Universal SIM Slot Switching for Dual-SIM Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-SIM electronic devices face challenges in switching between removable SIMs (rSIMs) and embedded SIMs (eSIMs), particularly when network operators change their support policies, leading to compatibility issues and loss of dual-SIM functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with multiple slots and the ability to switch between eSIMs and rSIMs, allowing for dual-SIM functionality based on either a combination of eSIM and rSIM or two rSIMs, ensuring compatibility regardless of network operator policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic device includes a single slot and an eSIM, then it can support dual-SIM function when eSIM is supported, but it cannot support dual-SIM function if the MNO stops supporting eSIM
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is designed with a slot that can universally accept either an eSIM or an rSIM, allowing the device to maintain dual-SIM functionality regardless of which SIM type is inserted. This multi-functional slot design ensures the device can adapt to different MNO policies and SIM preferences without losing service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically switches between eSIM and rSIM modes based on MNO support policies and user needs. When eSIM is supported, the slot operates in eSIM mode; when eSIM support is discontinued, the same slot transitions to accept an rSIM, ensuring continuous dual-SIM functionality without hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic device includes two slots for rSIMs, then it can support dual-SIM function, but it cannot support eSIM function if the MNO changes policies to support eSIM
Solution Approach 1:
One of the two slots is designed as a universal slot that can accept either an rSIM or an eSIM, while the other slot remains dedicated to rSIMs. This configuration allows the device to support dual-SIM functionality whether using two rSIMs or one rSIM and one eSIM, providing flexibility to adapt to MNO policy changes.
3Ease of operation
If a device uses a fixed configuration for SIM slots, then the structure is simple, but it cannot switch between different SIM combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The slot configuration is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between eSIM and rSIM modes. The device includes control logic that manages the switching between different SIM types in the universal slot, enabling users to flexibly change SIM combinations based on MNO policies and personal needs without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment may include: at least one processor; a first slot connected to the at least one processor and configured to receive a first SIM which is detachable; a second slot selectively connectable to the at least one processor and configured to receive a second SIM which is detachable; an eSIM selectively connectable to the at least one processor and included in the electronic device; and a switch configured to connect at least one of the second slot or the eSIM to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: detect an event for using the eSIM while the at least one processor is connected to the second slot based on the switch being in a first state; and based on detecting the event for using the eSIM, control the switch to change from the first state to a second state, wherein the at least one processor may be connected to the eSIM the switch being in the second state.