Magnetic Wall Housing for Removable Home Automation Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions fail to provide a simple and aesthetically pleasing method for integrating home automation devices within walls, particularly in plasterboard structures, while ensuring easy installation and replacement.

Innovation Solution

A housing kit utilizing a magnetic or ferromagnetic plate and shell with adjustable magnets for secure and removable connection, allowing for precise positioning and easy access, along with a closing panel for enhanced aesthetics and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If home automation devices are integrated inside walls using traditional mounting methods, then the devices are securely fixed, but the installation and replacement processes become complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installation and replacementVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical mounting systems (screws, anchors, brackets) with a magnetic mounting system. The magnetic plate fixed inside the wall and magnets on the device housing enable secure attachment through magnetic attraction, eliminating complex mechanical assembly and disassembly operations. This substitution dramatically simplifies installation and replacement processes while maintaining secure fixation.

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

2Reliability

If home automation devices are permanently fixed inside walls, then stable connection is achieved, but device replacement and maintenance become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of device replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the mounting system from a static permanent fixation to a dynamic reversible connection. The magnetic attraction force provides stable connection during normal operation, but allows easy separation when needed by simply pulling the device away from the wall. This dynamic characteristic enables both reliable operation and easy replacement/maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If magnetic mounting system is used for home automation devices, then easy removal and installation is achieved, but the holding force may be insufficient for larger devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of device removalVSAvoidmagnetic holding force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the magnetic mounting system into two separate components: a magnetic plate fixed inside the wall recess and magnets attached to the device housing. This segmentation allows the magnetic plate to be optimally positioned within the wall structure to maximize holding force, while the magnets on the device can be strategically placed and sized according to device weight and dimensions. Multiple magnets can be used to distribute and increase total holding force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Shape

If home automation devices are installed inside walls, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but access to device components and wiring becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic integration with wallVSAvoidaccessibility for installation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a closing panel that can be removed or opened before final device installation. This preliminary action provides wide access to the wall recess for wiring connections and device installation. After installation is complete, the closing panel is reattached to restore the aesthetic appearance of the wall surface, hiding the technical components while maintaining accessibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables straightforward and efficient integration and replacement of home automation devices within walls, maintaining architectural integrity and simplifying installation processes.

Implementation Method 1

the housing shell of the home automation device comprise one or more magnets for the detachable connection of the respective home automation device with at least the aforesaid plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4366101A1Housing kit for home automation devices and integrated home automation device
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 MICRODEVICE
  • EP4366101A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4366101A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4366101A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a housing kit for home automation devices, wherein the aforesaid kit is configured to be mounted and installed inside a hollow space (11) formed inside a wall of a building room or space, wherein the aforesaid kit comprises at least one plate (9) at least partially made of magnetic or ferromagnetic material, and wherein such at least one plate (9) can be fastened within the hollow space (11) of the wall of the room or space, and a home automation device (16, 25, 26) comprising a housing shell (16) for one or more home automation components (25, 26), wherein said home automation device (16, 25, 26) is shaped so that it can be inserted into the hollow space (11), characterised in that said housing shell (16) comprises one or more magnets (18, 19) for the removable connection of said home automation device (16, 25, 26) to at least said at least one plate (9), next to at least one side of said home automation device (16, 25, 26) arranged inside said hollow space (11).