SIM Module Management for eSIM Compatibility in Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices that support dual SIM modules lack compatibility with the eSIM module, limiting the ability to transition from conventional SIM modules to eSIM modules.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is designed to support three SIM modules, including an eSIM module, by integrating a processor, multiple modems, SIM module interfaces, and an eUICC, allowing for arbitrary selection of SIM modules to be in online standby mode based on user settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an electronic device supports dual SIM modules, then it can provide dual-SIM functionality, but it cannot support eSIM module compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveeSIM module compatibilityVSAvoidSIM module configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the second SIM module interface to support both conventional SIM cards and eSIM modules through the eUICC. The processor dynamically configures connection relationships between different SIM modules and modems, allowing a single interface to serve multiple functions - accommodating both traditional and embedded SIM technologies without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If three SIM modules are supported, then flexibility in SIM module selection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSIM module selection flexibilityVSAvoidconnection relationship configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics through the processor's ability to dynamically control and reconfigure connection relationships between SIM modules and modems based on real-time conditions. The system can adaptively switch between different SIM module configurations (dual-SIM single-standby, dual-SIM dual-standby, or including eSIM) without requiring static hardware design, allowing flexible reconfiguration through software control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds another dimension to SIM module management by introducing the eUICC as a separate layer that can store multiple eSIM profiles. This creates a hierarchical structure where the eUICC sits between the physical SIM interface and the modem, enabling multiple virtual SIM instances to coexist and be managed alongside physical SIM cards, thus expanding the configuration space without proportionally increasing physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12273958B2SIM module management method and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a SIM module management method and an electronic device, and relate to the field of electronic devices. A solution that supports an eSIM module is provided for an existing electronic device that supports dual SIM modules, so that the dual SIM modules are compatible with the eSIM module. The electronic device in the embodiments of this application may support three SIM modules. The three SIM modules include at least one eSIM module. The remaining two SIM modules may be both plug-in SIM modules, or may be one plug-in SIM module and one softSlM module. A user can arbitrarily select two SIM modules from the three SIM modules to be in online standby mode, or can arbitrarily select one SIM module from the three SIM modules to be in online standby mode.