Switchable SIM Connections Preserve Dual SIM Function Across eSIM Policies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices supporting dual SIMs face limitations when mobile network operators change policies regarding embedded SIM (eSIM) support, leading to loss of dual SIM functionality.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device is designed with multiple slots and one or more eSIMs, enabling switching between eSIM and removable SIM (rSIM) connections, allowing for dual SIM functionality regardless of operator policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic device includes one slot and an eSIM, then the device can support eSIM functionality, but it cannot support dual SIM function if the mobile network operator stops supporting eSIM
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is designed with a switchable connection mechanism that allows a single communication processor to connect to either an eSIM or an rSIM based on operational needs. This multi-functionality ensures the device can support dual SIM functionality regardless of whether eSIM is supported, by dynamically switching between eSIM and rSIM connections.
2Reliability
If an electronic device includes two slots for rSIMs, then the device can support dual SIM function, but it cannot support eSIM function if the mobile network operator changes policy
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic switching mechanism where the connection between the communication processor and SIM modules can be reconfigured based on operational requirements. The switch can connect to either the eSIM or the rSIM in the second slot, allowing the device to adapt to changing operator policies while maintaining dual SIM functionality.
3Device complexity
If a device uses a single communication processor for multiple SIMs, then the device structure is simplified, but the SIMs must share the transceiver causing one to be in standby mode
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-configures multiple communication processors and establishes switching mechanisms that allow seamless alternation between SIMs. By preparing the switching infrastructure in advance, the device can quickly switch between SIMs without significant delay, mitigating the standby issue while maintaining simplified hardware structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
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AI summary
An electronic device according to one embodiment comprises: at least one processor; a first slot connected to the at least one processor and capable of receiving a first detachable SIM; a second slot selectively connectable to the at least one processor and capable of receiving a second detachable SIM; an eSIM selectively connectable to the at least one processor and included in the electronic device; and a switch configured to connect any one of the second slot or the eSIM to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: obtain first information indicating whether to support the eSIM from a network; control the switch such that the at least one processor is connected to the second slot, on the basis of detection of a first event for using the second SIM based on confirmation that the first information supports the eSIM; control the switch such that the at least one processor is connected to the eSIM, on the basis of detection of a second event for using the eSIM; and control the switch such that the at least one processor is connected to the second slot, on the basis of confirmation that the first information does not support the eSIM.