized while maintaining the benefit of a single integrated connection interface for the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If portable radio operates in vehicular mode with multiple cable connections, then full functionality is achieved, but cable entanglement and reliability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate cables into a single integrated cable assembly, the patent eliminates the problem of cable entanglement that occurs when multiple loose cables are present in the vehicle environment. The single bundled cable is less prone to tangling, tripping, or accidental disconnection, thereby improving reliability while maintaining full radio functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple conductors within the cable assembly are encased in a single flexible outer sheath or jacket. This protective covering keeps the individual conductors organized and prevents them from fraying, shorting, or becoming entangled with each other or surrounding objects, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the cable connections during vehicle operation.
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
The solution provides a clean, simple, and attractive installation process for portable radios, reducing cable clutter and user complexity, allowing quick and reliable operation of satellite radios in vehicles with minimal setup required by the user.
Implementation Method 1
a battery housed in a battery housing that is also coupled to provide power to the portable radio
Implementation Method 2
a vehicle interface that is coupled to charge the battery from a vehicle power system
Data Source
AI summary
A portable radio vehicular interface apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a plural interface connector conformed to the shape and electrical interfaces of the portable radio. The apparatus includes a battery housing that is coupled to provide power to the portable radio through a single sheath cable connected to the plural interface connector. The cable also encases an antenna conductor that couples the plural interface connector to an antenna terminal on the battery housing. The apparatus also includes a vehicle interface coupled to charge the battery from a vehicle power system.