Modularized intelligent in-wall system

Abstract

The invention relates to an intelligent in-wall system. Previously, the socket assembly needs to be replaced when different functions are added. Embodiments of the present invention use a first wallboard configured to be releasably coupled to an in-wall unit of a modular smart in-wall system. The first wall panel is interchangeable with the second wall panel by detaching the first wall panel from the front side of the in-wall unit and attaching the second wall panel to the front side of the in-wall unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to smart in-wall systems, such as sockets, light switches, dimmers, Ethernet ports, etc. Background Art

[0002] Smart in-wall systems enable nearly any wired appliance or device to be automated and controlled using apps and / or voice commands. However, once an in-wall system is installed, adding different functionality or features may require replacing the entire outlet. Thus, an improved system is desirable. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to various embodiments, a modular smart in-wall system and method are disclosed that allow front panels (also known as "wall panels," "cover panels," "panels," or "decorative panels") with different implementation features to be installed into an in-wall unit, wherein one wall panel can be replaced with another without replacing the entire system.

[0004] In certain embodiments, a modular smart wall method may include: switching a first wall panel of a modular smart wall system with a second wall panel by removing the first wall panel from a front side of a smart wall unit of the modular smart wall system and attaching the second wall panel to the front side of the smart wall unit, wherein, when the smart wall unit is installed in a wall, both the first wall panel and the second wall panel can be attached to and detached from the smart wall unit without removing the smart wall unit from the wall, and wherein the second wall panel is configured to perform at least one function not provided by the first wall panel.

[0005] In some embodiments, a modular smart socket / in-wall system may include: a smart in-wall unit; a first wall panel that can be attached to and removed from the front side of the smart in-wall unit; and a second wall panel that can be attached to and removed from the front side of the smart in-wall unit; wherein the second wall panel is configured to perform at least one function not provided by the first wall panel, wherein, when the smart in-wall unit is installed in the wall, the first wall panel and the second wall panel can be interchangeably connected to the smart in-wall unit without removing the smart in-wall unit from the wall.

[0006] In an embodiment, the first wall panel and the second wall panel each include at least one board connector, which is configured to be releasably connected to a corresponding board connector in the smart wall unit. In some embodiments, the first wall panel and the second wall panel each include a wire or other conductive connection element, wherein the smart wall unit includes internal wiring, the internal wiring including: a rear end, the rear end is electrically connected to the smart wall unit; and a front end, the front end includes a wiring harness configured to connect to the wire connection elements of the first wall panel and the second wall panel. In certain embodiments, the smart wall unit includes a wall unit housing that accommodates a smart internal component, the smart internal component is configured to communicate with a PCB of a wall panel attached to the wall unit, and the smart internal component is further configured to perform various functions of a modular smart socket system in combination with a wall panel attached to the wall unit. In some embodiments, the modular wall smart system can be a smart socket system. In some embodiments, the modular wall smart system can be an Ethernet-based home control system. In some embodiments, the modular wall smart system can be a smart light switch system.

[0007] In certain embodiments, a modular smart wall-entry system may include a first wall panel configured to be releasably coupled to a wall-entry unit of the modular smart wall-entry system, wherein the first wall panel is interchangeable with the second wall panel by removing the first wall panel from the front side of the wall-entry unit and attaching the second wall panel to the front side of the wall-entry unit, wherein when the wall-entry unit is installed in the wall, both the first wall panel and the second wall panel can be attached to and removed from the wall-entry unit without removing the wall-entry unit from the wall, and wherein the second wall panel is configured to perform at least one function not provided by the first wall panel when the first wall panel and the second wall panel are operating properly. In some embodiments, the wall-entry unit is a socket unit. In some embodiments, the wall-entry unit is a circuit switch unit, such as a light switch unit. In some embodiments, the wall-entry unit is an Ethernet-based unit. In some embodiments, the wall-entry unit is configured to be installed in the socket cavity via a connection to a pre-existing wire of the socket cavity in the wall. In some embodiments, the first wall panel is configured to be releasably clipped into the wall-entry unit. In some embodiments, the first wall panel includes a wall panel PCB in the wall panel cover. In some embodiments, the wall unit includes at least one wall unit PCB, wherein the wall unit PCB is in electrical contact with the wall panel PCB. In an alternative embodiment, the wall unit PCB can wirelessly communicate with the wall panel PCB. In some embodiments, the wall unit PCB is in electrical contact with the wall panel PCB via an electrical pin connector. In some embodiments, the wall unit PCB includes a power PCB that is configured to connect the modular smart wall system to a pre-existing wire within a socket cavity of the wall. In some embodiments, the wall panel cover includes a status light slot. In some embodiments, the wall panel cover includes a night light slot. In some embodiments, the wall panel cover includes one or more vents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which disclose one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular smart socket system according to certain embodiments.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the modular smart socket system showing the installation of the system.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A simplified exploded view of a modular smart socket system of FIG. 1 , with wiring shown in dotted lines for clarity.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Exploded rear view of the modular smart socket system.

[0013] Figure 5 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG.

[0014] Figure 6 is a flow chart of installation steps of a modular smart socket system according to various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a modular Intelligent Ethernet system according to an alternative embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Rear partially exploded view of the modular intelligent Ethernet system.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a modular smart light switch system according to another alternative embodiment.

[0018] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A partially exploded view of the modular smart light switch system.

[0019] Fig.11 It is a right front top perspective view of a modular intelligent socket system according to another alternative embodiment.

[0020] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A left front upward perspective view of a modular smart socket system.

[0021] Fig.13 yes Fig.11Front perspective exploded view of the modular smart socket system.

[0022] Fig.14 yes Fig.11 Rear exploded perspective view of the modular smart socket system.

[0023] Fig.15 yes Fig.11 A partially exploded view of the modular smart outlet system showing installation.

[0024] Fig.16 yes Fig.11 A partial rear perspective exploded view of the modular smart socket system.

[0025] Fig.17 yes Fig.11 Rear view of the modular smart socket system.

[0026] Fig.18 is along Fig.17 A cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 in FIG.

[0027] Fig.19A An alternative embodiment is shown Fig.11 The modular intelligent socket system's wall plates are compatible with the modular intelligent circuit switch system.

[0028] Fig.19B Shown Fig.11 The different wall plates of the modular smart socket system are compatible with the modular smart socket system.

[0029] Fig. 20 Shown is a wall panel installed Fig.19A Modular intelligent circuit switching system. Best Mode of the Invention

[0030] According to Figures 1 to 10 The various embodiments depicted disclose a modular smart wall system 2 (also referred to as a "modular smart socket system 2") that allows socket front plates ("wall plates") with different implementation features to be installed into a wall unit, wherein one wall plate can be replaced with another wall plate without replacing the entire socket. The modular smart wall system 2 can be, for example, a socket / plug-in system, an electrical switch (e.g., a light switch) system, a combination of different systems, etc.

[0031] In such Figure 1 to Figure 1 In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9 , the modular smart wall system 2 can generally include a smart wall unit 3 and a wall plate 4, which is configured to be interchangeably connected to the smart wall unit. The smart wall unit 3 can be configured to be installed in a socket cavity and / or a socket electrical box 38 of a wall 40.

[0032] In some embodiments, the smart wall unit 3 can house internal components, which include a smart internal component 16 configured to perform various functions / computing tasks of the modular smart wall system 2 in conjunction with the wall panel 4, and can include at least one microcontroller. In some embodiments, the smart internal component 16 is configured to be connected to a pre-existing wall cable element in the wall. In some embodiments, the wall panel 4 can generally include a wall panel cover and a printed circuit board (PCB) including a microcontroller in the wall panel cover. In some embodiments, the microcontroller of the internal component 16 can be in electrical contact with the microcontroller, or sensor, or LED, etc. of the wall panel 4. In some embodiments, the smart internal component 16 may include internal wiring 30 or other conductive elements (e.g., (multiple) pin connectors) for electrical connection with the wall panel 4. In alternative embodiments, the microcontroller of the internal component 16 and the microcontroller of the wall panel 4 can be configured for wireless communication and / or wireless power transmission.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the wall panel 4 is configured to be releasably attached to the in-wall unit 3, and can be configured to perform specific basic functionality in conjunction with the in-wall unit. For example, the wall panel / in-wall unit can be configured to perform the basic functions of a smart socket system, an Ethernet-based home control system, a smart switch / light switch system, etc. In an embodiment, the wall panel 4 may further include auxiliary elements that are configured to perform at least one auxiliary function in addition to the basic functionality of the wall panel. Such auxiliary elements may include, but are not limited to, status indicators, power control elements, (multiple) lighting control elements (e.g., dimmers, (multiple) night lights, etc.), (multiple) various sensor elements, (multiple) various camera elements, various smart accessories, and / or wireless bridging elements (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, Thread protocol, Zigbee protocol, etc.), etc. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the wall panel 4 / in-wall unit 3 can be configured to perform different basic functions and / or auxiliary functions, which are emerging technologies or can be obtained using emerging technologies. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the wall panel 4 may be limited to a single function (i.e., its basic functionality). In an embodiment, a plurality of wall panels, each configured to perform a different function, may each be attachable to and detachable from the in-wall unit 3, wherein any one wall panel may be removed and interchanged with a different wall panel.

[0034] In such Figures 1 to 5In the first embodiment best depicted in , the modular smart wall system 2 can be a modular smart plug system 2A (also referred to as a "modular smart socket system 2A"). In an embodiment, the modular smart plug system 2A may include a cable-based socket wall unit 3A, which is configured to be connected to an interchangeable plug socket wall plate 4A. The socket wall unit 3A may generally include: a smart internal component 16A, which is configured to perform various functions of the modular smart plug system 2A in conjunction with the wall plate 4A; and at least one plug-in socket member 26. In some embodiments, the plug-in socket member 26 may be a NEMA socket. In certain embodiments, the plug-in socket member 26 may be UL-compatible. It should be understood that different types of plug-in socket members may be used in alternative embodiments.

[0035] In some embodiments, the wall-mounted socket unit 3A includes a wall-mounted unit housing 10 that houses internal components including a smart internal component 16A. In some embodiments, the wall-mounted unit housing 10 can be configured to be installed into a socket cavity 38 within a wall 40 (after removing a pre-existing wall-mounted unit) and include a rear wiring groove 14 through which a pre-existing wire 42 (i.e., the cable / wiring of a pre-existing socket) can pass. In some embodiments, the internal components of the wall-mounted socket unit 3A may include a connector 18 (also called a terminal block) that is configured to be electrically connected to a pre-existing wire 42. In one embodiment, the connector 18 may be an AC connector, and the pre-existing wire 42 may include a live wire, a ground wire, and a neutral wire configured to be connected to corresponding terminals within the connector 18.

[0036] In some embodiments, the in-wall unit housing 10 may include attachment member(s) 11 configured to allow the in-wall unit housing 10 to be attached to the wall 40. The attachment member(s) 11 may include, for example, holes through which bolts may be inserted to attach the in-wall unit housing 10 to the wall.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the inner housing 10 is configured to be enclosed by the housing front plate 20, wherein the enclosed unit is mounted into the socket cavity 38 (see Figure 2). The housing front plate 20 can be connected to the wall unit housing 10, for example, via a tab 20A disposed in the housing front plate 20 and inserted into a slot 10A in the housing front plate. In some embodiments, the housing front plate 20 may include at least one socket member slot 22, which is configured to support a plug-in socket member 26. It should be understood that based on the type of plug / smart socket system, the front plate 20, the socket member slot 22, and the plug-in socket member 26 may have different configurations in alternative embodiments. In one example, the plug-in socket member 26 can be directly designed and installed on the smart interior component 16, wherein the designed socket member slot 22 will be changed accordingly based on the new design of the socket member 26; in another example, the socket member 26 can be changed to different plug types (e.g., type G, type C, type D, etc.) according to regional / national usage or voltage, current requirements, etc.

[0038] In further embodiments, the housing front panel 20 may include a wiring trough 24 that may provide a passage for the internal wiring 30. In one embodiment, the rear end of the internal wiring 30 may be electrically connected to the smart interior components 16, 16A; and the front end of the wiring 30 may include a wiring harness 28. In some embodiments, the wiring trough 24 may be configured to support the wiring harness 28. In some embodiments, the wiring harness 28 may be configured to connect to the wall panel 4A. In one embodiment, the wiring harness 28 may include a first connector component 28A that is configured to interlock with a second connector component 28B on the wall panel 4A. The first connector component and the second connector component may include, for example, corresponding male / female connectors, but are not limited to these embodiments.

[0039] In some embodiments, the wall unit housing 10 and / or the wall plate 4A may include (multiple) connector elements that are configured to releasably connect with the wall plate 4A and enable a user to easily attach or detach the wall plate 4A to or from the wall unit. In one embodiment, (multiple) such connector elements may include a clip slot 12 disposed within the wall unit housing 10 and a clip leg 36 disposed within the wall plate 4A, wherein the clip leg 36 is configured to snap fit into the clip slot 12 to attach the wall plate 4A to the housing 10. In an embodiment, the clip leg 36 is disposed within a wall plate cover 34 of the wall plate and may pass through a slot 32A disposed within a printed circuit board 32 of the wall plate. Additionally, in some embodiments, the connection between the clip slot 12 and the clip leg 36 may be configured to align the first connector component 28A and the second connector component 28B so that when the wall plate is attached to the wall unit, the wiring 30 is automatically connected to the wall plate. However, in other embodiments, the connection of the wiring 30 may need to be completed before the entire wall plate is connected. It should be understood that in different embodiments, alternative connector components may be provided that may be disposed within the wall unit housing 10 and / or the wall panel 4A to achieve a secure but releasable connection. Such alternative connectors may include, for example, screws, Hooks, etc.

[0040] In such Figures 7 and 8 In the depicted alternative embodiment, the modular smart wall system 2 can be a modular Ethernet-based smart system 2B. In an embodiment, the modular Ethernet-based smart system 2B can include an Ethernet wall unit 3B that is configured to be connected to an interchangeable Ethernet-based wall plate 4B. In some embodiments, the Ethernet-based wall plate 4B can be specifically configured for Ethernet control. In further embodiments, the Ethernet-based wall plate 4B can be used as a home network dashboard. In some embodiments, the Ethernet-based wall plate 4B can be a touch screen board 44, but is not limited to this option.

[0041] In an embodiment, the Ethernet-based wall-in unit 3B may be similar to the jack-in-wall unit 3A and may include components such as a housing 10, (multiple) attachment members 11, a rear wiring slot 14, connectors such as clamp slots 12 and clamp legs 36, internal wiring 30 configured for connection with a wall plate 4B, and a system PCB. In an embodiment, the Ethernet wall-in unit 3B may include an intelligent internal component 16B that is configured to perform various functions of a modular Ethernet-based smart system 2B in conjunction with the wall plate 4B. Additionally, the internal component 16B may include a connector 50 (similar to the connector 18), but configured to receive an Ethernet cable 46. In some embodiments, the connector 50 may be an RJ45 port.

[0042] In such Figures 9 and 10 In another alternative embodiment depicted, the modular smart wall system 2 can be a modular smart light switch system 2C. In an embodiment, the modular smart light switch system 2C can include a light switch wall unit 3C configured to be coupled to an interchangeable light switch wall plate 4C. The light switch wall plate 4C can include a wall plate cover 52 having a slot configured to receive a light switch 54 of the smart light switch system 2C. The light switch wall plate 4C can further include a light switch system PCB. The light switch wall unit 3C can be similar to the socket wall unit 3A, and can include components such as a housing 10, (multiple) attachment members 11, a rear wiring groove 14, a connector such as a clip groove 12, and an internal wiring 30 configured for connection to the light switch wall plate 4C. The light switch wall unit 3C can further include a housing front plate 56 including a light switch groove 56A and a harness groove 28A. In an embodiment, the light switch wall unit 3C includes an intelligent internal component 16C, which is configured to perform various functions of the modular intelligent light switch system 2C in conjunction with the wall plate 4C. The intelligent internal component 16C may further include a connector 18 configured to be electrically connected to a pre-existing wire 42.

[0043] Specific reference Figure 6 , the user can install the modular smart in-wall system 2 by removing the existing in-wall unit from the wall socket cavity and disconnecting the existing in-wall unit from the (multiple) wall cables / (multiple) wires. These (multiple) wall cables / (multiple) wires can then be connected to the cable connector / wire terminal block of the in-wall unit, and the smart in-wall unit can be installed into the wall socket cavity. Once installed, the wall plate can be snapped onto the in-wall unit. In some embodiments, the internal wiring of the in-wall unit can be connected to the wall plate before snapping on the wall plate. In other embodiments, the internal wiring can be self-connected to the wall plate when snapped into the wall plate. In certain embodiments, the user can then pair the modular smart in-wall system 2 with the user's (multiple) devices (e.g., smart phones, tablets, etc.), hubs, smart assistants, etc. In some embodiments, the wall plate may include indicators (such as lights) to guide the user during installation and / or pairing.

[0044] Figure 11 to Figure 19 shows a smart modular wall-mounted system 2 according to an alternative embodiment, which includes a smart plug-in socket system 2D (modular smart socket system 2D) having a wall plate 4D and a wall socket unit 3D. In an embodiment, the wall plate 4D is generally configured to be releasably coupled to the wall socket unit 3D and provide an interchangeable component of the smart plug-in socket system 2D. In some embodiments, the wall socket unit 3D can be configured to be installed in a socket cavity 38 in a wall 40 via a connection to a pre-existing wire 42 of the socket cavity 38.

[0045] In an embodiment, the wall plate 4D includes a front wall plate cover 60 (front plate 60) and a wall plate PCB 72 configured to be assembled with the front plate 60. In an embodiment, the wall plate PCB 72 may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to control various auxiliary features of the wall plate 4D (e.g., night lights, sensors, indicators, wireless communications, etc.), and communicate with the wall outlet unit 3D. The front plate 60 includes a front wall plate opening 62, which is configured to frame a socket 88 of the wall outlet unit 3D, and the socket 88 includes one or more plug sockets 88A. The PCB 72 also includes a PCB opening 74, which is configured to align with the front wall plate opening 62 for framing the socket 88. In some embodiments, the wall plate 4D may further include a rear wall plate cover 78 (back plate 78), which is configured to be assembled with the front plate 60 and the wall plate PCB 72. The back plate 78 also includes a back plate opening 80 that is configured to align with the front wall plate opening 62 and the PCB opening 74 for framing the socket 88. In some embodiments, the front plate opening 62 may include an inner surrounding wall 62A and an outer surrounding wall 62B that are perpendicular to the front surface of the wall plate cover 60 and are configured to frame the wall plate PCB 72. In some embodiments, the front plate 60 and the back plate 78 are configured to be coupled to each other with the wall plate PCB 72 sandwiched therebetween. In one embodiment, the inner surrounding wall 62A and the outer surrounding wall 62B may be provided with a back plate tab slot 70 that is configured to receive a back plate tab 84 disposed at a corresponding position within the back plate 78. It should be understood that different connecting elements for coupling the back plate and the front plate may be used in alternative embodiments. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments of different plug types (e.g., Type G, Type C, Type D, etc., depending on regional / national usage or voltage, current requirements, etc.), plug receptacle 88A can be configured to accommodate different types of plugs and plug adapters.

[0046] In some embodiments, the wall plate 4D may include one or more auxiliary elements that are configured to perform at least one auxiliary function in addition to the basic functionality of the wall plate. The wall plate 4D may further be interchangeable with another wall plate that may be configured to perform (multiple) different auxiliary functions. In one embodiment, the front plate 60 may include a status light slot 64 that is configured to indicate the status of the smart plug socket system 2D. In some embodiments, the wall plate cover 60 may include a night light slot 66 (see Fig.12 ), the night light slot provides an open slot for night light illumination. In some embodiments, the front wall panel 60 may include vents 68 that allow air flow, light illumination, etc. required for the correct operation of the wall panel PCB 72.

[0047] In some embodiments, the wall outlet unit 3D can generally include a rear housing 122 configured to form a housing with the outlet 88 for housing the internal components 96 including the smart internal components 16 of the outlet unit 3D. In some embodiments, the outlet 88 can include a surrounding side wall 88B configured to cap onto the surrounding wall of the rear housing 122, wherein rear housing screws 125 can be used to secure the units.

[0048] In some embodiments, the wall outlet unit 3D may include a front outlet plate 90 that is generally configured to be attached to the wall 40 on the surrounding sidewall 88B of the outlet 88 to securely hold the outlet 88, the internal components 96, and the rear housing 122 within the outlet cavity 38. In an embodiment, the outlet plate 90 includes an outlet plate opening 93 configured to frame the outlet 88. In some embodiments, the outlet plate 90 may be provided with a back plate clip groove 94 that is configured to receive a corresponding back plate clip leg 86 disposed in the back plate 78 of the wall plate 4D so that the wall plate 4D can be releasably clipped to the wall outlet unit 3D. In an alternative embodiment, the outlet plate 90 may be designed as an integral unit with the outlet 88.

[0049] In some embodiments, the smart internal components 16 of the internal assembly 96 may include a power PCB 108 and an in-wall PCB 104 having an MCU. In further embodiments, the internal assembly 96 may include a yoke 102 and a yoke seat barrier 109 between the power PCB 108 and the in-wall PCB 104, wherein the yoke seat barrier 109 is disposed between the yoke 102 and the power PCB 108, and wherein the yoke 102 is disposed between the in-wall PCB 104 and the yoke seat barrier 109.

[0050] In an embodiment, the power PCB 108 can be configured to connect the smart plug-in socket system 2D to a pre-existing line 42 for providing an isolated low voltage power supply to the system. In some embodiments, the pre-existing line 42 can be routed into the socket unit 3D via an opening 122A in the rear housing 122 and held in place to make electrical contact with the power PCB 108 between the line terminal tabs 112A and the line terminal board 112B. The assembly can be secured via line terminal screws 112C, wherein the front end of each line terminal tab 112A is configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot 108B in the power PCB 108.

[0051] In an embodiment, the in-wall PCB 104 is configured to perform various functions / computing work of the modular intelligent plug-in socket system 2D. The yoke 102 and the yoke seat barrier 109 are configured to support and connect the in-wall PCB 104 to the power PCB 108. In some embodiments, the yoke seat barrier 109 creates a barrier that is configured to provide sufficient creepage requirements to allow safe connection of jacks and plugs on high voltage systems, while the yoke 102 provides a ground connection between the socket 88 (including the plug inserted therein) and the wire 42.

[0052] In some embodiments, the yoke barrier 109 may include clamp legs 100 that are configured to be received within leg recesses 110 of the power PCB 108. In some embodiments, the metal arm 118A may be welded to a slot 118B disposed on the power PCB 108 and may include a metal jack clip 116. In some embodiments, the tamper-proof cover 114 may be used to protect human safety by preventing direct or indirect contact with the metal jack clip 116 (e.g., via hands and / or conductive items). The inserted plug is grounded to the yoke 102 via a ground screw 121 that engages through a ground screw hole 120 in the yoke 102. The PCB 104 may further include a reset button 98 that may be held in place via the socket 88. The reset button 98 may be exposed through an opening on the socket 88 and is configured to enable a user to reset the system and / or set various functions.

[0053] In some embodiments, the power PCB 108, the in-wall PCB 104, and the wallboard PCB 72 can be electrically connected via electrical pin connectors. In one embodiment, a spring pin connector unit 108A can be provided in the power PCB 108. The pin connector unit 108A is configured to engage the pin connectors 106 provided on the in-wall PCB 104, which can pass through the openings in the yoke 102 and the yoke seat barrier 109. The pin connector 106 can further engage the socket housing pin connector hole 92, and can pass through the board pin connector slot 91 on the front socket plate 90 and through the connector hole 82 provided on the back plate 78 to engage with the PCB pin 76 on the wallboard PCB 72. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the in-wall PCB 104 and the wallboard PCB 72 can be configured for wireless communication and / or wireless power transmission.

[0054] In some embodiments, the wall panel 4D can be interchangeable with different types of smart modular in-wall systems 2. Fig.19A and Fig. 20 As depicted, the wall plate 4D can be interchangeable between a modular smart socket system 2D and a smart switch system 2E including an in-wall switch unit 3E, wherein the in-wall switch unit 3E can be similar to the in-wall socket unit 3D, but includes a switch 126 instead of the socket unit 88. It should be understood that the wall plate 4D can also be interchangeable with other in-wall systems, such as a system that includes both plug sockets and light switches, a socket switch combination. Thus, the smart modular in-wall system 2 can provide a plurality of types of different in-wall units (e.g., 3D, 3E) that are compatible with a plurality of types of different wall plates (e.g., 4D1, 4D2), wherein each in-wall unit can be configured to interchangeably receive any one of the different wall plates, and wherein each wall plate can be configured to interchangeably attach to any one of the different in-wall units (see Fig.19A and Fig.19B ).

[0055] The disclosed system provides a convenient way for users to add more features or change the features of the smart in-wall system. The disclosed system can further reduce the number of sockets required to benefit from multiple features of the smart system, which are emerging technologies or can be obtained using emerging technologies.

[0056] It should be understood that in different embodiments, the disclosed modular smart in-wall system can have a variety of configurations. It should be understood that alternative connection elements and / or alternative connection configurations can be used in alternative embodiments. In some alternative embodiments, an external antenna can be added or extended from the in-wall unit to the wall plate to improve wireless signal strength and direction. In some alternative embodiments, spring pins can be used to eliminate the use of connectors, which can make replacement of wall plates easier. In some alternative embodiments, the microcontroller can be set in the wall plate itself, rather than in the in-wall unit, which can increase the versatility of the entire system.

[0057] It should be understood that the components of the modular smart wall system 2 described in several embodiments herein may include any alternative known materials in the art and have any size and / or dimensions. It should be understood that the components of the modular smart wall system described herein may be manufactured and assembled using any known technology in the art. In addition, the components of the modular smart wall system 2 may be provided as an assembled unit or as a kit / assembly of parts according to alternative embodiments.

[0058] It should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience and simplification of describing the disclosed subject matter, and does not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present invention.

[0059] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Where only one item is intended, the term "a" or similar language is used. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "has, have, having, with, etc." are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on," unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0060] The constituent elements of the disclosed devices and systems listed herein are intended to be exemplary only, and it is not intended that such enumeration be used to limit the devices of the present application to only these elements. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure relates that equivalent elements may be replaced within the present disclosure without changing the basic function or operation of the device. Terms such as "approximately", "approximately", "about" and the like as used herein indicate deviations within + / -10%. The relationships between the various elements of the disclosed devices as described herein are presented only as illustrative examples, and are not intended to limit the scope or nature of the relationships between the various elements. It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of design configurations may enjoy the functional benefits of the system of the present invention. Thus, in view of the diversity of configurations and arrangements of the embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is reflected by the breadth of the appended claims rather than being narrowed by the embodiments described above. Industrial Applicability

[0061] Embodiments of the disclosed invention may be used to provide a modular smart in-wall system.

Claims

1. A modular intelligent wall-mounted system, comprising: a first wall panel configured to releasably couple to an in-wall unit of the modular smart in-wall system, wherein the first wall panel is interchangeable with the second wall panel by removing the first wall panel from a front side of the in-wall unit and attaching a second wall panel to the front side of the in-wall unit, wherein, when the in-wall unit is installed in a wall, both the first wall panel and the second wall panel can be attached to and detached from the in-wall unit without removing the in-wall unit from the wall, Wherein, the second wall panel is configured to perform at least one function not provided by the first wall panel when the first wall panel and the second wall panel are operating properly.

2. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 1, wherein: This in-wall unit is a socket unit.

3. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 1, wherein: The in-wall unit is a circuit switching unit.

4. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 1, wherein: This in-wall unit is an Ethernet based unit.

5. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 1, wherein: The in-wall unit is configured to be installed into an outlet cavity in a wall via connection to a pre-existing wire of the outlet cavity.

6. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 1, wherein: The first wall panel is configured to be releasably clipped into the in-wall unit.

7. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 1, wherein: The first wall panel includes a wall panel PCB within a wall panel cover.

8. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 7, wherein: The wall-mounted unit includes at least one wall-mounted unit PCB, wherein the wall-mounted unit PCB is in electrical contact with the wallboard PCB.

9. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 8, wherein: The in-wall unit PCB is in electrical contact with the wall panel PCB via an electrical pin connector.

10. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 8, wherein: The in-wall unit PCB includes a power PCB configured to connect the modular smart in-wall system to pre-existing wires within a socket cavity of a wall.

11. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 7, wherein: The wall-mounted unit includes at least one wall-mounted unit PCB, wherein the wall-mounted unit PCB is in wireless communication with the wall panel PCB.

12. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 7, wherein: The wall plate cover includes a status light slot.

13. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 7, wherein: This wall panel cover includes a night light slot.

14. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 7, wherein: The wall panel cover includes one or more vent holes.

15. A modular intelligent wall-mounted system, comprising: First wall panel, The first wall panel is configured to be releasably and interchangeably coupled to a first in-wall unit and a second in-wall unit of the modular smart in-wall system, wherein, when the first wall unit is installed in the wall, the first wall panel can be attached to and detached from the first wall unit without removing the first wall unit from the wall, wherein, when the second wall unit is installed in the wall, the first wall panel is further capable of being attached to and detached from the second wall unit without removing the second wall unit from the wall, The first wall-entry unit and the second wall-entry unit are different in function.

16. The modular intelligent wall-mounted system according to claim 15, wherein: The first wall panel can be interchanged with the second wall panel by removing the first wall panel from the front side of one of the first wall entry unit or the second wall entry unit and attaching the second wall panel to the front side of the wall entry unit from which the first wall panel has been removed.

Images