Customizable Smart Wall Plate for Wireless IoT Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wall-plates lack functionality beyond aesthetics, failing to provide convenient control surfaces for smart devices that can be controlled wirelessly or through cloud services.
Innovation Solution
A smart wall-plate system with customizable device controls, integrating circuitry on a printed circuit board, that can wirelessly connect with local and remote devices, including IoT devices, and control them through user inputs, automations, and cloud service platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wall-plates are used, then aesthetic coverage is provided, but functionality for smart device control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wall plate is transformed from a purely aesthetic cover into a multi-functional control device that combines decorative coverage with smart device control capabilities, touch interfaces, and wireless communication functions, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wall plate structure with control circuitry, touch-sensitive surfaces, and wireless communication modules into a single integrated device, combining aesthetic coverage and functional control in one unified component
2Ease of operation
If additional control surfaces are added for smart devices, then convenience is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular components including the wall plate, control circuitry, and wireless modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for easier installation and maintenance while providing convenient control surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The wall plate serves as an intermediary device that interfaces between the user and smart devices, providing a convenient local control surface that communicates wirelessly with connected devices, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring direct physical connection
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless connectivity and customization features are integrated, then adaptability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall plate incorporates dynamic features including adjustable control configurations, reconfigurable interfaces, and adaptive wireless connectivity that can be customized through software, allowing the device to adapt to different user needs and scenarios without increasing physical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A smart wall-plate system having customizable device controls to initiate automation functions, routines, actions, activities, or control to be performed by a variety of local or remote devices is disclosed. The smart wall-plate system may be connected directly or indirectly to any number and type of local and remote devices as well as various cloud service platforms and home service hubs or assistants. The local and remote devices can include, for example, lighting devices, smart devices, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. The wall-plate system may receive an input from a user. The wall-plate system or another system in communication with the wall-plate system may determine an instruction corresponding to, or triggered by, the received input. The instruction may specify an automated activity to be performed. In response, the wall-plate system or another system may transmit one or more signals to perform the automated activity.