Mounting system for a wireless temperature sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats often control HVAC systems based on temperatures near the thermostat, which may not accurately represent the conditions where occupants spend most of their time, making it difficult to place the thermostat in the desired location for effective temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A wireless temperature sensor device with a wall mounting system that allows for remote placement and wireless communication of temperature measurements to a thermostat, enabling more precise control of HVAC systems by placing sensors in areas of importance, such as living rooms or bedrooms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thermostat is connected to in-wall control wires for HVAC control, then the thermostat can control the HVAC system, but it becomes difficult or inconvenient to place the thermostat in the specific location where occupants want temperature measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from the traditional wired thermostat and places it in a separate wireless sensor device. This wireless sensor can be freely positioned without being constrained by wire routing, while the main thermostat remains in its conventional location. The wireless communication link replaces the physical wire connection for temperature data transmission, solving the placement flexibility problem.
2Ease of operation
If a wireless temperature sensor is mounted on a wall, then the sensor can be placed at desired locations for accurate temperature measurement, but the mounting system becomes complex requiring multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mounting functions into a single integrated flanged fastener component. This fastener simultaneously provides wall attachment, depth limitation through its flange structure, and sensor device attachment capabilities. By combining these functions into one component rather than using separate elements, the mounting system achieves simplicity despite the multiple requirements it must satisfy.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplate serves as an intermediary component between the flanged fastener and the wireless sensor device. It provides a mounting surface for the sensor while being attachable to the flanged fastener, and its compressible material allows for accommodation of wall surface variations. This intermediary simplifies the overall mounting process by absorbing variations in wall conditions and providing a stable mounting platform.
3Strength
If the flanged fastener is inserted deeply into the wall for secure mounting, then the mounting is more secure, but the fastener may damage internal components of the wireless sensor device
Solution Approach 1:
The flanged fastener incorporates a flange that protrudes from the wall surface to prevent over-insertion before the sensor device is even attached. This preliminary protective feature stops the fastener at a safe depth, preventing it from penetrating too far and damaging internal components of the wireless sensor device while still providing adequate mounting security.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplate acts as an intermediary barrier between the flanged fastener and the wireless sensor device. It absorbs the insertion force and provides a stopping point, preventing the fastener from directly contacting and damaging sensitive internal components while still achieving secure mounting through the backplate's attachment to the fastener.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the backplate is made rigid for stable mounting, then the mounting is more stable, but the backplate cannot accommodate variations in wall surface and fastener insertion depth
Solution Approach 1:
The backplate utilizes compressible material that can change its physical parameters (compression level) to adapt to variations in wall surface conditions and fastener insertion depth. This material property change allows the backplate to maintain stable mounting while accommodating the range of wall variations encountered in different installation locations.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
Various arrangements are presented that detail a wall mounting system for a wireless sensor device, such as a wireless temperature sensor device. A flanged fastener that includes a first flange and a second flange may be present. The first flange can prevent the flanged fastener from being inserted more than a defined distance into a surface. The second flange may be removably insertable into a mounting hole present on a backplate of the wireless sensor. The system can further include a wireless sensor unit that includes the backplate. The wireless sensor is removably attachable to the flanged fastener while the flanged fastener is inserted into the surface.