Modular Faceplate Assembly for Safer Outlet Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical wiring devices are difficult for homeowners to replace, as it often requires hiring a professional electrician or poses safety risks when attempted DIY, especially with the increasing variety of outlet types in homes.
Innovation Solution
Modular electrical wiring device assemblies that include a faceplate module with embedded sensors and a wiring device module, allowing for easy integration and control of electrical devices, including USB outlets, with a smooth outer surface for cleaning and featuring capacitive or time-of-flight sensors for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical wiring devices are designed as single integrated units, then reliability and electrical connection stability are improved, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical wiring device is divided into separate modules: a faceplate module containing the outlet apertures and a mounting module containing the electrical connections. This segmentation allows the faceplate to be replaced independently without disturbing the electrical wiring, improving ease of repair while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the modular interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlet types are integrated into a single device, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The faceplate module is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple outlet types (standard electrical outlets, USB outlets, etc.) through standardized aperture configurations. This allows a single base module to support various outlet functionalities without increasing the core structural complexity, as the versatility is achieved through configurable faceplate designs rather than complex internal mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are embedded in the faceplate module, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is integrated into the faceplate module as a separate functional unit rather than being embedded directly into the wall structure. This segmentation allows sensors to be positioned and calibrated during faceplate assembly using standard tolerances, reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to direct wall embedding, while still enabling touch-sensitive and motion-detecting operations.
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 homeowners to replace and control electrical devices safely and efficiently without professional assistance, enhancing usability and safety through embedded sensors and modular design.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor may be a capacitive type sensor
Implementation Method 2
or a time of flight sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A faceplate assembly and a wiring device having the faceplate assembly are provided. The faceplate assembly includes a wall plate, a wiring device interface and at least one sensor. The wiring device interface has a set of electrical contacts positioned on a rear surface of the wiring device interface configured to mate with a set of contacts on the wiring device. The at least one sensor and at least a portion of the wiring device interface are embedded in the wall plate.