Satellite Terminal Cradle With Modular Coupling Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cradles for satellite terminals are limited by their shape, preventing the use of smartphones with different shapes and requiring a new satellite terminal when a smartphone is changed, leading to complex manufacturing processes and increased costs due to various cradle shapes.

Innovation Solution

A cradle system comprising a first cradle with convex-concave coupling blocks and a second cradle with press-fitting Lego-style coupling holes and grooves, allowing easy attachment and detachment, enabling the use of different smartphones with the same satellite terminal by replacing only the second cradle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the cradle is integrally formed with the satellite terminal to provide a fixed structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different smartphone shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different smartphone shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle is divided into two separate parts: a first cradle that is integrally formed with the satellite terminal and provides structural stability, and a second cradle that can be detached and replaced to accommodate different smartphone shapes. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first cradle is designed with universal coupling blocks that can interface with multiple types of second cradles, making the satellite terminal compatible with various smartphone models. The standardized coupling mechanism enables one first cradle to support multiple different second cradles.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a new satellite terminal is provided for each smartphone model to ensure compatibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different smartphonesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first cradle serves as a universal base unit that can accommodate multiple different second cradles through standardized coupling blocks. This allows a single satellite terminal design to support various smartphone models without requiring separate satellite terminal units for each phone.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The smartphone-specific adaptation features are extracted into separate second cradle units that can be independently produced and replaced. This separates the universal satellite terminal functionality from the variable smartphone interface requirements, simplifying the main satellite terminal design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If various models of satellite terminals with different cradle shapes are supplied to match different smartphones, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different smartphone modelsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first cradle is designed as a universal component with standardized coupling blocks that can interface with multiple types of second cradles. This allows manufacturers to produce a single type of first cradle that works with various smartphones, reducing the need for multiple satellite terminal variants.

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

Solution Approach 2:

When a user upgrades to a new smartphone model, only the second cradle needs to be replaced rather than the entire satellite terminal. The first cradle and its coupling blocks can be retained and reused, reducing waste and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2838206B1Satellite terminal cradle
Publication Date: 2017.07.26 ASIA PACIFIC SATELLITE COMM
  • EP2838206B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2838206B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2838206B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention comprises: a first cradle installed at a satellite terminal and formed so as to have at least one coupling block; and a second cradle in which a smartphone terminal is seated and which is formed so as to have a block-coupling portion on one side thereof, wherein said block-coupling portion is to be coupled to the block of the first cradle.