Context-Aware Device Protection Plans Through Sensor-Based Risk Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insurance or protection plans for consumer electronics devices do not account for the actual use of the device or consumer tendencies, leading to inefficient pricing and coverage.

Innovation Solution

Systems and methods that utilize sensors within consumer electronics devices to detect usage patterns, assess risk factors, and generate customized insurance or protection plans based on device health, user behavior, and device depreciation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional insurance plans are based on retail price or replacement cost, then coverage is provided for all devices uniformly, but the pricing does not reflect actual device usage or risk factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of risk assessmentVSAvoidcomplexity of insurance plan structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the insurance pricing model by changing key parameters from static (retail price only) to dynamic (usage-based metrics). Sensors continuously monitor device conditions including drops, water exposure, location, and usage patterns, converting these physical parameters into risk scoring variables that directly influence insurance premiums and coverage terms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional manual claims adjustment process with automated sensor-based detection systems. Instead of relying on customer reports or adjuster assessments, the system uses embedded sensors to automatically detect device events, calculate risk scores, and adjust coverage in real-time, substituting mechanical/physical assessment methods with electronic monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If insurance plans offer uniform coverage based on device price, then simplicity is maintained, but personalization and accuracy in risk pricing are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization of insurance coverageVSAvoidtime for policy generation and adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary risk assessment by continuously monitoring device conditions and pre-calculating risk scores before claims are filed. Sensors track usage patterns, device health, and environmental factors in advance, allowing the system to proactively adjust coverage terms and premiums based on accumulated data rather than reacting to events after they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes continuous feedback loops where sensor data from device usage continuously informs risk assessment algorithms. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustment of insurance parameters based on actual device conditions, creating a dynamic pricing model that adapts to changing risk profiles while maintaining operational efficiency through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If sensors continuously monitor device usage, then accurate risk assessment is achieved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of usage detectionVSAvoidenergy consumption of monitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial monitoring by selectively activating sensors based on device state and risk context. Not all sensors operate at full capacity continuously; instead, the system monitors critical parameters (such as acceleration for drop detection) with high precision while using lower-power sensors for less critical measurements, balancing accuracy requirements with energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3788586B1Systems and methods for generating contextually relevant device protections
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 ASSURANT INC
  • EP3788586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3788586B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3788586B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that can detect use of a consumer electronics device and that can generate and offer insurance or protection plans that measure, account, and adjust for the use of the consumer electronics device and consumer tendencies while using the consumer electronics device.