FR3118524A1 - Equipment with assembled functional modules - Google Patents

Abstract

Equipment (EQ) with assembled functional modules, comprising: * a core module (MC), of predefined geometric shape, comprising a first set of components to provide a first set of functionalities, and comprising at least a first outer face (S1) of predetermined shape and surface, and at least one first connection element (C1) mounted at a first chosen position on said first face (S1), * at least one additional module (MA1) comprising a second set of components to ensure a second set of functionalities, different from the first set of functionalities and comprising at least a second inner face (S1.1), of shape and surface homologous to the shape and surface of a said first outer face (S1) of the core module (MC) , and a second connection element (C1.1) mounted at a second chosen position on said second face (S1.1), and homologous to the first connection element (C1) to cooperate with said first connection element (C1), and in which, in an assembly arrangement of the first (S1) and second (S1.1) faces so that at least respective portions of the first (S1) and second (S1.1) faces are symmetrical with respect to a median plane (P), parallel and arranged between the first (S1) and second (S1.1) faces, the first position chosen for the first connection element (C1) coincides with the said second position chosen for the second connection element (C1.1). Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Equipment with assembled functional modules

The present invention relates to the field of electronic objects belonging in particular to the Internet of Things (IoT), commonly called “connected objects”. The invention relates more particularly to the modularity of the connected equipment.

Most electronic objects, connected or not, typically have a form, a set of components and predefined and irremovable functionalities. Software capabilities sometimes make it possible to improve these functionalities through updates, but the functional nature of the object – such as producing energy or capturing data – remains unchanged.

Furthermore, in a context of development of the Internet of Things and diversification of existing functionalities, the growing number of electrical and/or electronic components, the decreasing size of these components and more generally the large number of Interdependent functional units within an electronic object contribute to a "black box" effect of the electronic object. The diversification of the functionalities presented by an electronic object is therefore made possible at the cost of a considerable complexity of its architecture. The same goes for connected objects, whose functional diversification involves the interconnection of several electrical and/or electronic components.

The adaptation, understanding and sometimes even the use of such an electronic object are therefore not instinctive. The maintenance or replacement of defective parts of such electronic objects is also complicated.

Summary

This disclosure therefore provides a solution to a need for both physical and functional modularity of electronic objects, so that an electronic object is capable of offering various functionalities adapted to its different modes of use. Such modularity must also be pragmatic and easily implemented by all types of users of the electronic object.

Equipment with assembled functional modules is proposed for this purpose, comprising:
* a core module, of predefined geometric shape, comprising a first set of components to ensure a first set of functionalities, the core module comprising:
-- at least one first outer face of predetermined shape and surface, and
-- at least one first connection element mounted at a first chosen position on said first face,
* at least one additional module comprising a second set of components to ensure a second set of functionalities, different from the first set of functionalities, the additional module comprising at least:
-- a second face, interior, of shape and surface homologous to the shape and surface of a said first exterior face of the core module,
-- a second connection element mounted at a second position chosen on said second face, and homologous with the first connection element to cooperate with said first connection element,
wherein, in an assembly arrangement of the first and second faces such that at least respective portions of the first and second faces are symmetrical with respect to a median plane, parallel and arranged between the first and second faces, the first position chosen for the first connection element coincides with said second position chosen for the second connection element.

“Equipment with assembled functional modules” means a connected electronic object having one or more functionalities provided by distinct functional modules.

The term "homologous shape and surface" means faces shaped to cooperate and be assembled with each other, at least partially. Thus, in the context of the present description, two so-called homologous faces are not necessarily identical in shape and/or in surface. However, they have a similarity at least locally over an area of interest corresponding to a surface portion, for example a common curvature, or even a common edge or other, so that the two faces can be assembled, in whole or in part, with each other.

The term "homologous connection elements" means connectors shaped to cooperate with each other. This is for example the case of a male type connection pin and a female type connection pin. Thus, two homologous connection elements are able to be interfaced with each other.

“Assembly arrangement” means a positioning of the respective homologous faces of the core module and of the additional module with a view to interfacing and assembling the two faces. By performing a rotation of one of the faces with respect to an axis orthogonal to the median plane described, a new assembly layout is obtained until returning to the initial assembly layout, when a face has rotated 360 degrees (denoted 360°). An assembly layout is then said to be "valid" when the positioning of the two faces actually allows an assembly of the faces with each other. Also, two mating faces have a valid assembly layout.

Thus, such equipment is suitable, when its core module and its additional module(s) are assembled according to a given valid assembly position, to be used according to varied and modular functionalities. The functionalities of the equipment include at least the functionalities provided by the core module, these functionalities being able to be extended, modified and/or supplemented by additional functionalities provided by the additional modules assembled in the core module. Such additional modules are then removable with respect to the equipment and thus allow interchangeability and therefore modularity of the functions performed by the connected equipment.

In one embodiment, the first and second faces of the equipment further comprise respectively at least first and second fixing elements mounted at identical distances respectively from the first and second chosen positions, the first and second fixing elements coming from the facing each other and the first and second connecting elements facing each other in said assembly arrangement.

Indeed, such fastening elements make it possible to ensure mechanical strength of the equipment by securing the core module and the additional module(s), while ensuring the connection of the first and second connection elements, since they are respective distances of the first and second fixing elements.

The term “connection elements facing each other” means fixing elements positioned in a predefined manner on each face so that when two homologous faces belonging respectively to the core module and to an additional module are positioned in a given assembly arrangement, the fixing elements are respectively symmetrical with respect to the median plane parallel to the two faces.

In one embodiment, the first and second attachment elements of the equipment comprise respective magnets of opposite polarity.

Indeed, the use of magnetic fixing elements, or magnets, allows fixing by simple contact of the homologous faces of the core module and of the additional module respectively. This magnetic fixing means then allows a simplified assembly of the additional modules on the core module so as to obtain a given piece of equipment with assembled functional modules. Furthermore, the interchangeability of one additional module with another in order to modify the functionalities of the equipment is carried out by simple separation of the additional module from the core module.

Indeed, in an embodiment where the core and additional modules have closed shapes (for example cubic, or pyramidal), a screw fixing means is not possible insofar as the screw is not accessible. We can then consider fixing by snapping (or "clipping") but in this case this fixing is irreversible and it is not possible or easy (without damage) to separate the modules again.

Using magnets thus offers the advantage of a reversible assembly.

In one embodiment, the respective magnets of the equipment are made of a conductive ferromagnetic material, to convey an electrical signal between the core module and the additional module.

Indeed, such conductive magnets provide both fixing and connection of the equipment and therefore dispense with using separate elements for fixing and connecting the different modules of the equipment. In particular, this dispenses with overloading the respective faces of the additional modules and the core and facilitates the assembly of the equipment.

In one embodiment, the first connection element, the first attachment element, the second connection element and the second attachment element of the equipment together comprise a set of male and female pins of respective positions chosen on the first and second sides to ensure both:
- a connection between the first and second connection elements, and
- A mechanical attachment between the first and second faces.

Indeed, the use of connection pins makes it possible to ensure, on the one hand the connection of the equipment, a valid assembly arrangement then corresponding to a male-female pinout of all the connection elements and face fixing. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection pins make it possible to ensure mechanical strength of the equipment, for example by sizing pin heads that are sufficiently long and/or thick to ensure attachment between the modules of the equipment. . They thus dispense with overloading the faces of the modules with separate connection and fastening elements.

In one embodiment, the second face of the equipment remains symmetrical to the first face, with respect to said median plane, for a number N of 360°/N angle rotations applied to the second face, and the first face comprises further N first connection elements to accommodate the second connection element.

Here, “symmetrical faces” means two faces capable of being connected to each other according to a given assembly arrangement. The face of the core module has a plurality of connection elements duplicated and arranged with respect to each other on the surface of the face so that, for a given valid assembly layout, the rotation of the counterpart face belonging to the module addition at particular angles (the 360/N angles) leads to a new valid assembly layout. The faces obtained after rotation of the second face are therefore still homologous.

The invariance of assembly of the equipment by rotation according to particular angles of the second face then allows a simplified assembly for a user of the equipment. Indeed, regardless of the positioning of the additional module on the core module, the connection of the equipment will not be disturbed by an invalid assembly direction of the modules, for example. This also allows instinctive assembly and/or permutation of additional modules for a user of the equipment.

In this embodiment, the first face of the equipment further comprises N first fixing elements each capable of cooperating with the second fixing element.

Indeed, like the N connection elements of the face of the core module, the face of the core module also comprises N fixing elements arranged so that, despite a rotation of the additional module according to particular angles, the new arrangement of The assembly resulting from this rotation retains symmetry of the fastening elements and allows valid assembly of the additional and core modules.

In one embodiment, the N first attachment elements of the equipment are magnets of reverse polarity to the polarity of the second attachment element.

Indeed, the magnets are then positioned respectively on the faces of the core module and of the additional module so that the rotation of the face of the additional module according to particular angles makes it possible to obtain a new valid assembly arrangement, the magnets of polarity facing each other in this assembly arrangement, the attraction of these magnets of opposite magnetic polarity then making it possible to secure the modules of the equipment regardless of the particular angle of rotation of the additional module .

In one embodiment, the shape of the second face of the equipment remains symmetrical to the shape of the first face, with respect to said median plane, for a number N of 360°/N angle rotations applied to the second face . Furthermore, the first face comprises a number less than N of first connection elements to accommodate the second connection element, and the first face at least comprises a plurality of magnets of opposite polarities.

Indeed, the invariance of assembly of the equipment by rotation according to particular angles of the second face is no longer guaranteed by the duplication of the connection elements on the first face of the core module and their arrangement adapted to conform to the face of the additional module having a particular angle of rotation. There are therefore particular angles for which the respective shapes of the faces are homologous, therefore symmetrical, but the assembly arrangement obtained is not valid. The faces in themselves are therefore not homologous for these angles of rotation. Such particular angles of the face of the additional module are then deviated by the presence of magnets having the same polarity as the magnet presented by the face of the additional module.

The magnets of opposite polarities on the face of the core module (and optionally on the face of the additional module) then provide a keying function so as to deviate the invalid assembly layouts until a valid assembly layout is obtained (otherwise said, an assembly arrangement in which two magnets of opposite polarity face each other). This makes it possible in particular to reduce the number of connection elements on the same face while guaranteeing a valid assembly layout whatever the particular angle of rotation of the additional module. A user of the equipment can therefore easily assemble an additional module to a core module without worrying about the direction of assembly of the modules.

In one embodiment, the core module of the equipment includes at least one processor and one working memory, as well as at least one connection interface to an additional module, and the additional module includes at least one component from among a battery , a radio frequency communication module, a sensor.

Indeed, the core and additional modules provide functionalities that can be supplemented or extended so as to broaden the overall range of equipment functionalities. The core module can then comprise a certain number of functional units allowing the core module to perform a calculation and data processing function via a processor and a working memory for example. The core module also comprises an interface enabling it to receive the data to be processed. The additional module, for its part, can comprise a functional unit able to collect external data in real time via a sensor in order to transmit them to another processing entity, external to the additional module. The assembly of these two core and additional modules then allows the equipment to provide a data processing chain functionality.

In one embodiment, the additional module of the equipment comprises at least one other face, distinct from the second face, to accommodate a second additional module.

Indeed, the additional module is connected on the one hand to the core module by its inner face. On the other hand, the additional module can have other faces allowing it either to ensure its own functions (such as photovoltaic cells allowing an additional module to convert light energy into electrical energy and to store this energy, the additional module is then a battery), or to be in turn connected to other additional modules ensuring other functionalities. It is then possible to create a piece of equipment linking additional modules connected to each other and in this way extending the functional modularity of the overall piece of equipment obtained.

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

shows a general structure of the equipment according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2

shows a general structure of the equipment according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3

shows an assembly arrangement of equipment according to one embodiment.

Fig. 4

shows an assembled structure of the equipment according to one embodiment.

Fig. 5

shows an assembly arrangement modularity of the equipment according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6

shows an assembly arrangement modularity of the equipment according to one embodiment.

Reference is now made to the . There represents an equipment EQ with assembled functional modules composed of a core module MC and one or more additional modules MA.

The core module MC corresponds to a fixed module of the EQ equipment having a predefined and fixed three-dimensional solid geometric shape. Such a core module MC takes the form of a polyhedron composed of a number X of faces Sx. We note here x an integer which can range from 1 to X and “Sx” denotes the x-th face of the core module MC. In the embodiment described by FIGS. 1 to 4, the core module MC is a cube (or regular hexahedron) and therefore comprises X=6 faces Sx. Only the three faces S1, S2 and S3 of the six faces Sx of the core module MC are detailed in FIGS. 1 to 4. Each face Sx of the core module MC has a predetermined shape and associated surface. For a core module MC of cubic shape, the six faces Sx of the core module MC have identical shapes and surfaces corresponding to six squares on the same side. The faces Sx of the core module MC are called the outer faces of the core module MC.

As a variant, the core module MC can have a non-cubic polyhedral shape such as a pyramidal or tetrahedral shape for example. The faces Sx of the core module MC can then a priori have different shapes and surfaces from each other. The core module MC can also correspond to a non-polyhedral solid such as a cylinder or a sphere for example. In the case of a non-polyhedral MC core module, the faces Sx (by abuse of language) can correspond to the different planes constituting the MC core module. Thus in the case of a regular cylindrical MC core module, the two circular parallel surfaces constituting the bases of the cylinder can correspond to two faces Sx of the MC core module.

In addition to its predefined three-dimensional geometric shape, the core module MC of the EQ equipment comprises a set of components arranged and/or connected to each other so as to form one or more functional units and therefore to provide one or more functionalities. This set of components is located inside the solid forming the core module MC. The set of components is therefore isolated from the rest of the EQ equipment by the closed surface of the solid formed by surfaces of the inner faces of the core module MC, so that the functionalities of the core module MC are irremovable with respect to the EQ equipment. The set of components of the core module MC provide, for example, functionalities for supplying energy and/or data processing: the core module MC then comprises a source of energy such as a battery, and/or a processor. As a variant, the core module MC can consist of a hollow geometric structure, such that the core module MC on its own does not offer any functionality.

One or more outer faces Sx of the core module MC also have connection elements Cx and fastening elements Fx respective to each outer face Sx. In the example described here in FIGS. 1 and 2, three outer faces S1, S2 and S3 of the cubic core module MC comprising respective connection elements C1, C2 and C3 as well as respective fixing elements F1, F2 and F3 are detailed. The outer face S1 (respectively S2 and S3) of the core module MC comprises four connection elements C1 (respectively C2 and C3) and four fixing elements F1 (respectively F2 and F3).

The connection elements Cx of an external face Sx of the core module MC correspond to pins of the male or female type allowing, when they are connected to complementary pins (a male pin is complementary to a female pin and vice versa), to circulate a current or even data from or to the core module MC of the EQ equipment. The connection elements Cx of an outer face Sx of the core module MC then comprise a communication or power bus between the core module MC (and therefore its set of components) and a third-party entity of the core module MC. The third-party entity corresponds in particular to one or more additional modules MA. As a variant, the connection elements Cx of an outer face Sx of the core module MC correspond to connection strips, sockets, connection “plugs” or even to connectors of the “ POGO pins connector ” type so as to allow connection electrical and/or electronics of the core module MC.

The fixing elements Fx of an outer face Sx of the core module MC allow the outer face Sx considered to be assembled with a third party entity of the core module MC so as to secure the core module MC (or at least the outer face Sx ) and the third-party entity by simply bringing the outer face Sx (or at least a portion of the outer face Sx on which a fixing element Fx is positioned) into contact with the third-party entity. Such a third-party entity corresponds in particular to one or more additional modules MA. As a variant, the third-party entity can correspond to a flat support so as to maintain the core module on this support for example. In the example described here, the fixing elements Fx of an outer face Sx of the core module MC correspond to magnets such that the fixing between the outer face Sx of the core module MC and the third-party entity (which comprises a material ferromagnetic) is magnetic in nature. As a variant, the fastening elements Fx of an external face Sx of the core module MC can correspond to clips or any other mechanical part allowing fastening by contact to the external face Sx of the core module MC.

The connection elements Cx and fixing elements Fx are in predefined positions on each external face Sx of the core module MC. In particular, the distance between two elements (fixation Fx and/or connection Cx) on the surface of a given external face Sx of the core module MC is predetermined and fixed. In the example described here in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer face S1 of the cubic core module MC comprises four fixing elements F1 corresponding to magnets, positioned at the four ends of the square forming the surface of the outer face S1. The outer face S1 further comprises four pairs of connection elements C1, each pair of element corresponding to two pins of the female type marked "+" and "-". On the , the outer faces S2 and S3 are similar to the outer face S1. On the , the outer face S3 of the core module MC has for its part a single fixing element F3 of a magnetic nature located in the center of the square forming the surface of the outer face S3 and a single connection element C3 of circular shape and surrounding the element fixing F3. As a variant, the fixing elements Fx and the connection Cx can be combined, for example in the case of conductive magnets making it possible to provide both magnetic fixing and electrical connection. Similarly, connector pins can be used both as fasteners and connectors. Furthermore, the fixing elements Fx and/or connection Cx can be discrete elements (like connection pins) or continuous elements (like the circular connection element C3 of the outer face S3 of the core module MC).

The core module MC therefore has external faces Sx comprising connection elements Cx and/or fixing Fx so as to be interfaced with one or more third-party entities. Certain outer faces Fx of the core module MC may lack connection elements Cx and/or fastening elements Fx. The external faces Sx may also comprise connecting elements Cx and/or fastening Fx different from each other on the same face Fx or from one face Fx to another as is the case with the external face S3 of the relative to the outer faces S1 and S2.

In addition to the core module MC, the equipment EQ also includes a number Z of removable additional modules MAz, z being an integer between 0 and Z. The term “removable” is defined in the context of the present description as non-intrinsic and fixed to the EQ equipment and can be replaced or removed for a given EQ equipment. For the clarity of the description, the equipment will always include at least one additional MAz module (in other words, the number z will be comprised of 1 and Z) but in theory, any additional MAz module described below corresponds to a removable module of the EQ equipment. The core module MC, on the other hand , is an irremovable module of the EQ equipment in the sense that the core module MC and its functionalities are intrinsic and fixed to the EQ equipment and define the EQ equipment at a minimum .

Like the MC core module, an additional MAz module is a solid three-dimensional structure with a predefined and fixed geometric shape. As a variant, an additional module MAz can also correspond to a non-polyhedral solid such as a cylinder or a sphere for example. A given additional module MAz comprises a number W of faces, denoted Sz.w. The faces Sz.w of an additional module MAz are defined, like the external faces Sx of the core module MC, as the different planes defining the surfaces of the solid structure of the additional module MAz. The notation "Sz.w" designates the w-th face of the z-th additional module MAz, w being a number between 1 and W.

In one embodiment described by the , the EQ equipment includes four additional modules MA1, MA2, MA3 and MA4 in blocks. The four additional modules MA1, MA2, MA3 and MA4 are identical. Each additional module MAz has two faces Sz.1 and Sz.2 of the same square shape, the additional modules MA1, MA2, MA3 and MA4 being represented placed on their face Sz.1 on the , only face Sz.2 is visible.

In one embodiment described by the , the EQ equipment comprises three additional modules MA1, MA2, MA3. The additional module MA1 has the shape of a block and comprises two square faces S1.1 and S1.2 of the same surface. The additional module MA2 has the shape of a block and has two square faces S2.1 and S2.2 (on which the additional module MA2 is placed and therefore not visible on the ) of the same surface, different from the surface of faces S1.1 and S1.2. The additional module MA3 has the shape of a hemisphere, two faces of which can be distinguished, S3.1 having a disc surface, and S3.2 having a curved surface.

Each MAz additional module further comprises a set of components arranged and/or connected to each other so as to form one or more functional units and therefore to ensure one or more functionalities specific to each MAz additional module. This set of components is installed inside the solid forming the additional MAz module. The set of components of an additional MAz module provides, for example, power supply and/or data capture functionalities: the additional MAz module then includes an energy source such as a battery, and/or a sensor.

Each additional module MAz of the EQ equipment also comprises at least one face Sz.w homologous to at least one outer face Sx of the core module MC of the EQ equipment. The term "homologous" is defined here for two elements or two structures shaped to cooperate and be assembled with each other, at least partially. Thus, in the context of the present description, two so-called homologous faces are not necessarily identical in shape and/or in surface. However, they have a similarity at least locally on an area of interest corresponding to a surface portion, a curvature, an edge or a shape for example, so that the two faces can be assembled with each other.

In the following, each additional module MAz comprises a single face Sz.w homologous to an outer face Sx of the core module MC. The face Sz.w of the additional module MAz homologous to an outer face Sx of the core module MC is called the “inner face” of the additional module MAz. As a variant, an additional module MAz can comprise several internal faces Sz.w, in particular when these internal faces Sz.w are respectively homologous to several external faces Sx of the core module MC. The faces Sz.w of the additional module MAz which are not internal faces will be detailed later.

In the embodiment of the , the face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 is homologous to the outer face S1 of the core module MC. Face S2.1 of additional module MA2 is homologous to external face S2 of core module MC. Face S3.1 of additional module MA3 is homologous to external face S3 of core module MC. In the case of the additional module MA1, the face S1.1 has the same square shape and the same surface as the outer face S1 of the core module MC. In the case of the additional module MA2, the face S2.1 has the same square shape as the outer face S2 of the core module MC but has a surface of size smaller than the surface of the face S2. The surface of the face S2.1 of the additional module MA2 corresponds more precisely here to a quarter of the surface of the outer face S2. In the case of the additional module MA3, the face S3.1 has a different shape and surface from the outer face S3 of the core module MC.

The inner face Sz.w of a given additional module MAz, homologous to a given outer face Sx of the core module MC, further comprises connection elements Cz.w and/or fastening elements Fz.w homologous to the elements of connection Cx and/or fixing elements Fx of the external face Sx of the core module MC. The notation “Cz.w” (respectively “Fz.w”) corresponds to the connection elements (respectively fixing) included on the w-th face of the z-th additional module Sz.w. The Cz.w connection and Fz.w fixing elements of an additional MAz module are defined in the same way as the Cx connection and Fx fixing elements of the MC core module.

The term “homologous” is used here in the sense of “capable of cooperating”. The connection elements Cz.w of the interior face Sz.w of the additional module MAz are homologous to the connection elements Cx of the core module MC in that the connection elements Cz.w of the interior face Sz.w of the additional module MAz correspond to pins of the male type if the connection elements Cx of the external face Sx of the core module MC are pins of the female type and vice versa. Cz.w. and Cx are therefore complementary so that the inner face Sz.w of the additional module MAz can be connected to the outer face of the core module MC.

Like the connection elements Cz.w and Cx, the fixing elements Fz.w of the internal face Sz.w of the additional module MAz are homologous to the fixing elements Fx of the core module MC in that fixing elements magnetic elements Fz.w of the inner face Sz.w of the additional module MAz and of the magnetic fixing elements Fx of the outer face Sx of the core module MC have opposite polarity. The magnets Fz.w and Fx attract each other so that the inner face Sz.w of the additional module MAz is magnetically fixed to the outer face of the core module MC. An assembly of the core module MC and additional modules MAz will be detailed below.

Reference is now made to the . There illustrates an assembly arrangement of an additional module MA1 on an exterior face S1 of a core module MC, the core module MC and the additional module MA1 forming an equipment EQ with assembled functional modules. In the example described here, the core module MC is cubic in shape and comprises an outer face S1 provided with connection elements C1a and C1b and fastening elements F1a and F1b. The respective positions of the connection elements C1a, C1b and of the fixing elements F1a, F1b are predetermined and fixed on the outer face S1 of the core module MC, as are the respective distances between each of these elements. In the example described here, the additional module MA1 is pyramidal in shape and comprises an inner face S1.1, homologous to the outer face S1 of the core module MC. The inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 is provided with connection elements C1.1a, C1.1b and fixing elements F1.1a, F1.1b. The respective positions of the connection elements C1.1a, C1.1b and of the fixing elements F1.1a, F1.1b are predetermined and fixed on the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1, as are the respective distances between each of these elements.

As illustrated on the , the interior S1.1 and exterior S1 faces considered are homologous in that they have symmetry with respect to a median plane P parallel to the two faces S1.1 and S1. This symmetry between the faces S1.1 and S1 results in a two-by-two symmetry on the one hand, of each fastening element F1a with F1.1a, F1b with F1.1b, and on the other hand, of each element of connection C1a with C1.1a, C1b with C1.1b with respect to the median plane P. S1.1 of the additional module MA1 as well as the respective distances between these elements are chosen to correspond to those of the connection elements C1a, C1b and of the fixing elements F1a, F1b of the external face S1 of the core module MC. In the example described on the , this symmetry is true on all of the connection elements C1a, C1b and of the fixing elements F1a, F1b of the outer face S1 of the core module MC.

However, in another embodiment, it is entirely possible for this symmetry to be achieved with respect to a surface portion of the outer face of the core module MC distinct from the entire face S1 and/or part of the elements connection and/or fixing. This is for example the case of the inner face S2.1 of the additional module MA2 and the outer face S2 of the core module MC represented in . The two faces S2 and S2.1 are homologous so that the inner face S2.1 of the additional module MA2 has symmetry with respect to a parallel median plane (not shown on the ) with a square portion starting from the upper right corner of the outer face S2 of the core module MC. Thus, the distance between the upper right fixing element F2 and the upper right connecting element C2 of the face S2 is similar to the distance between the fixing element F2.1 and the connecting element C2.1 of the exterior face S2.1 of the additional module MA2.

Furthermore, the illustrates functional units included in each MA1 and MC module. In the example described here, the functional units of the core module MC are interconnected and comprise a processor PROC, a memory MEM and a communication interface INT. The communication interface INT is also connected to the connection elements C1a and C1b of the outer face S1 of the core module MC. The functional units of the additional module MA1 are interconnected and comprise a sensor CAPT, a memory MEM2 and a communication interface INT2. The communication interface INT2 is also connected to the connection elements C1.1a and C1.1b of the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1.

Assembly of the additional MA1 and MC core modules according to the assembly layout of the then makes it possible to connect the functional units of each module MA1, MC. Indeed, the connection elements C1a, C1b of the outer face of the core module MC are interfaced with the functional units (PROC, MEM, INT) of the core module MC on the one hand, and with the connection elements C1.1a, C1.1b of the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 on the other hand. In the same way, the connection elements C1.1a and C1.1b of the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 are interfaced with the functional units (CAPT, MEM2, INT2) of this additional module MA1 on the one hand, and with the connection elements C1a, C1b of the outer face S1 of the core module MC on the other hand. Thus, when the additional module MA1 is assembled on the outer face S1 of the core module MC, a communication bus is created and represented by the straight line in dotted lines represented on the , connecting the connection elements C1.1a and C1a. In the same way, a communication bus is created (not represented on the ) and connects connection elements C1.1b and C1b. The equipment EQ then combines the functionalities of the core module MC and of the additional module MAz. In the example described here, once assembled, the equipment EQ is able to capture data via the sensor CAPT, to store them in a first memory MEM2 then to transmit them to a calculation processor PROC via a communication bus (INT2, C1.1a and C1.1b, C1a and C1b, INT). The EQ equipment with assembled functional modules is then a communicating object or “connected object”. As a variant, the connection elements C1.1a, C1.1b, C1a and C1b make it possible to constitute an energy bus between the core modules MC and additional modules MA. The EQ equipment can then either combine functionalities or extend its intrinsic functionalities (therefore ensured by the core module MC).

Reference is now made to the . There represents EQ equipment in an assembled state. The EQ equipment shown in corresponds in particular to the equipment of the . The assembled EQ equipment comprises a cubic core module MC and at least three additional modules MA1, MA2 and MA3 represented on the . Alternatively, the EQ equipment of the may include three other additional modules MAz on the three remaining outer faces Sx of the core module MC. The additional modules MA1, MA2 and MA3 each have two faces, a first face, interior, which is assembled to an exterior face of the core module MC and a second face S1.2, S2.2, S3.2. In the example described here, the three additional modules MA1, MA2, MA3 are similar in their structure and their operation. We are interested here in the MA1 module, assembled with a face S1 (not visible on the ) of the MC core module. Face S1 of the MC core module and the inner face (not visible on the ) of the additional module MA1 are therefore homologous, as described in . Furthermore, the additional module MA1 comprises a face S1.2 called “outer face of the additional module MA1”. In the example described here, the outer face S1.2 of the additional module MA1 comprises photovoltaic cells grouped into photovoltaic panels covering its surface. The additional module MA1 also includes functional units (not shown on the ) allowing at least to collect the light energy received via the outer face S1.2 of the additional module MA1 and to transmit the electrical energy resulting from a photovoltaic effect to the core module MC. In the example described here, the EQ equipment shown in then makes it possible to store electrical energy coming from light energy.

As a variant, the external face S1.2 of the additional module MA1 can comprise other types of interfaces such as an external peripheral, a sensor or a graphic interface for example and the additional modules MA1 and core MC can comprise functional units suitable for different uses of EQ equipment. Thus, the assembly of additional MAz modules makes it possible to add, transform or even extend the intrinsic functionalities of the EQ equipment included in the MC core module of the EQ equipment. The additional MAz modules are then interchangeable, removable or added to the MC core module so as to adapt the functionalities as well as the physical form of the EQ equipment.

Reference is now made to the . There shows a front view of an exterior face S1 of a core module MC of an equipment item EQ as well as a front view of an interior face S1.1 of an additional module MA1, the interior face S1.1 and the outer face S1 being homologous. In the example described here, the outer face S1 of the core module MC is square in shape and has a predetermined surface. The inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 is also square in shape and has a surface area smaller than the surface of the outer face S1. In particular, the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 is predefined so that the side of the square of face S1.1 is equal to half the side of the square of face S1. The outer face S1 of the core module MC comprises four fixing elements of a magnetic nature (or magnets) F1a, F1b, F1c and F1d which are identical and positioned respectively at the four ends of the square shape of the outer face S1 of the core module MC. Each magnet F1a, F1b, F1c and F1d is positioned so as to have the same "south" magnetic polarity. The outer face S1 of the core module MC further comprises four identical connection elements C1a, C1b, C1c and C1d corresponding here to connection strips of rectangular shape. The inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 comprises a magnetic fixing element (or magnet) F1.1 positioned at the upper left end of the square surface of the inner face S1.1 and having a “north” magnetic polarity. The inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 further comprises a connection element C1.1 positioned at the lower right end of the square surface of the inner face S1.1 (therefore opposite to the magnet F1.1 with respect to to a diagonal of the square). In addition, the connection element C1.1 here corresponds to a connection strip of rectangular shape and shaped to be connected with the connection strips C1a, C1b, C1c and C1d. The arrangement and the distance between the connection element C1.1 and the fixing element F1.1 of the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 with respect to each other are respectively identical to arrangement and the distance between the respective connection and fixing elements on the exterior face of the core module MC: the magnet F1a with the connector C1a, the magnet F1b with the connector C1b, the magnet F1c with the connector C1c, and finally, magnet F1d with connector C1d.

The additional modules MA1 and core MC are initially in a fixed position represented on the , for example placed on a flat support having a given orthogonal axis. The faces S1 and S1.1 are homologous in that when the additional module MA1 is turned over so as to face the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 and the outer face S1 of the core module MC, a provision of valid assembly is obtained. In such an assembly arrangement, called initial, the fixing elements F1.1 and F1a are opposite each other on the one hand, and the connection elements C1.1 and C1a are opposite each other. 'somewhere else. The inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 as positioned on the is therefore folded down on the face S1 of the core module MC by performing a rotation of 180° with respect to an axis Z belonging to the flat support of the core modules MC and additional modules MA1. Once the additional module has been turned over so that the faces S1.1 and S1 are face to face, the initial position of the internal faces S1.1 and external faces S1 defines an initial angle of rotation of 0° with respect to the orthogonal axis. It is considered here that the outer face S1 of the core module MC is immobile on the plane support and that only the additional module MA1 is capable of performing a rotation relative to the orthogonal axis of the plane support, the rotation being defined in the clockwise direction. . For this initial angle of rotation (here considered equal to 0° but which can be defined otherwise), the magnet F1.1 of the internal face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 is positioned in the upper right corner of the square face S1. 1, opposite the magnet F1a of the square face S1 of the core module MC.

In this initial position, the outer face S1 of the core module MC and the inner face S1.1 of the additional module are homologous so that the inner face S1.1 is able to be interfaced on the outer face S1. A (valid) assembly arrangement of the inner face S1.1 on the outer face S1 consists here in assembling the connection elements C1a and C1.1 on the one hand, and the fixing elements F1a and F1.1 on the other hand. somewhere else. Thus, when the square inner face S1.1 of the additional module has an initial angle of rotation of 0° with respect to the orthogonal axis, the outer face S1 of the core module MC and the inner face S1.1 of the additional module are homologous in that the face S1.1 corresponds to an upper right square face portion of the square face S1. When the square inner face S1.1 of the additional module, facing the outer face S1 of the core module MC, performs a 90° rotation (clockwise) with respect to the orthogonal axis (the magnet F1.1 is then located in the lower right corner of face S1.1), an arrangement for assembling the inner face S1.1 on the outer face S1 consists here in assembling the connection elements C1b and C1.1 on the one hand, and the fixing elements F1b and F1.1 on the other hand. Thus, when the square inner face S1.1 of the additional module has a rotation angle of 90° with respect to the orthogonal axis, the outer face S1 of the core module MC and the inner face S1.1 of the additional module are homologous in that the face S1.1 corresponds to a lower right square face portion of the square face S1. Similarly, when the square inner face S1.1 of the additional module, facing the outer face S1 of the core module MC, performs a rotation of 180° (respectively 270°) with respect to the orthogonal axis, an arrangement for assembling the inner face S1.1 on the outer face S1 consists here in assembling the connection elements C1c and C1.1 (respectively C1d and C1.1) on the one hand, and the fixing elements F1c and F1.1 (respectively F1d and F1.1) on the other hand. Thus, when the square inner face S1.1 of the additional module has a rotation angle of 180° (respectively 270°) with respect to the orthogonal axis, the outer face S1 of the core module MC and the inner face S1.1 of the additional module are homologous in that the face S1.1 corresponds to a lower left square face portion (respectively upper left) of the square face S1.

Consequently, the exterior S1 and interior S1.1 faces are homologous for four particular angles of rotation so that the symmetry between the exterior S1 and interior S1.1 faces is invariant by rotation of the interior face S1.1 by these particular angles with respect to an axis orthogonal to the plane parallel to the two faces S1 and S1.1. The angles of rotation allowing such invariance correspond to the angles 360/N, where N corresponds to the number of connection (or fastening) elements included on the outer face S1 of the core module. In the example described here in , the face S1 of the core module MC has four connection elements C1a, C1b, C1c and C1d. Thus, a rotation of the face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 according to the four angles 90°, 180°, 270° and 360° (or equivalently 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°, depending on the value considered for the initial angle, 0° or 90°) allow the faces S1 and S1.1 to be homologous in shape as well as in the arrangement of the connection and fixing elements, so that they can be assembled with each other .

In particular, this characteristic allows easy assembly of an additional module MA1 on a core module MC in that the possibilities of connection and fixing are invariant regardless of the arrangement of the additional module MA1 on the core module MC. In another embodiment, the face S1 of the core module MC can receive four additional modules MAz having an inner face S1.z of the same dimensioning and the same arrangement of the connection elements C1.1 and fixing F1.1 as the face S1 .1 of the additional module MA1. This makes it possible in particular to have several faces of several additional modules MA1 homologous to the same external face S1 of the core module MC, which makes it possible to multiply the functionalities of the EQ equipment, each additional module MAz bringing functionalities to the functionalities of the module core MC according to a common connection to the same face S1 of the core module MC.

Reference is now made to the . There shows a front view of an exterior face S1 of a core module MC of an equipment item EQ as well as a front view of an interior face S1.1 of an additional module MA1, the interior face S1.1 and the outer face S1 being homologous. In the example described here, the outer face S1 of the core module MC is triangular in shape and has a predetermined surface. The core module can be a tetrahedron or a pyramid for example. The triangle formed by the outer face S1 being equilateral. The inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 has the same shape and surface as the shape and surface of the outer face S1. The outer face S1 of the core module MC comprises three fixing elements of a magnetic nature (or magnets) F1a, F1b and F1c, the magnet F1a being positioned at an upper end of the triangular shape of the outer face S1 of the core module MC and the magnets F1b and F1c being positioned respectively at the right and left ends of the triangular shape of the outer face S1 of the core module MC. Magnet F1a has a “south” magnetic polarity while magnets F1b and F1c have the same “north” magnetic polarity. The outer face S1 of the core module MC further comprises a connection element C1 corresponding here to a rectangular-shaped connection strip positioned vertically in the center of the triangular shape of the face S1. The inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 comprises a magnetic fixing element (or magnet) F1.1 positioned at an upper end of the triangular surface of the inner face S1.1 and has a “north” magnetic polarity. The inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 further comprises a connection element C1.1 corresponding to a connection strip of rectangular shape and shaped to be connected with the connection strip C1. Moreover, the connection element C1.1 is positioned vertically in the center of the triangular shape of the face S1.1. The arrangement and the distance between the connection element C1.1 and the fixing element F1.1 of the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 with respect to each other are respectively identical to arrangement and the distance between the connection element C1 and each of the fixing elements F1a, F1b and F1c.

The additional modules MA1 and core MC are initially in a fixed position represented on the , for example placed on a flat support having a given orthogonal axis. . The faces S1 and S1.1 are homologous in that when the additional module MA1 is turned over so as to face the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 and the outer face S1 of the core module MC, a provision of valid assembly is obtained. In such an assembly arrangement, called initial, the fixing elements F1.1 and F1a are opposite each other on the one hand, and the connection elements C1.1 and C1 are opposite each other. 'somewhere else. The inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 as positioned on the is therefore folded down on the face S1 of the core module MC by performing a rotation of 180° with respect to an axis Z belonging to the flat support of the core modules MC and additional module MA1. Once the additional module has been turned over so that the faces S1.1 and S1 are face to face, the initial position of the internal faces S1.1 and external faces S1 defines an initial angle of rotation of 0° with respect to the orthogonal axis. It is considered here that the outer face S1 of the core module MC is stationary on the flat support and that only the additional module MA1 is capable of performing a rotation in the clockwise direction with respect to the orthogonal axis of the flat support.

In this initial position, the outer face S1 of the core module MC and the inner face S1.1 of the additional module are homologous so that the inner face S1.1 is opposite and able to be interfaced on the outer face S1. A (valid) assembly arrangement of the inner face S1.1 on the outer face S1 consists here in assembling the connection elements C1 and C1.1 on the one hand, and the fixing elements F1a and F1.1 on the other hand. somewhere else. Indeed, the connection elements C1 and C1.1 are shaped to cooperate and the magnets F1a and F1.1 attract each other because each has an opposite polarity to one another. When the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1, facing the outer face S1 of the core module MC, rotates through an angle of 120° or 240°, the core modules MC and additional module MA1 present a shape symmetry linked to the equilateral triangle nature of faces S1 and S1.1. However, these two arrangements do not allow the faces S1 and S1.1 to be assembled because their respective connection elements C1 and C1.1 do not have a symmetrical arrangement. The F1.1 and F1b magnets (in the case of a 120° angle rotation) and the F1.1 and F1c magnets (in the case of a 240° angle rotation) have positional symmetry but a identical magnetic polarity so that the fixing of faces S1 and S1.1 is not possible. Thus, only the initial position allows a valid assembly layout of the exterior S1 and interior S1.1 faces.

Consequently, the magnets having opposite polarities on the outer face S1 of the core module MC provide a keying function so as to prevent invalid assembly positions of the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 on the outer face S1 of the MC core module. This embodiment makes it possible in particular to simplify the assembly of an additional module MA1 on a core module MC of an equipment EQ, keying by means of magnets of opposite polarities on the same face S1 making it possible to achieve to a valid assembly layout (unique here) regardless of the layout of the assembly module MA1 on the core module MC. Moreover, unlike the embodiment of the , the outer face S1 of the core module MC can have any number of connectors, independently of the number of particular angles for which an invariance of shape between the faces S1 and S1.1 by rotation of the additional module along the orthogonal axis is observed (in the case of , there are three particular angles, 0°, 120° and 240°, for which such invariance of form is noted). In particular, the outer face S1 of the module MC may have a number of connectors less than the number of particular angles for which the shape of the outer face S1 of the module MC and the shape of the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 are counterparts. This was not possible for the EQ equipment of the , for which the outer face S1 of the core module MC and the inner face S1.1 of the additional module MA1 had the same number N=4 of connectors.

Consequently, the embodiments described by FIGS. 5 and 6 allow simplified use of the equipment EQ with functional modules assembled by assembling one or more additional modules MAz to a core module MC as described above. Indeed, the assembly of an additional module MA1 on an outer face S1 of the core module MC of the equipment EQ can be carried out in any assembly arrangement (provided that the assembly arrangement respects a symmetry of shape at like a puzzle for example). A duplication of the Cx connection and/or Fx fixing elements in and an appropriate arrangement on the outer face S1 of the core module MC then makes it possible to obtain valid assembly arrangements as illustrated by the . In another embodiment illustrated by the , an arrangement of magnets of opposite magnetic polarities allows magnetic deviation of the arrangements of invalid assemblies by foolproofing using magnets and exempts the equipment EQ from duplicating connection elements on the external faces Sx of the core module MC.

Claims (11)

Equipment (EQ) with assembled functional modules, comprising:
* a core module (MC), of predefined geometric shape, comprising a first set of components to ensure a first set of functionalities, the core module (MC) comprising:
-- at least one first outer face (S1) of predetermined shape and surface, and
-- at least one first connection element (C1) mounted at a first chosen position on said first face (S1),
* at least one additional module (MA1) comprising a second set of components to ensure a second set of functionalities, different from the first set of functionalities, the additional module comprising at least:
-- a second face, interior (S1.1), of shape and surface homologous to the shape and surface of a said first exterior face (S1) of the core module (MC),
-- a second connection element (C1.1) mounted at a second position chosen on said second face (S1.1), and homologous to the first connection element (C1) to cooperate with said first connection element (C1),
and wherein, in an assembly arrangement of the first (S1) and second (S1.1) faces such that at least respective portions of the first (S1) and second (S1.1) faces are symmetrical with respect to a median plane (P), parallel and arranged between the first (S1) and second (S1.1) faces, the first position chosen for the first connection element (C1) coincides with the said second position chosen for the second connection element (C1.1). Equipment (EQ) according to claim 1, wherein said first (S1) and second (S1.1) faces further comprise respectively at least first (F1) and second (F1.1) fixing elements mounted at identical distances respectively of the first and second chosen positions, the first (F1) and second (F1.1) fixing elements coming opposite each other and the first (C1) and second (C1.1) connection elements coming facing each other in said assembly arrangement. Equipment (EQ) according to Claim 2, in which the first (F1) and second (F1.1) fixing elements comprise respective magnets of opposite polarity. Equipment (EQ) according to claim 3, in which said respective magnets are made of a conductive ferromagnetic material, to convey an electrical signal between the core module (MC) and the additional module (MA1). Equipment (EQ) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, in which the first connection element (C1), the first fixing element (F1), the second connection element (C1.1) and the second fixing element (F1.1) together comprise a set of male and female pins of respective positions chosen on the first (S1) and second faces (S1.1) to ensure both:
- a connection between the first (C1) and second (C1.1) connection elements, and
- A mechanical attachment between the first (S1) and second (S1.1) faces. Equipment (EQ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second face (S1.1) remains symmetrical to the first face (S1), with respect to the said median plane (P), for a number N of angle rotations 360°/N applied to the second face (S1.1), and in which the first face (S1) comprises N first connection elements (C1) to accommodate the second connection element (C1.1). Equipment (EQ) according to Claim 6, taken in combination with one of Claims 2 to 5, in which the first face (S1) comprises N first fixing elements (F1) each capable of cooperating with the second fixing element ( F1.1). Equipment (EQ) according to Claim 7, taken in combination with one of Claims 3 and 4, in which the N first fixing elements (F1) are magnets of opposite polarity to the polarity of the second fixing element (F1. 1). Equipment (EQ) according to one of Claims 3 and 4, in which the shape of the said second face (S1.1) remains symmetrical to the shape of the first face (S1), with respect to the said median plane (P), for a number N of 360°/N angle rotations applied to the second face (S1.1), and in which the first face (S1) comprises a number less than N of first connection elements (C1) to accommodate the second connection element (C1.1), and in which said first face (S1) at least comprises a plurality of magnets of opposite polarities. Equipment (EQ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the core module (MC) comprises at least one processor (PROC) and one working memory (MEM), as well as at least one connection interface (INT) to an additional module (MA1), and in which the additional module (MA1) comprises at least one component from among a battery, a radiofrequency communication module, a sensor (CAPT). Equipment (EQ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the additional module (MA1) comprises at least one other face (S1.2), distinct from the second face (S1.1), to accommodate a second additional module.