Integrated Communication Device Switching Modules via USB

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile communication terminals face challenges in supporting simultaneous connections to multiple devices due to limited space, necessitating a mechanism for efficient management of multiple connections and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An integral communication device with multiple communication modules, a connector, a switch, and a device controller that establishes and controls electrical links to manage simultaneous connections efficiently, allowing for selective activation and deactivation of modules based on user commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication modules are integrated into a single device, then the communication capability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple communication modules (first communication module and second communication module) into a single integrated communication device that connects to one USB port. This merging approach allows the device to provide multiple communication standards (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) without requiring multiple separate connectors, thus improving versatility while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated communication device is designed to support multiple communication functions through a single universal interface. The device can switch between different communication modules based on operational requirements, enabling one USB port to serve multiple purposes (data transmission, wireless communication, power supply), thereby enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection interfaces are provided for simultaneous connections to multiple peripheral devices, then the connectivity and versatility are improved, but the area required in the mobile terminal increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidarea
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple connection interfaces into a single USB port that can accommodate different peripheral devices through an integrated communication device. Instead of providing separate physical interfaces for each communication standard, the system uses one universal interface that can connect to various devices by switching between communication modules, thus maintaining connectivity while reducing the area required in the mobile terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single USB port is designed as a universal interface that can support multiple communication functions and peripheral devices. The integrated communication device enables this port to perform multiple roles (Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth, data transfer, power supply) by dynamically switching between different communication modules, thereby achieving high connectivity without requiring multiple dedicated interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If all communication modules are kept active to ensure availability, then the service availability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of communication module activation based on operational needs. The device controller can selectively activate or deactivate specific communication modules depending on the current communication task, ensuring that only necessary modules remain active. This dynamic approach maintains service availability for required functions while minimizing power consumption by keeping unnecessary modules in a low-power or inactive state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational state parameters of communication modules based on demand. By monitoring communication requirements, the device controller adjusts the power state of each module (active, standby, or off), thereby optimizing the balance between service availability and power consumption. This parameter-based control ensures high availability for active functions while significantly reducing overall power usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8897837B2Integral communication device and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2014.11.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8897837B2 patent drawing
  • US8897837B2 patent drawing
  • US8897837B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integral communication device and method for controlling the integral communication device are provided for expanding the communication capability of a mobile terminal. An integral communication device of the present invention includes a plurality of communication modules that operate with different communication standards, a connector having terminals for electrical connection to a mobile terminal, a switch for switching the terminals of the connector between the communication modules, and a device controller for controlling the switch to establish electric links to the communication modules individually.