Streaming Media Device Connector for TV Internet Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers are hesitant to purchase televisions with built-in internet access circuits due to being locked into a specific internet connection interface, and manufacturers face high costs in integrating internet streaming solutions.

Innovation Solution

A streaming media device with a printed circuit board and connector that directly engages with a television, providing internet access through a wireless or wired connection, allowing consumers to choose from various internet access cards and enabling flexible internet streaming without embedding a specific solution within the TV.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a television is equipped with a built-in internet access circuit, then internet streaming functionality is integrated, but the consumer is locked into a specific internet connection interface and manufacturers incur high integration costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternet connection interface flexibilityVSAvoidintegrated internet access circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internet access functionality is segmented from the television into a separate, removable card or device that can be independently purchased and installed. This allows the television to remain a base unit while internet capabilities are added through optional modules, preventing consumers from being locked into a specific integrated solution and reducing manufacturing complexity for TV manufacturers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The television is designed with a universal interface or slot that can accommodate multiple types of internet access cards or streaming devices. This universal compatibility allows consumers to choose from different internet connection options (wireless, wired, various providers) without being restricted to a single proprietary interface, thereby improving adaptability while keeping the television design relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If manufacturers integrate internet streaming solutions within the television, then functionality is combined, but production costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternet streaming capabilityVSAvoidintegration cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the internet streaming functionality into independent cards or devices, manufacturers can produce televisions without the complex and expensive integrated internet circuits. The streaming functionality is manufactured separately as standardized components that can be easily added by consumers or retailers, significantly reducing the base television manufacturing cost while still providing internet streaming capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary interface or slot is provided in the television that connects to external internet access devices. This intermediary allows the television to communicate with various internet streaming solutions without requiring the television itself to contain the complex internet access circuitry, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full internet streaming functionality through the intermediary connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If consumers purchase televisions with embedded internet access, then functionality is complete, but flexibility and cost savings are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternet streaming readinessVSAvoidinternet connection choice

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The television is pre-configured with the necessary physical interface or slot for internet access cards, preparing the device in advance to accept various internet streaming solutions. This preliminary preparation ensures that consumers can easily add internet functionality when desired, maintaining ease of operation, while the actual internet access method can be chosen later, preserving flexibility and adaptability to different connection types and providers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9544654B2Streaming media system

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 ROKU INC

AI summary

A streaming media device includes a printed circuit board hosting components configured for streaming media from the internet. A connector is linked to the printed circuit board and adapted for a direct physical engagement with externally accessible matching leads of a television such that the streaming media device is directly coupled onto the television. A housing encloses the printed circuit board and a portion of the connector.