Modular Electrical Wiring Device with Sensor Faceplate
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical wiring devices are costly and dangerous for homeowners to replace, especially when different outlet types are involved, as they often require professional electrician services, and there is a need for modular solutions that simplify installation and integration of sensors for enhanced functionality.
Innovation Solution
The modular electrical wiring device assemblies incorporate a faceplate module and an electrical wiring device module with embedded sensors, featuring a smooth outer surface for easy cleaning and snap-fit connections, allowing for the integration of capacitive or time-of-flight sensors to control electrical devices, enabling users to activate or deactivate loads through touch-sensitive interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrical wiring devices are used, then electrical functionality is provided, but replacement is costly and dangerous requiring professional electricians
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical wiring device is divided into separate modular components: a faceplate module containing sensors and interface, and an electrical wiring device module containing the electrical components. This segmentation allows the faceplate module to be easily replaced or upgraded without disturbing the wired electrical connections, making replacement simple and safe for homeowners while maintaining professional-grade electrical functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are integrated into electrical devices, then enhanced functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated specifically into the faceplate module rather than the electrical wiring device module. This segmentation isolates the sensor functionality to a separate replaceable unit, allowing enhanced functionality through sensor integration while keeping the overall device structure manageable and the electrical components simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The faceplate module serves multiple functions: it provides the user interface, houses various types of sensors (capacitive, time-of-flight, touch), and interfaces with different electrical wiring device modules. This multi-functionality in a single module reduces overall system complexity while achieving enhanced functional versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular design is implemented, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is manufactured as separate modules (faceplate module and electrical wiring device module) that can be independently produced and then assembled together through simple mechanical attachment. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific components, simplifying overall manufacturing while enabling easy assembly and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with mechanical attachment features (such as tabs, slots, or snap-fit connections) enables the modules to be assembled together without requiring specialized tools or complex joining processes. The modules are designed to self-align and secure to each other, reducing manufacturing complexity while improving ease of assembly and installation.
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
This modular design simplifies the replacement and integration of electrical devices, reduces costs by allowing DIY installations, and enhances user control through embedded sensors, providing a safer and more efficient method for managing electrical loads in homes.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a capacitive type sensor
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is a time of flight sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A wiring device assembly is provided. The wiring device assembly has a wiring device module and a wall plate. The wiring device module has an electrical wiring device, a mounting plate and a seal member between the mounting plate and the electrical wiring device. The electrical wiring device is attached to the mounting plate and includes at least one sensor. The wall plate is releasably attachable to the mounting plate. The seal member may be a gasket.