Wall Plate Camera with Pan Tilt Control and Integrated Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical wall plates are cumbersome, unsafe, and lack effective communication capabilities, with inefficient designs that hinder convenient power connection and integration of electronic components like cameras.
Innovation Solution
An electrical wall plate design that securely mounts to an electrical receptacle, incorporating a movably positionable camera with pan and tilt functionality, powered by the electrical device, and equipped with a camera movement control feature accessible via mechanical or electrical signals, along with a power connector and memory storage for image capture and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical wall plates use fasteners and mechanical fit for mounting, then secure mounting is achieved, but the design becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (mounting, power connection, camera integration, communication) into a single integrated wall plate assembly. The face plate integrates mounting screw openings, power connector, camera, and communication features into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure attachment to the electrical receptacle
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components like camera are integrated into the wall plate, then functionality is improved, but the design geometry becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is positioned within a recessed cavity in the face plate, nesting it within the overall wall plate structure. The power connector blades extend from the rear of the wall plate into the electrical receptacle, utilizing the existing receptacle space. This nesting approach allows multiple electronic components to be integrated without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the wall plate
3Ease of operation
If power connector is integrated into the wall plate, then convenient power connection is achieved, but wiring arrangements become unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The power connector uses insulated blade elements that extend from the wall plate to make contact with the electrical receptacle contacts. The insulation coating on the blades acts as an intermediary protective layer, preventing exposed conductors while enabling electrical connection. This approach provides convenient power connection to the camera while maintaining safety through proper insulation
4Adaptability or versatility
If camera movement control feature is added, then communication ability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control feature serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical control interface for camera movement and a communication interface for wireless connectivity. By integrating these functions into a single feature set, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced communication and control capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical wall plate may include one or more of the following features. A face plate comprising at least one electrical device opening extending through the face plate. At least one box mounting screw opening configured to receive at least one box mounting screw to fasten the face plate to an electrical device. A power connector extending in a direction away from the face plate and configured to connect with the electrical device. A camera integrated with the face plate and in electrical connection with the power connector and configured to operate by power obtained from the electrical device when the power connector is connected to the electrical device. A camera movement control feature may comprise externally-engageable components coupled to the face plate and configured to movably position the camera or a camera lens by pan or tilt to point in different directions.