Electronic device with extendable functionality
AssigneeLedvance GmbH
InventorsDominik Tiefel, Michael Koch, Johann Asam, Lambert Frye
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A base module of an electronic device is adapted to provide a basic functionality, wherein the base module comprises a connection device for electrically contacting the base module, and wherein the connection device is adapted to establish an electrical connection between the base module and an extension module for functional extension of the base module, so that the base module may be electrically contacted through the extension module. Furthermore, an extension module and an electronic device with extended functionality are proposed.
Claims18
A base module of an electronic device, wherein the base module is configured to provide a basic functionality, and wherein the base module comprises a connection device configured for electrically contacting the base module, wherein the connection device is configured to establish an electrical connection between the base module and an extension module configured for expanding the functionality of the base module beyond the basic functionality to include at least one of wireless communication interfacing and sensor system interfacing, wherein the connection device comprises a voltage connection configured for transmitting electrical power and a signal connection configured for transmitting control signals for controlling the base module, and wherein the base module is configured to be electrically contacted by means of the extension module receiving at the voltage connection an electrical cable which is connected to the extension module from a power source external to the electronic device such that the base module is supplied with electrical power from the power source through the extension module.
An extension module configured for retrofitting an electronic device which comprises a base module configured for providing a basic functionality, the base module comprising a connection device configured for making electrical contact with the base module, wherein the extension module comprises:
- a first connection device configured for connecting the extension module to the connection device of the base module, wherein the first connection device comprises:
- a first voltage connection configured for transmitting electrical power;
- and
- a first signal connection configured for transmitting control signals for controlling the base module;
- and
- a second connection device configured for making electrical contact with the extension module, wherein the second connection device comprises:
- a second voltage connection configured for transmitting electrical power;
- and
- a second signal connection configured for transmitting control signals for controlling the base module;
- wherein the first connection device and the second connection device are connected to one another in such a way that, after the extension module has been connected to the base module, the base module is able to be electrically contacted via the second connection device of the extension module receiving at the second voltage connection an electrical cable which is connected to the extension module from a power source external to the electronic device such that the base module is supplied with electrical power from the power source through the extension module;
- and
- wherein the extension module is configured for expanding the functionality of the base module beyond the basic functionality to include at least one of wireless communication interfacing and sensor system interfacing.
An electronic device comprising:
- a base module configured for providing a basic functionality, wherein the base module comprises a connection device configured for electrically contacting the base module;
- and
- an extension module configured for expanding the functionality of the base module beyond the basic functionality to include at least one of wireless communication interfacing and sensor system interfacing, wherein the extension module comprises:
- a first connection device configured for connecting the extension module to the connection device of the base module, wherein the first connection device comprises:
- a first voltage connection configured for transmitting electrical power;
- and
- a first signal connection configured for transmitting control signals for controlling the base module;
- and
- a second connection device configured for electrically contacting the extension module, wherein the second connection device comprises:
- a second voltage connection configured for transmitting electrical power;
- and
- a second signal connection configured for transmitting control signals for controlling the base module;
- wherein the first connection device and the second connection device are connected to one another in such a way that, after the extension module has been connected to the base module, the base module is able to be electrically contacted via the second connection device of the extension module receiving at the second voltage connection an electrical cable which is connected to the extension module from a power source external to the electronic device such that the base module is supplied with electrical power from the power source through the extension module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.