Retractable Information Tab for In-Wall Smart Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-wall smart devices pose a challenge as their device-specific information, required for provisioning, pairing, authentication, and communication with wireless networks, becomes inaccessible once they are wall-mounted, making it difficult for users to retrieve this information for configuration changes or later use.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an information tab or panel on the smart device assembly allows users to access device-specific information without removing the device from the wall, with the tab being retractable and accessible through a conventional switch faceplate or bezel, enabling easy viewing of necessary details like MAC addresses, serial numbers, or QR codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the smart device is wall-mounted in a conventional electrical box, then the device is securely installed and protected, but the device-specific information becomes inaccessible to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device-specific information from the main device body and places it on a separate removable tag or label. This tag can be pulled out from the electrical box through a designated opening, allowing users to access the information without needing to open the electrical box or remove the device from the wall. The information is physically separated from the device while remaining associated with it through the tag mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tag or label that serves as a mediator between the device-specific information and the user. This tag acts as a bridge, carrying the necessary information (MAC address, serial number, QR code) outside the electrical box while the device remains securely mounted inside. The tag can be removed and replaced without affecting the device installation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the device-specific information is printed on the device body, then the information is permanently associated with the device, but the information cannot be accessed after wall installation
Solution Approach 1:
The device-specific information is extracted from the device body and transferred to a separate tag or label. This tag is attached to the device in such a way that it can be pulled out through an opening in the electrical box cover, making the information accessible without compromising its permanent association with the device. The tag remains attached to the device but extends outside the enclosure for access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the accessibility problem by adding a spatial dimension - the information is placed on a tag that extends from the three-dimensional space inside the electrical box to the external environment. By creating a physical extension through the box cover opening, the information moves from an inaccessible internal dimension to an accessible external dimension.
3Ease of operation
If users need to access device-specific information for configuration changes or network setup, then proper device provisioning can be achieved, but users must remove the device from the wall or open the electrical box
Solution Approach 1:
The necessary device-specific information is extracted and placed on a removable tag that can be pulled out through an opening in the electrical box cover. This eliminates the need for users to remove the device from the wall or open the electrical box to access information for configuration changes, network setup, or troubleshooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The device-specific information is prepared and attached to the tag during the device installation process itself. This preliminary action ensures that the information is immediately accessible to users when needed for configuration, network provisioning, or future reference, without requiring complex access procedures later.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-wall smart device comprises a smart device assembly or housing mountable on or within a wall or panel; and an information tab or panel displaying thereon smart device specific information in order to provision, pair, authenticate, communicate and/or join a wireless network. The information tab or panel may define (i) a first condition or position where the device specific information is concealed, and (ii) a second condition or position where the device specific information is exposed for viewing.