Removable Wireless Module for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices lacking wireless communication functionality are less desirable due to their limited portability and communication capabilities, necessitating a solution to retrofit these devices with wireless capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a housing, module terminals, a wireless transmitter, and a power source that can be inserted into an electronic device's power source receptacle to enable wireless data transmission and reception, as well as power management, allowing devices to communicate wirelessly and operate efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices are designed without wireless communication functionality, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the device becomes less desirable and lacks portability
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication functionality is segmented into a separate removable module that can be independently purchased and attached. This allows the base device to remain simple while offering wireless capability when needed, resolving the contradiction between adding functionality and maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless module serves multiple functions: it provides wireless communication capability, acts as a power source through its battery, and can be attached to or removed from various devices. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single addition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication functionality is integrated into electronic devices, then communication capability is improved, but the device becomes less portable and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the wireless communication module from the main device body, users can attach it only when wireless functionality is needed and remove it when portability is prioritized. This segmentation allows dynamic adjustment between communication capability and portability based on immediate needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless module's attachment state is dynamic rather than fixed. Users can configure the device to have or not have wireless capability depending on the situation, making the system adaptable to different operational contexts and preserving portability when wireless features are not required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular wireless module is added to electronic devices, then wireless functionality is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The module is designed to perform multiple functions (wireless communication and power supply) through a single integration point, reducing the overall complexity that would result from adding separate components for each function. The universal design simplifies the modular addition despite the increased functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices lack wireless communication functionality, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the devices become disfavored in the market
Solution Approach 1:
Manufacturing is segmented into two streams: producing simple base devices at low cost, and producing separate wireless modules that can be sold independently or pre-assembled. This allows manufacturers to capture value at multiple price points without forcing all devices to have expensive wireless components built-in.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless module is designed as an affordable, replaceable component that can be purchased separately rather than built into expensive device hardware. This lowers the barrier to adding wireless capability and allows users to upgrade or replace modules independently, reducing overall system cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
Modules, systems, and methods for enabling wireless functionality in electronic devices are disclosed. A module comprises a housing, a plurality of module terminals, a wireless transmitter, a first electronic component, and a power source. The housing is sized to be removably inserted in a power source receptacle of the electronic device. The plurality of module terminals contact a corresponding plurality of device terminals of the electronic device. The first electronic component is operable to receive outbound device data from the electronic device via the module terminal and transmit the outbound device data using the wireless transmitter. The power source is operable to provide power to the electronic device. The method comprises inserting a module in the power source receptacle of the electronic device, receiving outbound device data from the electronic device, and transmitting the outbound device data using the wireless transmitter.