In-Wall Low-Voltage Mounting Plates for Concealed Shade Power

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical systems for motorized shades and blinds require exposed wiring and power supplies, which are unsightly, difficult to maintain, and pose hazards to children and pets.

Innovation Solution

A low voltage power distribution system that embeds electrical mounting plates and wires within building walls during construction, allowing for concealed power supply to motorized fixtures without external wiring or outlets, using metal sheets as mounting plates connected to a remote transformer for power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If exposed wiring and power supplies are used for motorized shades, then power delivery is reliable, but safety hazards and aesthetic issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety hazardsVSAvoidpower delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful exposed wiring and power supplies from the visible installation area and relocates them to concealed locations within building walls and structures. The power delivery function is maintained through embedded electrical mounting plates and concealed wiring pathways that transmit power reliably to motorized shades without exposing electrical components to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds electrical mounting plates and wiring within the nested structure of building walls and architectural elements. The power distribution system is integrated into the building's existing structure, with electrical components concealed within wall cavities and structural members, creating a nested arrangement where the power delivery system is contained within the building envelope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If exposed wiring and power supplies are used for motorized shades, then power delivery is reliable, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic issuesVSAvoidpower delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes exposed wiring and power supplies from the visible installation area and relocates them to concealed locations within building walls and structures. The power delivery function is maintained through embedded electrical mounting plates and concealed wiring pathways that transmit power reliably to motorized shades without exposing electrical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds electrical mounting plates and wiring within the nested structure of building walls and architectural elements. The power distribution system is integrated into the building's existing structure, with electrical components concealed within wall cavities and structural members, creating a nested arrangement where the power delivery system is contained within the building envelope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If exposed wiring and power supplies are used for motorized shades, then installation is simple, but maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates electrical mounting plates and wiring pathways into the building structure during the initial construction phase. This preliminary action establishes concealed power delivery paths before the building is finished, allowing motorized shades to be installed later without requiring exposed wiring. The embedded infrastructure is prepared in advance, simplifying both installation and future maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If embedded electrical mounting plates are used, then safety and aesthetics are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety hazardsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs electrical mounting plates that serve multiple functions: they provide electrical power delivery, structural mounting surfaces for motorized shades, and concealed integration within building walls. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system despite the embedded installation approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250096544A1Low voltage in-wall power system for motorized shades
Publication Date: 2025.03.20 SMART VOLT LLC
  • US20250096544A1 patent drawing
  • US20250096544A1 patent drawing
  • US20250096544A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A building electrical system provides electrical mounting plates which are embedded inside of building walls and covered by a finishing panel which electrically isolates the electrical mounting plate from the exposed surface of the finishing panel. The electrical mounting plates provide power to low voltage electrical fixtures such as motorized window coverings and allow the fixtures to be mounted and operated without external wiring.