Three-SIM Module Management for eSIM Card Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with dual SIM modules and an eSIM module face challenges in detecting the insertion of a physical card when the eSIM card is in use, leading to potential misunderstandings and manual intervention for card slot management.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device is equipped with a processor that manages connections between SIM module interfaces and an eUICC, providing prompts and automatic switching to ensure seamless operation of three SIM modules, including detection of physical card insertion and intelligent slot management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an eSIM card is used, then the electronic device can support dual-SIM single-standby or dual-SIM dual-standby function, but the user cannot detect an insertion of a physical card due to hardware limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSIM module compatibilityVSAvoidphysical card insertion detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a detection module as an intermediary component that monitors the card slot status independently of the eSIM module. This detection module detects whether a physical SIM card is inserted into the card slot and provides this information to the processor, enabling indirect detection of physical card insertion while the eSIM is in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detection module continuously monitors the card slot and provides real-time status information to the processor. When a physical card is detected, the system provides user feedback through prompts or notifications, allowing users to be aware of the physical card insertion status even when eSIM is active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If the eSIM card occupies one SIM card slot, then the device can support three SIM modules, but only one of a physical card in the card slot and the eSIM card can be powered on

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of SIM modulesVSAvoidcard slot management
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic detection and switching functionality where the system automatically manages the card slot configuration. The detection module automatically identifies when a physical card is inserted, and the processor automatically switches between eSIM and physical SIM modes based on detection results, eliminating the need for manual user intervention in card slot management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of physical card insertion status before attempting to power on SIM modules. The detection module checks the card slot status in advance, and the processor pre-configures the appropriate SIM module (eSIM or physical SIM) to be powered on based on the detection results, preventing conflicts and ensuring smooth operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If conventional SIM modules are used, then users can physically insert and remove cards, but timeliness and user experience are not very good compared to eSIM

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSIM card managementVSAvoidactivation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of both conventional SIM and eSIM technologies by allowing the device to support both types simultaneously. The system combines the physical insertion capability of conventional SIM with the automatic detection and management capabilities, providing a hybrid solution that maintains user control while improving timeliness and convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12445160B2Sim module management method and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.10.14 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12445160B2 patent drawing
  • US12445160B2 patent drawing
  • US12445160B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a SIM module management method and an electronic device, and relate to the field of electronic devices. When an eSIM module is in position and it is detected that a second plug-in SIM module is inserted into a second SIM module interface, the electronic device detects whether a first plug-in SIM module is inserted into a first SIM module interface. If the first SIM module interface is connected to the first plug-in SIM module, a user is prompted to select the second plug-in SIM module or the eSIM module. If the first SIM module interface is not connected to the first plug-in SIM module, the user is prompted to connect the second plug-in SIM module to the first SIM module interface.