Electrical Wall Plate with Integrated Camera and Power Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical wall plates are cumbersome, unsafe, and lack efficient design geometry and communication capabilities, failing to securely mount to electrical receptacles while incorporating electronic components effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electrical wall plate design featuring a front and rear plate face with symmetric openings, a power connector, and an integrated camera that captures video images when powered by an electrical device, with a printed circuit board and transmitter for image storage and transmission, facilitating secure mounting and efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical wall plates use fasteners like screws or mechanical interlocking components to mount to electrical receptacles, then secure mounting is achieved, but the design becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical fastening system (screws, interlocking components) with an electrical connection system. The power connector integrates both electrical contact and mechanical retention functions, using electrical engagement to achieve secure mounting without separate mechanical fasteners, thereby simplifying the overall mounting mechanism while maintaining reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical wall plates incorporate electronic components like cameras and lights, then additional functionality is achieved, but the wiring arrangement becomes cumbersome and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery function and the data/control signal function into a single integrated power connector. The power transmission conductor serves dual purposes: providing electrical power to electronic components and carrying control signals for communication. This consolidation eliminates separate wiring arrangements for power and control, reducing complexity and improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The power connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a power source for electronic components (camera, light) and a communication interface. The same electrical connection that powers the camera also enables two-way communication between the wall plate and external devices, eliminating the need for separate wiring for power and control functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical wall plates incorporate electronic components, then additional functionality is achieved, but the design geometry becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds electronic components (camera, light, circuit board) within the hollow interior space of the wall plate body. The camera is positioned in a recessed cavity on the front face, while the light and other components are housed inside the main body. This nesting arrangement accommodates electronic functionality without increasing the external dimensions of the wall plate, maintaining a sleek, compact design
4Reliability
If conventional electrical wall plates are designed, then basic receptacle coverage is achieved, but communication ability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-way communication system through the power connector. The processor can send control signals to external devices (camera, smartphone) and receive feedback or captured images in return. This feedback mechanism enables interactive communication functionality while maintaining the basic wall plate structure and receptacle coverage, adding intelligence without compromising structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical wall plate includes at least one electrical device opening extending through the wall plate and a camera electrically connected to a power connector configured to electrically connect to an electrical device, when the electrical wall plate is mounted to the electrical device, and a corresponding of method of capturing video images is provided.