Modular Backplate Wiring Interface for Reconfigurable Electrical Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical wiring systems in commercial or residential buildings are difficult and costly to modify, as they are typically installed during construction and require extensive remodeling for changes, limiting flexibility in responding to changing needs.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with removably couplable cup portions and backplates that allow for interchangeable wiring configurations, enabling easy swapping of device control assemblies and electrical connections without modifying the existing wiring network, along with AI modules for smart home features and wireless power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing electrical wiring systems are installed during construction and secured to support structures, then the wiring system provides stable and reliable electrical connections, but modification of the wiring system becomes difficult and costly requiring extensive remodeling
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components including a backplate assembly that interfaces with the junction box and wiring, and a removable device module. This segmentation allows the wiring connections to remain fixed and reliable in the junction box while the device portion can be easily removed and replaced without affecting the underlying electrical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device control assembly is extracted as a removable component from the fixed wiring system. The backplate remains installed in the junction box maintaining electrical connections, while the device portion can be taken out and replaced independently, enabling system modification without disturbing the stable wiring infrastructure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If electrical wiring is installed during construction phase and covered during finishing phase, then the wiring system provides structural stability and meets building codes, but any modification requires remodeling and refinishing
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the permanently installed backplate assembly (which maintains structural stability within the junction box) from the removable device module. This allows the finished wiring infrastructure to remain undisturbed while enabling easy replacement of device components without remodeling or refinishing work.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplate assembly is pre-installed in the junction box during construction with proper electrical connections established beforehand. This preliminary action creates a permanent, stable interface that accommodates future device replacements without requiring additional construction or finishing work.
3Power
If traditional electrical systems use fixed wiring configurations, then the system provides reliable power delivery, but flexibility in responding to changing needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines fixed electrical connections (providing stable power delivery) with a removable device module (providing dynamic reconfigurability). The device can be easily swapped to adapt to changing needs while the underlying power delivery infrastructure remains reliable and undisturbed.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized backplate interface creates a universal mounting system that can accommodate different device types and configurations. This universality enables flexible adaptation to various needs while maintaining consistent, reliable electrical connections through the common backplate interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods for configurable modular devices are disclosed. For example, a system may be configured for swappable wiring configurations, LED light engine encodings, wireless network health determination and wireless health heatmap generation, wireless power transfer and replaceable batteries, AI modules for switch configurations, and/or the like individually and/or in combination. The system may include a modular control unit with a backplate. The backplate may include a first assembly configured to be fastened to a junction box and a removably couplable cup portion configured to be removably couplable to the first assembly and configured to electrically couple to wires of the junction box. The removably couplable cup portion may include a recess that includes a set of backplate electrical contacts.