System for coupling accessories and/or components

A baseplate is attachable to a structure in the vicinity of an electrical power source. Optionally, the baseplate may be shaped so that when attached to the structure, the baseplate lies on at least one edge of an opening. The baseplate may have a plurality of connection points for connecting accessories. In different embodiments, the baseplate or faceplate system (which may be modular) attaches to a junction box, and/or may be installed in an opening for a light switch and/or outlet. Optionally, accessories and/or other electrical components may communicate with one another via the baseplate. Optionally, accessories and/or other electrical components may share power with one another, via the baseplate. Optionally, the accessories, the baseplate and/or other electrical components may communicate with a remote device.

FIELD

This specification generally relates to a system for powering and/or coupling electronic devices and/or accessories.

BACKGROUND

Extension cords are used for plugging and powering various devices, which may each have an adaptor that converts wall voltage to a desired form for use by the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although various embodiments of the invention may have been motivated by various deficiencies with the prior art, which may be discussed or alluded to in one or more places in the specification, the embodiments of the invention do not necessarily address any of these deficiencies. In other words, different embodiments of the invention may address different deficiencies that may be discussed in the specification. Some embodiments may only partially address some deficiencies or just one deficiency that may be discussed in the specification, and some embodiments may not address any of these deficiencies.

Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It is understood that references to number of components and/or gangs whether in schematic representation or text descriptions are presented only as an example reference and that actual embodiments of the invention may be configured for any number of gangs ranging from1to infinity. For this reason, several of the drawings and descriptions may vary in size and number of gangs depicted. A gang refers to a set of switches, sockets, or other electrical or mechanical devices grouped together.

FIG. 1Ashows the front view of an example of system100. System100is mounted in a location, such as with a gang or other opening in a wall, which optionally may have been intended for a light switch or an outlet. The opening in the wall is in the vicinity of one or more electrical cables in the wall and/or an electrical junction box. Alternatively or additionally, system100may be located on another structure and/or near another type of power source. In this specification, the terms junction box, electric box, electrical component, and any other structure that may be in the vicinity of a power source may be substituted for one another to obtain different embodiments. In this specification the terms outlet and electrical receptacle are used interchangeably and the two terms may be substituted one for the other to obtain different embodiments (the term electric component is generic to both the term outlet and the term electrical receptacle (as well as other electrical components)).

System100may adapt (e.g., modify) an opening in the wall for a light switch or outlet for other purposes of use. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1A, system100has a single gang modular baseplate and has a cover plate attached. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1A, cover plate101is fully assembled onto the baseplate with an embodiment of a decorator style light switch102also installed. In this specification, the term light switch and light switch receptacle are used interchangeably and either may be substituted for the other wherever either occurs to obtain different embodiments. Similarly, in this specification, the terms outlet, electric receptacle, and outlet receptacle are used interchangeably and any may be substituted for the other wherever any occurs to obtain different embodiments. In addition, anywhere in the specification where an outlet, light switch or another electric component is disclosed, any of said outlet, light switch, or another electric component may be substituted for the other to obtain different embodiments. While a decorator light switch is depicted, any type of style and design may be used including but not limited to: Toggle switches, Duplex outlets, Rocker switches, decorator switches, decorator outlets, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), dimmers, Rotary switches, any electrical outlet style, and/or any light switch style. While a single gang embodiment is shown inFIG. 1A, any number of styles and gang variations may be used. System100may also include one or more accessories, such as accessories103,104,105, and/or106, which may modularly attach to system100and may be removable from system100. Although many examples of accessories are discussed in this specification, none of the accessories is required—each of the specific accessories discussed are optional.

FIG. 1Bshows the same front view of an embodiment of system100asFIG. 1A, but with the cover plate101(FIG. 1A) removed, revealing baseplate107. In this specification, system100may be referred to as a panel, faceplate, the modular faceplate, the faceplate system, or the modular faceplate system, for example. Baseplate107may serve as a base component for system100. Base plate107may be referred to as a base or a baseplate of accessories. In this specification, the word baseplate is to be understood as a plate that serves as a base or support for other structures. Baseplate107is the base where the modular accessories physically connect and attach. Cover plate101(FIG. 1A) hides the baseplate electronics and seals off high voltage electricity and wiring from being exposed.FIG. 1Bshows accessories103,104,105, and/or106attached to the baseplate107. The types of accessories that can be installed onto system100(which may be a modular faceplate system), and/or attach to the baseplate, is virtually unlimited. As an example, accessory103may be a touch screen, which in the example ofFIG. 1A, attaches at the top position of the baseplate107, but may attach to other portions of the system100, instead. The touch screen device103may have many forms of content including video streams, graphical user interfaces, lighting controls and information, home security controls and information, live TV, music control, and many other forms of visual content. As another accessory example, accessory104may be a USB charger, which in the example ofFIG. 1Ais attached at one of the right-side attachment positions of the baseplate107(but may be attached elsewhere). The USB charger104may have a female (or male) connector located at end108and/or at end109. The connectors at ends108and109may be used for charging a USB device. For example, end108may have a USB TYPE-A connector and end109may have a USB TYPE-C connector (or the reverse, end108may have a USB TYPE-C connector and end109may have a USB TYPE-BA). Both ends108and109of the USB connection points may be used to charge a variety of devices, including but not limited to, cell phones, tablets, laptops, and any other electronic device that is compatible with USB Type-A or Type C connectors. As another example, accessory105may be a speaker, which optionally may be a smart speaker (which optionally may be small) and may include Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth transceivers, receivers, and/or transmitters, which may be built in. Accessory105may be attached at the bottom position of baseplate107. When installed, the speaker105may play music, podcasts, news channels, and many other forms of audio content. As another example, accessory106may be a camera (which optionally may be a smart camera) and optionally may include Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth transceivers, receivers, and/or transmitters. Accessory106may include one or more microphones, which may optionally be built in. Optionally, accessory106may be attached at one of the left side positions (or to another position) of the baseplate107(or elsewhere). While accessories103,104,105, and/or106may depict four examples of accessories, and although accessories103,104,105, and/or106are shown as being installed at four different attachment points of the baseplate107, it is nonetheless possible to install and/or attach any number of accessories. For example, different embodiments or configurations may have only three accessories, only two accessories, only one accessory, or no accessories at all. Additionally, it is possible to install any accessory at any attachment point of the baseplate107. As an example, it is possible to only install the speaker accessory105at the bottom position with no other accessories installed on the baseplate107. As another example, it is possible to only install accessory106(e.g., the camera) at the top position and accessory104(e.g., the USB charger or connector) at the bottom position. In an embodiment, at any time, it is possible to remove one or more accessories and/or change the location at which one or more accessories are installed. System100may include any number of accessories and may include any number of accessories that may protrude from under cover plate101on any side of cover plate101. Any electric component may be an accessory. For example, one of the accessories may be a battery that supplies power to one or more of the other attached accessories and/or electric components, such as in case of a loss of power from the power source.

FIG. 2Ashows baseplate200(which may be an embodiment of baseplate107,FIG. 1A) from the front view, which may be part of system100(which may be a modular faceplate system). In the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, baseplate200may be part of system100, and may be for a single gang modular faceplate system. In an embodiment, removing cover plate101. (FIG. 1A), reveals baseplate200(the cover plate101and the power supply are not depicted inFIG. 2A). In this specification, any place an AC to DC power supply is mentioned, another power supply (e.g., an AC-to-AC power supply) may be substituted to obtain other embodiments. Any power supply in this specification may be an AC-to-AC power supply, AC to DC power supply, or other power supply may be substituted to obtain other embodiments. When the cover plate101(FIG. 1A) and all accessories and electric components (such as light switches or outlets) are removed from system100, the remaining component(s) of the system100may be referred to as a baseplate (which may include baseplate107and/or200).

FIG. 2Bshows an embodiment of the same baseplate200(e.g., a single gang baseplate as shown inFIG. 2A), but in the embodiment ofFIG. 2Bbaseplate200is depicted from a rear perspective.FIG. 2Cshows the same baseplate200, asFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, but inFIG. 2Cbaseplate200is depicted from a front angled perspective view. Fastener couplings201and202(which in the example ofFIGS. 2A-2Care screw hole openings) are used during the installation of the baseplate200to fasten the baseplate200to any electric components desired and fastener couplings201and202(and/or accessories) may fasten both the electric components and the baseplate to an electrical junction box. The term “electric component” may include the combination of electrical hardware and a housing and/or receptacle that house electrical hardware inside. The terms electric component and electrical component are used interchangeably. Examples of electric components include light switches, other switches, outlets, touch screens, controllers, and/or other electric components. The term electric component is also to be understood as being generic to accessories that include electrical hardware and generic to the cover plate (in embodiments in which the cover plate has electrical hardware), for example. The terms “screw hole” and “screw-hole” are used interchangeably. Ordinarily, “screw-hole” is used instead of “screw hole” when it is believed that the readability is improved. In this specification, in any place a screw, screw hole, or other structure related to a screw is mentioned, another fastener may be substituted to obtain another embodiment. For example, a nail, rivet, bolt, peg, or staple, spring may be substituted for any screw to obtain another embodiment. In this specification, any place a screw hole, or other structure related to a screw is mentioned, a receiving area, such as a hole and/or receiving area for nail, rivet, bolt, peg, spring, or staple may be substituted to obtain another embodiment. In this specification, any place a structure related to a screw is mentioned, a corresponding structure of a fastener, such as for nail, rivet, bolt, peg, spring, or staple, may be substituted to obtain another embodiment. If a screw is used, the screw may be a wood screw or a screw that screws into a threaded hole or nut. The electric components may have fastener couplings (e.g., screw-hole openings). The fastener couplings may align with fastener couplings201and202, so that the fastener couplings201and202may be aligned with the fastener couplings of the electric component. The alignment of fastener couplings201and202may be configured to facilitate fastening the baseplate200to the electric component and to a wall, other structure, and/or optionally to the junction box. For example, if fastener coupling201and202and the fastener couplings of the component are screw holes, the screw holes of the baseplate200and the component may be aligned. A single screw may be placed in each of the one or more pairs of aligned screw holes (having one screw hole from baseplate200and one screw hole from the component). Fastener coupling201and202(and their corresponding fastener couplings) may be used to fasten both the electric component and the baseplate at the same time to the wall, a junction box, and/or other structure. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, fastener coupling202has a slightly wider screw hole opening (or other opening that a fastener may engage with) than fastener coupling201. In an embodiment, one screw hole opening may optionally be wider than the other. Having one of the screw-hole openings of fastener couplings201and202wider than the other allows the angle at which baseplate200and/or any attached electric components to be adjusted, so as to be level even if the junction box (or other structure) is uneven or not level. For example, where fastener couplings201and202screw holes of the same size, the user may install the baseplate200and any attached components and find that the appearance is not perfectly level or to their and the orientation may be difficult to correct. Having one or both of the screw hole openings of fastener couplings201and202wider than the other, allows the user to adjust the angle of the baseplate and attached component to the user's liking. Protrusions203and204may increase around the area of the fastener couplings202and201, so that in an embodiment in which fastener couplings202and201are holes, the head of the fastener (which may be the head of a screw) contacts the protrusion and optionally compresses the protrusion slightly. The slight compression of the protrusion creates extra rigidity around the fastener couplings202and201. Optionally, fasteners202and201, and may closely resemble the screw hole openings found on an electrical box.

In an embodiment, regions205and206are regions that may include spacers. Optionally regions205and206have an area that optionally spans the edges of the baseplate200. Optionally, regions205and206may span the top, bottom, right side and/or left side edges (and/or have other locations). For example, regions205and206may include a series of one or more protrusions, which may optionally include depressions between the protrusions, for example, which optionally may form a ribbed pattern. In an embodiment, the depressions in the regions205and206create the deepest points of the baseplate200. In an embodiment, flanges of an electric component, such as a light switch, may rest on regions205and206. Regions205and206lift the electric component away from the wall or other structure to which system100is attached, so as to create a gap via which accessories may be connected to baseplate200. Spacers (in addition to or instead of regions205and206) may be located on any surface that creates that gap, such as the wall, junction box, electric component, and/or cover plate101. Also, optionally any surface opposing a spacer may be flat for the spacer to rest on, may also have spacers, and/or may have depressions for spacers to rest in. For example, alternatively or additionally, flanges of the electric component may have depressions which may rest on protrusions of regions205and206. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the flanges may be on the baseplate200and/or one or more of the regions205and206may be located on an embodiment of an electric component that may have regions205and206. In an embodiment, the flanges and spacers engage one another for added stability. For example, the protrusions and/or depressions of the spacers may interlock and/or fit into the depressions and/or protrusions of the flange, respectively. In an embodiment, the flanges may have spacers in addition to or instead of regions205and206, (whether the flanges are on the electric component or baseplate200). In an embodiment, as a result of the protrusions (e.g., surrounding the depressions), regions205and206effectively act as spacer elements, which create additional depth from the flanges of the electric component and the wall. The protrusions effectively move the electric components further away from the wall than without (or than would be possible than without) the regions205and206on baseplate200. In addition, in an embodiment, the regions205and206hover over the wall cut out for the electrical box (or other structure), and because the regions205and206hover over the wall cut out for the electrical box, the extra depth of spacers206and205offer increased rigidity for the entire baseplate200. The ribbed protrusions depicted in regions205and206may also aid in heat dissipation for the electrical components and may aid in better manufacturing performance with injection molding. While ribbed protrusions are depicted in regions205and206, the ribbed protrusions are not required. The ribbed protrusions may also take many other design forms.

In an embodiment, fireguards207and208may be walls (or lips or guards) that surround the region where the power source is located. Optionally, fireguards207and208may span the entire inside cut out edge of the baseplate and match the depth created by regions205and206, in order to provide increased support for electric component flanges. Additionally, fireguards207and208may have a higher depth than the exterior edges226of the baseplate200. Because of fireguards207and208, when the cover plate is attached to the baseplate200, the combination of regions205and206, and/or fireguards207and208create a wall structure that protects against fire. The wall structure that protects against fire (created by the combination of regions205and206, and/or fireguards207and208) keeps electrical arcs (e.g., from high voltage Alternating Current (AC) wires) from escaping the electric junction box inside of the wall and keeps sparks from escaping the electric junction box inside of the wall. Additionally, the firewall like structure formed by fireguards207and208and/or regions205and206also keep high voltage AC wires and potential electric arcs and sparks firewalled away from the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and Direct Current (DC) power components and any attached accessories. Optionally, fireguards207and208may be spacers and/or regions205and206may be replaced with just fireguards. Although in many of the embodiments throughout this specification, one or more PCBs may be used, the PCBs are optional. Free-floating insulated wires may be used instead of PCBs. Optionally, the wires may be secured to another board instead of (or in addition to) having wires printed on a board or secured to the baseplate (or other structures, such as a cover plate) directly. Optionally, the wires may be printed directly onto the baseplate200, without usage of a second board, such as a PCB or other board.

Cutouts209may include one or more cutouts from fireguard207and/or208, and/or regions205and/or206, which may allow wires and/or connectors to cross fireguard207and/or208, and/or regions205and/or206and attach to components on the baseplate200. For example, the wires may connect to the PCB traces228found on the PCB227(FIG. 2C) of the baseplate200.

Cover plate fasteners210,211,212and/or213fasten the cover plate to baseplate200. Cover plate fasteners210,211,212and/or213optionally may be protrusions that are optionally extended in length, which may be used to align and/or attach the cover plate101to baseplate200in order to firmly attach and secure the cover plate to the baseplate200. Cover plate fasteners210,211,212, and/or213may optionally press against inner walls of the cover plate101. Cover plate fasteners210,211,212, and/or213may engage detents, clips, and/or depressions on the cover plate and optionally baseplate200may snap to the cover plate and/or form a friction fit holding the cover plate to the baseplate200. In other embodiments, cover plate fasteners210,211,212, and/or213may be located in other locations and/or have different shapes.

Circuit support fasteners214,215,216, and/or217fasten a circuit support to baseplate200. Circuit support fasteners214,215,216, and/or217may be circular protrusions, which may be used in order to fit the PCB227firmly into place onto the baseplate200. Circuit support fasteners214,215,216, and/or217may be hot stamped and/or glued into place to further secure the PCB227firmly into place on baseplate200.

The embodiments of baseplate200depicted inFIG. 2A,FIG. 2B, andFIG. 2C, may include accessory attachment points218,219,220,221,222,223,224, and/or225and may be used for attaching accessories, such as103,104,105, and/or106. In an embodiment, attachment point218may be located at the top of baseplate200, attachment points219,220, and/or221may be located on the right side of baseplate200. Attachment point222may be located at the bottom of baseplate200. Attachment point223,224, and/or225may be located at positions on the left of baseplate200. While eight accessory attachment points are depicted inFIGS. 2A-C, any number of accessory attachment points may be present (and may be varied). For example, two gang, three gang, four gang and other gang styles of system100and baseplates may contain additional accessory attachment points. Likewise, as an additional example, single gang, two gang, three gang, four gang, or any number of gangs and/or other style of system100and baseplate may contain less than 8 accessory attachment points. In an embodiment, each of accessory attachment points218,219,220,221,222,223,224, and/or225has two circular openings depicted which represent the area where optionally two independent screws can be installed to support the installed accessory firmly in place. For example, each of attachment points218,219,220,221,222,223,224, and/or225may include a raised surface surrounding a hole and/or opening. For example, if a speaker accessory is attached at the attachment position222, there may be a screw fastened at each of the two screw holes openings to secure the speaker accessory firmly into place. A purposeful, functional, and design element of system100is that the spacing between each screw hole opening at the attachment points is the same. In an embodiment, the spacing between each screw hole allows attachment points to share the same screw-hole openings from other attachment points whenever three or more screw-hole openings are present together. For example, notice that attachment point224shares one of the screw-hole openings from both the225and223attachment points. Likewise, attachment point220shares one of the screw-hole openings from both the221and219attachment points. The front side of every attachment point, as depicted inFIG. 2AandFIG. 2C, have a raised protrusion surrounding the screw hole opening which serves as extra depth for threading the screw into the attachment point screw hole opening. In an embodiment, adjacent attachment points do not necessarily share a connection hole (and optionally no connection points share a hole). In another embodiment, attachments may include attachment points that have fewer than or more than two holes. The holes of the attachment point may be screw holes. In another embodiment, attachment points may include other types of couplings other than holes, such as posts, clasps, snaps, clips, springs, and/or buttons, for example.

Optionally, the backside of the baseplate has cutouts (or depressions) under each, and surrounding each of the screw hole openings (or other fasteners), which optionally match the mating protrusions of the accessory being attached. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2B, cutouts are located in each of attachment points218,219,220,221,222,223,224, and/or225inFIG. 2Band on the top and side of attachment points218,223,224, and225, as can also be seen in the perspective view ofFIG. 2C.

The cutouts of attachment points218,219,220,221,222,223,224cut away varying amounts of the structure of baseplate200in order to make room for the accessory attachment.

On the backside and center of each attachment point of the baseplate200, there are sections229,230,231,232,233,234,235, and236(seeFIG. 2B) that are completely removed in order to expose sections of the PCB227(FIG. 2C) that is installed on the front side of the baseplate200. Sections229,230,231,232,233,234,235, and236may be small rectangular sections, via which traces or connectors of the PCB may be exposed. Furthermore, the PCB227is further exposed via a recess located further in from the small rectangular sections. The exposed PCB traces located at each accessory attachment point can be used to transfer power and/or data signals from the baseplate PCB to and from attached accessories103,104,105, and/or106, to other attached accessories and/or to the power supply and/or electric components that are attached onto the baseplate200. Although in some examples discussed in this specification data is transferred electronically, in other embodiments data may be transferred optically (e.g., by fiber optic cables), sonically, and/or by radio waves. Any place that data transfer it mentioned (e.g., for indicating the maximum current of an accessory or for communications between accessories and/or between the accessories and power requirement detector), the data transfer may be performed optically (e.g., by fiber optic cables), sonically, and/or by radio waves. The baseplate200(and any corresponding cover plate101) may be installed in the orientation depicted or can be turned 180 degrees so that the bottom attachment point222becomes the top attachment point instead of attachment point218. Likewise, baseplate200(and any corresponding cover plate101) may be installed onto electrical boxes that are rotated in any direction. It is only necessary to have fastener couplings201and202align with the electrical box found inside of the wall.

FIG. 3depicts a single gang modular embodiment300(of system100in an exploded state from a side perspective view.

Opening301may be an opening designed for a single gang light switch installation. Electrical box302may be located inside of the wall. Screw-hole303is the top screw hole of the electrical box while bottom screw hole304is the bottom screw hole opening of the electrical box.

Electrical box302may be a junction box, which may include screw hole openings303and304and may be located inside of the walls of buildings (or other structure) wherever an electric receptacle or electrical junction is present. Power supply305may include an AC to DC power converter that can be used as a method for supplying DC current to the baseplate307and may reside inside of the electrical box302when installed. High voltage AC input wires342may be located inside of electrical box302. High voltage AC wires342found inside of the wall and electrical junction box can be split using a wire nut in order to supply an additional pair of wires for the input of the AC power supply. In an embodiment, any electric wiring configuration may be unaffected by system100and may be installed in a manner compatible with preexisting high voltage AC wires. Output DC wires306carry electricity from power supply305. In an embodiment, output DC wires306may include data communication wires. The output DC wires306may connect directly to board310. DC power from the output of the AC to DC power supply may then be distributed by the baseplate PCB to the accessory attachment points. Data wires, when present from the power supply305, can be used to communicate, through the PCB310, the available power for the attached accessories to use. The data wires from the power supply can also be used to determine if another power source is present. The use of the data wires from the power supply is virtually unlimited and the above embodiments are simply examples. Baseplate307may be part of system100(ofFIGS. 1A-3) without the PCB310, cover plate314or any accessories attached. Baseplate307component may be referred to as the base, because baseplate307serves as the base for the PCB310, electrical component311, cover plate314, and serves as the base component that accessories attach to (not depicted here). Baseplate307may be an embodiment of baseplate200(ofFIGS. 2A-2C). Board310may be the PCB component of system100and/or may be PCB227. Board310component is designed to be part of the baseplate307and may facilitate distributing the DC power to each of the accessory attachment points, via electrical conductors which may be exposed power line traces printed onto board310. Additionally, board310may include conductors (which may be printed onto board310, e.g., as data traces) that can be used for transmitting power and/or data communication between the AC-to-DC power supply305, any attached accessories, component311, any light switches present on the baseplate, and/or any other attached electrical components on the baseplate307. In other words, the board310serves as a power distribution relay and data communication relay, which distributes and/or relays power and/or data, between power supply305and any component that makes purposeful contact with board310. The shape of the board310is designed to fit the size and design (e.g., the shape) and the attachment points of the configured baseplate307. While a single gang baseplate with 8 attachment points and corresponding board310is depicted inFIG. 3as baseplate307, the shape of board310may change according to the number of attachment points and/or the size of the baseplate307and/or number of gangs on the baseplate307. In other embodiments, board310may have a built-in processor, wireless communication module, memory, power supply and/or other electronic device and/or components built-in. Having other components built-in into board310, allows board310to share, distribute, and/or relay functions of the built-in components to other accessories and/or electrical components that are attached to board310.

Component311may be an electric light switch, which may be in the decorator style. Likewise, while a decorator light switch component is depicted here, component311may be any electric component or any light switch with any design (or optionally there may be no electric component or light switch at all). Fasteners312and313may be used to install the component311onto the baseplate307and into the electrical box302. If fasteners312and313are screws, fasteners312and313may fit in and/or screw into the screw-hole openings labeled304and303. Plate314may be a cover plate. When installed, plate314may attach firmly onto the baseplate307. Although plate314depicted here is in the style of decorator style, so that plate314fits around a decorator style light switch (which is an example of component311), another style may be used instead. The cover plate opening can be in any style or shape desired, including, but not limited to, decorator style, duplex style, toggle switch style, any custom design style or have no component or light switch opening at all. Plate314is designed in such a way that the plate314does not contact the wall when fully installed, so as to not interfere with the attachment of accessories that may be installed onto baseplate307. When fully installed, the plate314may appear as though it is floating slightly away from the wall (because plate314does not touch the wall). When the system100is fully assembled and installed with no accessories attached to plate314, the appearance may resemble a traditional faceplate (except that plate314may appear to float off the wall).

An embodiment of the installation steps for the system100depicted inFIG. 3may be as follows: First, the breaker relating to the desired installation location may be turned off. The installer may proceed to connect the AC wires to the input side of the AC to DC power supply305, via a wire nut, another fastener, or by any means that allows the AC wires to contact the relevant AC input wires of the power supply in a safe manner. Next, the installer may attach the DC output wires and any data communication wires (that may be present) (which may come from the power supply) to the board310at a designated connection point. The installer may then place the AC to DC power supply305into the electrical box302and tuck the wires inside of the electrical box302. Next, the installer may align the electrical component311(if present) and align the screw-hole openings found on the top and bottom of the flanges315and316of component311and align them with the screw hole openings309and308, respectively, found on the baseplate307. Next, the baseplate307(which has the board310attached to it) and any corresponding electrical components and/or light switches may be aligned, so that the screw hole openings308and309of the baseplate307may be aligned with the screw hole openings303and304of the electrical box302. Also, any screw hole openings on flanges315and316of component311may be aligned with the screw hole openings303and304of the electrical box302. Once aligned, the top screw313may be inserted through any of the screw-hole openings of flange316present on the top flange of component311and through the screw hole opening308on the top of baseplate307and screwed into the screw hole opening303on the top of the electrical box302. Next, the bottom screw312can be inserted through any screw-hole openings of flange315that are present on the bottom flange of component311(e.g., a light switch) and through the opening of screw-hole309at the bottom baseplate307and screwed into the screw-hole opening304at the bottom of electrical box302. At this point, any accessories desired to be attached to the baseplate307, may be installed onto any of the attachment positions of the baseplate307. The installer may choose to not attach any accessories at all, as depicted by the absence of any accessories inFIG. 3. Finally, the cover plate314may be firmly pressed into place by pressing the cover plate firmly over the four corners of baseplate307until an audible clicking is heard from each of the four corners, for example. In an embodiment, an audible clicking may be used to indicate that the cover plate is grabbing and/or engaging the attachment points and being secured in place.

FIG. 4Ashows a single gang system401from a zoomed in front view with the PCB (which may connect to PCB227or board310) and cover plate removed and with a speaker accessory402not yet attached to the bottom position403of system401(which may be included in an embodiment of system100). System401may be a baseplate.FIG. 4Bshows the same system401asFIG. 4A, except that in the embodiment ofFIG. 4Bthe speaker accessory is attached. Likewise,FIG. 4Dshows an embodiment of the same single gang system401with an embodiment of the same speaker accessory402not yet attached to the bottom position403of system401, but the view is depicted from the rear perspective. Likewise,FIG. 4Cdepicts the same features asFIG. 4B, but from a rear-view perspective.FIG. 4Ddepicts the same features ofFIG. 4A, but from a rear-view perspective. Note that the baseplate of system401and accessories in4A,4B,4C, and4D show only specific areas related to the aforementioned description. When the baseplate of the system401is shown without the cover plate, it can be referred to as the baseplate (or base) of system401. Cutout404may be rectangular shaped (or another shape) and may be a full cut out from the bottom attachment position of the baseplate. A smaller optionally rectangular recess405may be present slightly above the full cutout404. In an embodiment, the combination of cutout404and recess405allow for contact from an attachment point408(which may include PCB) of accessory402, to be exposed to the PCB of the system401. In an embodiment, the outline of the accessory attachment point408includes two distinct sets of contacts407and406. Contacts407are a pair of contacts on the accessory attachment point408(which may include PCB), which are used for the transfer of DC current from the PCB (or other structure on which wiring is attached) of the system401in order to power the electronic components present inside of the speaker accessory402. Contact406depict several contact points on the accessory attachment point PCB408which can be used for any form of electronic communication when it fully contacts the corresponding traces (or other electrical conductors) on the PCB. While many contact points are depicted as contacts406, any number of contact points may be present, or no contact points may be present at all. Likewise, although two contact points are present in contacts407of the embodiment ofFIG. 4, any number of contact points may be present, or no contact points may be present at all. When the accessory402is fully installed onto the system401, the contact points of the accessory PCB attachment points shown in contacts406and407may be exposed in the cutout area404and recess area405of the system401. Protrusions409and410may be raised protrusions on the connection points (of the speaker accessory) with a circular cutout in each protrusion409and410, which is designed for secure installation when screws are used to attach the accessory onto the baseplate. In an embodiment, protrusions409and410and the circular cutouts within protrusions409and410mate exactly with the protrusions411and412of the baseplate of system401. Together protrusions409and410can securely be installed into the protrusions of411and412. When an accessory is fully inserted into an attachment position of the system401(such as when accessory402is installed onto the bottom attachment point403of system401) screw hole openings413and414can be used to fasten the attached accessory firmly into place. While the bottom attachment point403of the baseplate is shown with a speaker accessory402installed, any type of accessory may be installed onto any of the available attachment positions of the baseplate.

FIG. 5shows an example of a dual gang system501(which may be included in an embodiment of system100). When the cover plate is not attached to the base of the modular faceplate system, the base may also be referred to as the baseplate. Smart speaker502may be attached at one of the bottom mount point positions503of the baseplate. Two light switches504and505are installed onto the baseplate of dual gang system501.

FIG. 6shows an exploded view of an example of the components that were depicted inFIG. 5(which may be included in an embodiment of system100).601depicts a wall with a cutout for a dual gang electrical junction box602. The electrical junction box may include 4 screw hole openings603,604,605, and/or606. An AC to DC power supply607may reside inside of the electrical box602. High voltage AC wires608may connect to the input of the AC to DC power supply607. Wires609attach to the output section of the AC to DC power supply607, which may be used to supply DC power and may include wires that may be used as data communication wires that connect to the PCB611of the baseplate610. Baseplate610may be and/or may include a plate that supports electrical wiring for carrying data and power. PCB611may attach to the baseplate610.612and613may be a pair of electric light switches. Openings624,625,626, and627may be screw-hole openings on the light switch flanges. Screws614,615,616, and617depict four installation screws (which may be replaced by other fasteners) that may fasten the light switches613and612. Screws614,615,616, and617may be inserted through the light switch electric component flange screw hole openings624,625,626, and/or627, through the baseplate screw hole openings628,629,630, and/or631, and into the electrical box screw hole openings603,604,605, and/or606. When the screws are fully threaded and fastened into place, the light switches612and613, and baseplate610, may be secured onto the electrical junction box602and the baseplate may be pressed tightly onto the wall601. Accessory618may be a smart speaker accessory that can be installed onto the baseplate610. Openings620and619may be screw-hole openings and may include brass inserts into which two installation screws may be fastened. Screws622and621may be installation screws that fasten through openings620and619and attach onto the attachment position628for the accessory located on the bottom of the baseplate, as depicted. Cover plate623installs over and protects the baseplate610.

FIG. 7shows a fully assembled dual gang system701(which may be included in an embodiment of system100) with an electric outlet in the decorator style704, a light switch in the decorator style705, and a camera accessory703attached at one of the top attachment points of the system100.FIG. 7also shows dual gang system701having a presence sensor accessory702attached at one of the bottom attachment points of the system701. The camera accessory703further depicts a camera lens and sensor707and a microphone and speaker opening706for the microphone and speaker found inside of the camera accessory703. The presence sensor accessory702further depicts a lens and sensor708, which is used by an internal passive infrared sensor (PIR) and light sensor. The PIR sensor can be used to detect motion. Throughout this specification, the PIR sensors can be replaced with other motion detectors to obtain different embodiments. The internal light sensor can sense ambient room brightness levels. The presence sensor702may include light709which may be Red, Green, and/or Blue Light Emitting Diodes (RGB LEDs) present along the bottom of the accessory. RGB LEDs are just one example of lights that may be used. LED or other lights of other colors may also be used. For example, red, yellow, and green may be used instead of red, green, and blue. Because both installed camera accessory703and presence sensor accessory702are connected onto the same system701, camera accessory703and presence sensor accessory702have the ability to share communication through the PCB present on the baseplate of the dual gang system701(for example). Alternatively, or additionally, different accessories may be capable of being communicatively coupled to one another directly, such as by wired connectors, plugin connectors, and/or by wireless communications. Alternatively, or additionally, accessories may be communicatively coupled with devices that are not attached to the system701or any similar modular panel. For example, one or more of the accessories may control, may be controlled by, and/or communicate with a security system, which may be a security system of a house or a building. Sharing communications between accessories allows two or more accessories to share functionality and/or sensor data from each other that may not otherwise be possible by each independent accessory on its own. For example, if the presence sensor accessory702detects motion, via its PIR sensor708, presence sensor accessory702may relay data communication about the detected movement to the camera accessory703by way of the baseplate's PCB. The camera accessory703can be configured to perform certain actions when data communication is received by the presence sensor accessory702. For example, the camera accessory703may be configured to only record video when a motion event is detected by the presence sensor702and data communication about that event is sent to the camera accessory703. As another example, the camera accessory703may include an internal microphone and may detect a series of noises that resemble human voices, via its internal microphone. The camera accessory703could be configured to relay data communication events to the presence sensor702when human voices are heard, which when received by the presence sensor702, may cause the presence sensor702to emit light (or emit another alert). Although in the discussion ofFIG. 7just two examples are given of how two separate accessories may work together to provide additional functionality and features that may not otherwise be possible if only one of the accessories were present.

FIG. 8depicts a baseplate801with a touch screen accessory806installed on the top accessory attachment position and a speaker accessory802attached at the bottom accessory attachment position (which may be included in an embodiment of system100). Component813may be a light switch installed onto the baseplate801. Controls803,804, and/or805may be used to control the sound output of the speaker accessory802. As an example, control803may be a volume up button and may be used to turn up the sound output of the speaker802. As another example, control804may be a mute button and can be used to mute the sound output of the speaker802. As another example, control805may be a volume down button and may be used to turn down the sound output of the speaker802. Two or more accessories that are attached on the same baseplate may be set up so as to work together to provide additional user experiences that may not be independently possible on their own. For example, the touch screen accessory806may display a graphical user interface that corresponds to music playing from the attached speaker accessory802(or a remote speaker). Screen807may include a picture area that may represent a photo of the artist or album that is currently playing from the speaker accessory. Control808may be a “next track” button that may, when touched, cause the speaker accessory to play the next track in a queue. Likewise, control809may be a “previous track” button that may, when touched, cause the speaker accessory to play the previous track in the queue. Volume display812may be a graphical representation of the current volume level of the speaker accessory. In an embodiment, if a user pressed the volume up button803on the speaker accessory802, the graphical element on the touch screen806may optionally update to indicate that the volume level has changed. In an embodiment, volume up810and/or volume down811may be graphical representations found on the touch screen elements which when activated (e.g., pressed) may cause the volume level of the speaker accessory to go up or down, respectively. Music play back is just one example of how the smart speaker accessory802and touch screen accessory806may work together. Many other examples, including those not related to music playback and control may also be implemented with touch screen accessory806. While a touch screen and a speaker accessory are depicted, they are only given as an example. Any number of accessories and type of accessories may be present and may offer various additional user experiences that may not be independently possible on their own. Examples of the types of accessories that may be present may include speakers, cameras, touch screen devices, visual displays, lighting, motion sensors, additional buttons, finger print sensors, bar code scanners, batteries, smoke detectors, CO2sensors, temperature sensors, fragrance dispensers, microphones, and/or lighting control devices. Some more examples of types of accessories that may be present may include Wi-Fi access points, repeaters, cover plates, touch cover plates, voice assistants, timers, any electronic device, and/or any non-electronic device. The baseplate PCB may be a unifying element that allows attached accessories to relay digital communication and power to and from each other. It should be noted that while the baseplate may be used as a relay, the accessories may also communicate with each other via other wireless communication means.

FIG. 9Adepicts an embodiment of an electric component901from a front view in its fully assembled state, along with a cover plate installed904and a touch screen accessory902attached at the top and a presence sensor accessory903attached at the bottom (which may be included in an embodiment of system100). The touch screen accessory902and presence sensor accessory903may be embodiments f presence sensor accessory702and touch screen accessory806.

FIG. 9Bdepicts the same embodiment asFIG. 9A, but with the cover plate904removed exposing the electric component flanges and Accessory Attachment Modules (AAMs)904. The electric component functions as a normal electrified outlet as found in homes/buildings today, but include additional attachment elements on the top and bottom flanges which allow for Accessory Attachment Modules904(AAMs) to be installed. When the AAMs904are installed, a user could install accessories like the touch screen accessory902and presence sensor903as depicted inFIG. 9AandFIG. 9B. While two accessories902and903are shown with two AAMs904any number of accessories and AAMs904may be present. If the AAMs904are not installed, an embodiment of an electric component901may be installed with a baseplate. Optionally, electric component901may provide Direct Current (DC) power to the baseplate. Additionally, when the AAMs904are not installed a user may install an embodiment of an electric receptacle as a normal electric receptacle with no additional features.

FIG. 10Adepicts an embodiment of a light switch1001from a front view in its fully assembled state, along with a cover plate installed1005and a touch screen accessory1002attached at the top and a presence sensor accessory1003attached at the bottom (which may be included in an embodiment of system100). The accessories are the same embodiments as shown to work with the baseplate and an embodiment of an electric component.FIG. 10Bdepicts the same embodiment asFIG. 10A, but with the cover plate1005removed exposing the light switch flanges and Accessory Attachment Modules1004. The light switch functions as a normal light switch as may be found in homes/buildings today used to control lighting or fans etc., but include additional attachment elements on the top and bottom flanges which allow for Accessory Attachment Modules1004(AAMs) to be installed. When the AAMs1004are installed, a user could install accessories, like the touch screen accessory1002and presence sensor1003, as depicted inFIG. 10AandFIG. 10B. While two accessories1002and1003are shown with two AAMs1004any number of accessories and AAMs1004may be present. If the AAMs1004are not installed, an embodiment of a light switch1001may be installed with a baseplate. Optionally, light switch1001may provide Direct Current DC power to the baseplate (e.g., instead of the AAMs). Additionally, when the AAMs1004are not installed a user may install an embodiment of a light switch as a normal light switch for controlling lighting, fans etc. with no additional features or accessory attachment features.

FIG. 11Ashows an embodiment of a light switch from a front view (which may be included in an embodiment of system100).FIG. 11Bshows the same light switch from a side view.FIG. 11Cshows the same light switch from a rear view.1100may be the flanges that surround the entire front body of the light switch. The appearance of the flange is identical to an embodiment of an electric component.1101may be the two spots where the flange of the light switch can be secured onto a junction box. The location of the1101may be exactly in the same location as traditional light switch products, as to ensure that installation may be possible into homes and buildings using preexisting standards.1103may be an opening in the flange1100that exposes the front side of the PCB located behind the flange. This exposed section of PCB contains traces which can be used by an embodiment of a touch cover plate if desired.1103is depicted on the top and bottom of the flange but various embodiments of a light switch may have only one or no openings at all.1104may be various screw-hole openings that can be used to attach a cover plate or traditional faceplate. The center of the three screw hole openings shown in1104on the top and bottom flange comply with standards for available faceplates that attach to light switches and electric components. The other screw hole openings shown in1104(on the left and right) are present for attaching non industry standard faceplates or cover plates which are designed exclusively for use with an embodiment of a light switch.1109may be the Accessory Attachment Module (AAM) and is depicted installed onto an embodiment of a light switch at the top and bottom positions of the flange1100.1105may be an accessory attachment position which can be used to install additional accessories, for example, a speaker accessory, or a presence sensor accessory.1106may be the PCB present on the AAM which attached accessory circuitry may contact in order to obtain and provide data signals and/or electric current. The opposite side of the AAM PCB contacts the PCB located at the top and bottom positions of an embodiment of a light switch's flange. When contact is made, data communication, and/or power are relayed from the internal circuitry of an embodiment of a light switch and passes through the AAM PCB and to any attached accessory. If the AAM is not installed, the PCB and any relating connectors of the light switch may be exposed, which can be used to mate with the baseplate PCB in order to relay power and/or data communication from an embodiment of a light switch to the baseplate and any attached accessories of the baseplate. Additionally, when the AAM is not present, the exposed circuitry of an embodiment of a light switch may be removed in order to use the light switch as a traditional light switch with no additional features.1107may be a raised protrusion on the AAM1109which mates with a recess found on the light switch flange.1108may be the physical switch of the light switch in the style of decorator style. While decorator is shown here, any style may be present.1110may be the High Voltage Alternative Current (AC) wires that are typically present on a light switch and connect to high voltage wiring found in most buildings. These wires may include a Ground, Hot, Neutral and Load wire. Likewise,1111may be screws where high voltage wiring can be connected.1112may be the enclosure where the internal circuitry of an embodiment of a light switch is present. Internal circuitry includes circuitry common to light switches that exist today, in addition to an AC to DC power supply that can be used to supply DC current to attached accessories, via installed AAMs1004or to baseplates where an embodiment of a light switch is installed. Additional circuitry may be present inside of an embodiment of a light switch enclosure1112including, but not limited to, processors, wireless communication modules that support common standards like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and/or any other circuitry. While a system with a removable AAM is described above, an embodiment of this invention may be a permanently attached AAM system which may effectively give an embodiment of a light switch permanent accessory attachment points on the flange.

FIG. 12Ashows an Accessory Attachment Module (AAM) from a front view (which may be included in an embodiment of system100).FIG. 12Bshows the same AAM from a rear view.FIG. 12Cshows the same AAM from the top view.1200shows a wide screw hole opening for the screw that is used to secure an embodiment of a light switch or an embodiment of an electric component to the junction box. The screw hole opening is wider than the area needed for just a screw. The extra space is for adjustment of the entire system in case the junction box or wall opening is not level or crooked by allowing the user to adjust the angle of the system to their liking. Openings1201may be screw-hole openings used to attach the AAM to the flanges of an embodiment of a light switch or electric component.1202and1203depict traces on the PCB board1204of the AAM.1202depict wider traces to accommodate direct current electricity from an embodiment of an electric component or an embodiment of a light switch while1203may be several much smaller traces for the purpose of data communication from or to an embodiment of an electric component or an embodiment of a light switch. Protrusion1205may be a protruding body that is used to align and mate with cutouts of an embodiment of a light switch or an embodiment of an electric component. This protrusion helps secure the AAM.1206may be an accessory attachment point. In an embodiment, the accessory attachment point is the same as the accessory attachment points found on the baseplate. Electrical connections1207and1208may be traces on the AAM PCB that are used to mate and connect with any attached accessory. Electrical connection1208is shown with dashes onFIG. 12B, as it is not visible from the rear view. In an embodiment, the structure illustrated byFIG. 12Cincludes a deeper concave opening design for the deep connection of an accessory.

FIG. 13Ashows an embodiment of an electric component from a front angled perspective view with Accessory Attachment Module removed and shown in an exploded view (which may be included in an embodiment of system100).FIG. 13Bshows the same electric component and AAM ofFIG. 13A, but from a rear side exploded view. While an electric component and AAM are shown inFIG. 13A, embodiments of a light switch and the embodiment of the depicted electric component may be the same, which in this embodiment, effectively makes the rear angled perspective view ofFIG. 13Ban exact depiction for the rear view of an embodiment of the light switch ofFIGS. 11A, B and C. Front face1300may be the front face of an embodiment of an electric component with receiving plug openings, which is adapted for use in North America. Flanges1301may be flanges that may surround the entire front body of the electric component ofFIGS. 13A and 13B. In an embodiment, the appearance of the flange1301is identical in the views ofFIGS. 13Aand B. Spots1303may be the two (or more) spots where the flange of the electric component can be secured onto a junction box. The location of the spots1303may be exactly in the same location (within a predetermined tolerance) as traditional electric component products, as to ensure that it can be installed into homes and buildings using preexisting standards (or may be elsewhere). Opening1306may be an opening in the flange1301that exposes the front side of the PCB located behind the flange. This exposed section of PCB may be electrical connectors (e.g., traces), which can be used by an embodiment of a touch cover plate if desired. Although openings1306are depicted on the top and bottom of the flange, in various other embodiments of the electric component there may only be one or no openings. Openings1305may be various screw-hole openings that can be used to attach a cover plate or traditional faceplate. In an embodiment, the center of the three screw-hole openings1305may be adapted for available faceplates to attach to light switches and electric components. The other screw hole openings1305(to the left and right) are present for attaching non industry standard faceplates or cover plates which are designed exclusively for use with an embodiment of an electric component or light switch.1308may be the Accessory Attachment Module (AAM) and both are depicted in an exploded state in order to show how connection with the flange of an embodiment of a light switch and an embodiment of an electric component is made. In order to install the AAM, the screws depicted in1304can be used to install through an embodiment of an electric component or an embodiment of a light switch flange and into the screw hole opening on the AAM shown via1310. The AAM shown inFIGS. 13A, and B andFIGS. 11A, B, and C may be the same embodiments except rotated 180 degrees in order to fit either the top flange or bottom flange positions.1312show the PCB of the AAM.1313shows traces exposed on the PCB1312for the purpose of makings electrical connections with the PCB of an embodiment of a light switch or an embodiment of an electrical component. The PCB of1312is also shown in the rear view inFIG. 13Bwith another area of exposed PCB traces. The rear-view exposed traces are used for contacting any attached accessory circuitry.1314represent the accessory attachment points of the AAM.1316may be the High Voltage Alternative Current (AC) wires that are typically present on an electric component and connect to high voltage wiring found in most buildings. These wires may include a Ground, Hot, Neutral and Load wire. Likewise,1315may be screws where high voltage wiring can be connected.1302may be the enclosure where the internal circuitry of an embodiment of an electric component is present. The internal circuitry may include circuitry common to electric components that exist today, in addition to an AC to DC power supply that can be used to supply DC current to attached accessories, via installed AAMs, or to baseplates where an embodiment of an electric component is installed. Additional circuitry may be present inside of the embodiment of the electric component enclosure1302including, but not limited to, processors, wireless communication modules that support common standards like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or any other circuitry. In an embodiment, while a system with a removable AAM is described above, an embodiment of this invention may include a permanently attached AAM system, which may effectively give this embodiment of the electric component permanent accessory attachment points on the flange.1317may be the PCB present on the flange of an embodiment of an electric component and light switch component an exposed connection point is depicted on the PCB for the purpose of making contact with an AAM1308or with a baseplate. When a connection with an AAM is made, the exposed PCB connection point can transfer power and data communication to the AAM. The AAM PCB can then make power and data available to any attached accessory on the AAM. If the AAM is not installed on the flanges, the exposed connection point of the PCB1317of an embodiment of a light switch flanges or an embodiment of an electric component flanges can mate directly with traces present on the baseplate PCB. In at least one embodiment, this would allow power and data communication from light switch or electric component to flow to, and through, the baseplate. The baseplate can then make power and data communications available at each of its accessory attachment points. In at least one embodiment, this would allow an embodiment of the light switch or an embodiment of the electric component to act as the AC to DC power supply for the baseplate and would eliminate the need for the baseplate to have its own independent power supply. In an embodiment, this would be desired for cases where an independent power supply for the baseplate may not easily fit in a junction box.1318may be screws holding an embodiment of the light switch or embodiment of an electric component PCB attached to the rear flange area. It may be desired to remove this PCB and its exposed connection point. When removed, an embodiment of the light switch and electric component can function as a regular light switch or electric component. At least one embodiment of the AAM introduces additional depth that would not otherwise be present in a light switch or electric component and it may serve as a depth-creating element (e.g., a spacer). Extra depth serves to increase the total space available inside of a junction box, as a way to make room for an accessory attachment system and for creating an overall desired deeper aesthetic look of the fully assembled system with accessories.

FIG. 14shows an exploded view of the installation steps that might take place when installing an embodiment of the electric component system with Accessory Attachment Modules and a cover plate.1401may be a junction box installed inside of a wall.1402may be screw-hole openings typically found in junction boxes for the purpose of securing an electric component or light switch.1403may be an AAM that may be installed on the top flange of an embodiment of the electric component.1404shows the screw hole openings that may be used for the screw to attach the AAM to the flange of an embodiment of the electric component.1406may be a second AAM that may be installed on the bottom position of an embodiment of the electric component.1407may be the screw-hole openings that may be used to fasten the AAM to the flanges of an embodiment of the electric component (e.g., the embodiments ofFIG. 14).1409depicts the high voltage AC wires that may be connected to the high voltage AC wires found inside of the junction box1401of the building.1419may be an embodiment of the electric component.1417may be two screws that may pass through the two screw-hole openings1411on the top flange of an embodiment of the electric component11111and thread into the openings of1404. Likewise,1416may be two screws that may go through the openings1412and thread into the opening1407of the bottom AAM.1415may be a screw that may pass through the opening1410and through the opening of1405and into the junction box top screw hole opening1402. Likewise,1414may be a screw that may pass through the opening1413and through the opening1408of the AAM and into the bottom junction box screw hole opening1402. At this point, an embodiment of the electric component and AAMs are installed securely onto the junction box and wall. At this point, the cover plate1418can be installed into place.

FIG. 15depicts an exploded view of the installation steps for installing an embodiment of a light switch with two AAMs, a speaker accessory attached on the bottom AAM, and a touch cover plate (which may be included in an embodiment of system100).1501may be a junction box installed in a wall.1502and1503depict screw-hole openings on the junction box.1504may be an AAM that may be installed on the top flange of an embodiment of the light switch.1507may be an AAM that may be installed on the bottom flange of an embodiment of the light switch.1510may be an embodiment of the light switch.1520may be screws that may fasten through the openings of an embodiment of the light switch bottom flange1515and into the screw hole openings1508of the bottom AAM.1521may be two screws that may fasten through the top flange screw-hole openings1512of an embodiment of the light switch and into the top AAM screw-hole openings1505. The screw depicted in1519may then fasten through the screw hole opening1511of the top flange of an embodiment of the light switch and through the screw hole opening1506of the AAM and into the top junction box screw hole opening1502. Likewise, the screw depicted in1518may fasten through the bottom flange screw hole opening1514of an embodiment of the light switch and through the1509screw hole opening of the bottom AAM and into the bottom junction box screw hole opening1503. At this point, an embodiment of the light switch and AAMs may be securely fastened to the junction box and wall. Next, any desired accessories may be installed, such as the speaker accessory depicted as1522. The screws depicted as1523may fasten through the accessory attachment point screw-hole openings1524and may fasten into the bottom AAM accessory attachment point screw-hole openings1525. In an embodiment, the speaker accessory should be securely fastened, and in an embodiment, the speaker may extract power from the light switch through the AAM. Finally, the touch cover plate1526can be installed by pressing it into place over an embodiment of the light switch flange optionally until audible clicks are heard. This indicates that the touch cover plate has mated securely with the flanges of an embodiment of the light switch. Notice that1527and1528show a dotted outline indicating a PCB connection point that is not visible from this perspective view. The PCB connection points of1527and1528may mate and connect with the PCB connection point1529and1530that is exposed by a cutout on the flanges of an embodiment of the light switch. This may allow data and power to communicate to and from the touch cover plate.

FIG. 16Ashows the front view of an embodiment of the baseplate and an embodiment of an electric component without AAMs, installed together (which may be included in an embodiment of system100).FIG. 16Bshows the same depiction of16A but from a side perspective view.FIG. 16Cshows the same depiction from16A and B, but zoomed in to the bottom half of the baseplate and an embodiment of an electric component from a side perspective view.1600shows an embodiment of the baseplate with additional features. These additional features include an additional connection point for a touch cover1602and an additional connection point for either an embodiment of a light switch or an embodiment of an electric component1604.1603may be a processor module with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which may be built in to the baseplate PCB.1603may be an embodiment of the electric component, but for the purposes of this description, this embodiment of the light switch can also be pictured as1601.FIG. 16AandFIG. 16Bshow an embodiment of the electric component fully installed together. In an embodiment, when the electric component or light switch is fully installed in this manner, the direct current DC, which may be required by the baseplate, and any attached accessories, may be obtained directly from the AC/DC power supply (or AC to DC power supply) that is located inside of the electric component or light switch. The DC current may be obtained, via the exposed connector, as depicted in the exploded view ofFIG. 16C, via1605.1605shows the connector that is present on the backside of the flange of an embodiment of a light switch and an embodiment of an electrical outlet. This exposed connector1605mates directly with PCB connection points present on the PCB of the baseplate1604. When the baseplate and an embodiment of a light switch or an embodiment of an electric component are paired in this manner, an independent power supply for the baseplate normally installed inside of the junction box is not required. Because this embodiment of the baseplate has a processor and wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, the wireless communication and processing power of the baseplate can be shared with the attached embodiment of a light switch and/or embodiment of an electric component and/or with any attached accessories attached on the baseplate. For example, consider an embodiment of a speaker accessory that is attached onto the baseplate at one of the attachment positions, but the speaker accessory does not have any wireless capabilities. The baseplate can relay wireless communication to and from the attached speaker accessory through one or more of the data pins that are present at the accessory attachment points. Likewise, consider an embodiment of the light switch or an embodiment of an electric component does not contain any wireless capabilities. It is possible for the baseplate to share wireless communication with an embodiment of the light switch or an embodiment of an electric component. As another example, it is possible for an embodiment of the baseplate to not have any wireless or processing capabilities. In at least one embodiment, it would be possible for the any of the attached accessories that have wireless capabilities or have processing power to share wireless capability and processing power with the baseplate itself, other accessories attached to the baseplate, any electric components and/or any light switches attached to the baseplate.

FIG. 17Ashows the rear view of cover plate in the decorator style designed for the baseplate with an embodiment of a light switch and an embodiment of an electric component (which may be included in an embodiment of system100).FIG. 17Bshows the same cover plate asFIG. 17A, but from the front. It is understood that cover plates match the style of light switch or electric component installed and may come in many design styles. For this reason, an example of another design style is shown inFIG. 17C, which is the rear view of cover plate designed for the baseplate, an embodiment of a light switch and an embodiment of an electric component, but styled for the design of a toggle light switch. These serve only as examples and not a limitation of the design styles that cover plates may be.FIG. 17Dshows the same cover plate asFIG. 17C, but from a front view.1700depict small overhangs in the cover plate that are designed to mate (e.g., and snap) directly into matching mating protrusions found on baseplate, an embodiment of a light switch, and an embodiment of an electric component embodiments. When they are snapped together, the cover plate is held firmly in place.1701depicts various protrusions which are used to align and center the cover plate onto the baseplate or an embodiment of a light switch or an embodiment of an electric component. Additionally, the protrusions1701prevent undesired flexing of the sidewalls of the cover plate.1703depicts small circular recesses that may be present in cover plate embodiments for the purpose of making room for the large screws that are used to install a light switch or outlets into place. Depending on the screw used, the head of the screw may require additional room—which is what the circular recesses of1703allow for.1704may be the opening of the cover plate for the decorator style.1705may be the opening of the cover plate for the style of a toggle switch.

FIG. 18Adepicts the rear view of a touch cover plate (which may be included in an embodiment of system100).FIG. 18Bmay be the front view of a touch cover plate with examples of how touch gestures and buttons can be configured. A cover plate and or touch cover plate may have an appearance similar to a traditional faceplate in that it covers the exposed electrical elements of a light switch and/or electrical element and/or baseplate. The cover plate may be a non-electronic component (or, in other embodiments, the cover plate may include electronic components). The embodiment of the touch cover plate differs from a traditional faceplate and non-electronic cover plate in that it has an attached PCB element, connectors, and processors that work together to allow for capacitive touch and/or buttons to be present. When the cover plate includes these components, it is called a touch cover plate.1800may be a PCB that spans the entire inside area of the touch cover plate.1801and1802depict that the PCB1800has two circular cutouts for the purpose of not interfering with screw heads that may be present in this area from fastening a light switch or electric component into place.1803may be a connector on the PCB that is used to mate with the exposed PCB area found on an embodiment of the light switch or embodiment of the electric component1306and/or1103. When the touch cover is installed on a baseplate without an embodiment of the light switch or an embodiment of an electric component, it may require the touch cover plate to connect and mate directly with the baseplate PCB.1818may be an embodiment of the baseplate, which may contain a mating connector1819for the touch-cover-plate-connector1804. Additionally, this embodiment of the baseplate also contains a processor or other module with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities as depicted by1820. When the touch cover plate is fully installed onto the baseplate1818, the baseplate and touch cover can relay power and data communication to and from each other, via the mating connectors of1819and1804. Likewise, if an embodiment of a light switch or embodiment of an electric outlet were to be present, it could also relay power and data communication, via the touch cover Connector1804, and corresponding connector on an embodiment of the light switch1103or embodiment of an electric component1306.1806,1807,1808and1809depict capacitive touch locations that represent virtual buttons. The entire surface of the touch cover plate is flat and smooth as depicted in the embodiment ofFIG. 18B, but it is possible for the touch cover plate to contain physical buttons that can be pressed and depressed. Because the touch cover plate is mated with a baseplate, which may contain a processor and wireless communications, touch, multi-touch, and gesture controls, via capacitive touch can be enabled on the touch cover plate. A user may physically press the area of the touch cover plate depicted by a square in1806, which may cause an event to happen. As an example,1806may be programmatically configured to cause any attached accessory on the baseplate to power off. As another example, touching the area depicted in1807may signal any attached speaker accessories on the baseplate to start playing music. As another example, touching the area of1808may cause any attached presence sensor LED lights to change color. Finally, as another example, pressing the area of1809may cause an external endpoint not directly connected to the baseplate or the touch cover plate to perform an action. To illustrate this, imagine there is a smart speaker, like the Amazon Echo (for example), plugged in somewhere in the home and is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the baseplate. When the user presses the area outlined in1809, it may be possible to relay a control, even via the Wi-Fi network, which sends a signal the smart speaker to start playing music. The amount of physical or capacitive buttons is virtually unlimited. Likewise, the use cases for the physical or virtual button are also virtually unlimited. Another use case for capacitive touch is gesture or swipe control. Unlike a button press, a swipe may require a user to press their finger at one starting point, and keep it pressed on the surface of the touch cover plate and swipe their finger in a direction for an extended period.1810may be an example of a starting point where a user presses down, and swipes left until they reach the end point depicted by1811. This swipe gesture may be named Bottom Left Swipe. Like the capacitive buttons described above, gestures like the Bottom Left Swipe can be configured to perform an event. As an example, consider an embodiment in which there is a speaker accessory attached at the bottom attachment position of the baseplate that is actively playing music. When the user performs a Bottom Left Swipe gesture, signal events can be sent to the attached speaker accessory indicating a volume down event. As the user performs the Bottom Left Swipe, the volume level of the speaker can dynamically turn the volume down, as the user is swiping. If the user reaches the very left position of the swipe gesture, as depicted by1811, the volume of the speaker accessory may be completely muted. As another example,1816may be the starting point of a swipe gesture that when pressed down and swiped all the way to the end position depicted by1817, can be called Top Right Swipe gesture. This Top Right Swipe gesture can be used to relay events to an accessory attached at the top position of the baseplate. The Top Right Swipe gesture may also be used to control multiple accessories at the same time, and/or may control devices that are not accessories at all and/or may be used to control an external endpoint, via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, like the Amazon Echo described above. The embodiment ofFIG. 18may also include one or more A multi touch gestures.1812and1814depict two different starting points for a swipe gesture. As an example, a user may use their index finger to start at1812and their middle finger to start at1814and continue to press and swipe both of their fingers in the downward direction until reaching point1813and1815, which may be referred to as a multi touch swipe gesture or a Sliding Down multi touch gesture. As an example, the Sliding Down multi touch gesture may be used to control the dimming level of an installed light switch. As the user is performing the Sliding Down multi touch gesture, the lighting may dim in real-time to correspond to where they are in the gesture until the desired light brightness is reached. All of these are only examples of how capacitive touch and/or physical buttons may be used by the touch cover plate to enable virtually unlimited experiences. While gestures and touch events were described with a baseplate, they may also be performed with embodiments of light switches and/or embodiments of electric components that have a touch cover plate installed.

FIG. 18Cshows a baseplate, which may be an embodiment of baseplate107(and may be part of system100), and may have chip1820. Chip1820may include a processor system having one or more processors that communicates with a memory system which may include machine instructions implement by the processor system. Chip1820may also include a communications system including at least transceiver, receiver, and/or transmitter (which may include an antenna) that communicate with the processor system and thereby enable the processor system to communications with other devices. The communications system may include a network interface for communicating via a local area network and/or a wide area network, such as the Internet. For example. The communications system may be for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, radio frequency, optical, ultrasound, broadband, and/or sonic communications. The processor may receive communications from remote devices, via the communications system and in response send instructions to one or more accessories attached to baseplate107system100.

FIG. 19Ashows a side view of fully assembled baseplate with a USB charging accessory installed on the bottom (which may be included in an embodiment of system100).FIG. 19Bshows the same depiction fromFIG. 19Abut zoomed in to the bottom to show more detail.1900shows the junction box, which is not normally seen from this perspective in the real world.1901shows a wall.1902shows a cover plate.1903shows a light switch.1904shows a USB charging accessory. The purpose ofFIG. 19A, B is to show that there is a gap between an installed accessory and the baseplate that is used for the cover plate to fit into place. The gap can be seen at1906. Notice that when the cover plate is fully installed like inFIG. 19Athere is also a gap between the wall and the cover plate. This is depicted by1905. This gap is present in order to allow accessories to make contact with the baseplate found underneath the cover plate. While a baseplate is shown here, the same gaps1906and1905may be present on fully assembled embodiments of a light switch with Accessory Attachment Modules installed and/or fully assembled embodiments of an electric component with Accessory Attachment Modules installed.

FIG. 20Ashows a circuit diagram of a circuit2000associated with system100. Circuit2000distributes electricity from a source (e.g., the wall) to accessories, which may be the accessories attached to system100. In the embodiment ofFIG. 20A, circuit2000supplies a fixed voltage (e.g., V1) to each of the accessories, which in the example ofFIGS. 20A-C12 volts.

Power supply2002converts the voltage from the source to a desired voltage that is used by the accessories. For example, power supply2002may convert 120 volts to 12 volts or 220 volts to 6 volts. Power supply2002may also include (or may be coupled to) logic for determining when to shut off power supply2002. The determination of whether to shut off the power supply may be based on whether the expected maximum power needed by the accessories currently connected to circuit2000exceeds the power available.

Power requirement detector2004detects the maximum power required by the totality of the accessories attached to circuit2002. In an embodiment, if power requirement detector2004detects that the maximum power (or current) that may be required by the accessories attached to circuit2002is below a predetermined threshold, then power requirement detector does nothing, and as a result of the accessories attached to the panel are powered. By way of contrast, in this embodiment, if power requirement detector2004detects that the maximum power (or current) that may be required by the accessories attached to circuit2002is above a predetermined threshold, then a signal is sent to an electronic switch, which disconnects power supply2002. In another embodiment, a signal is sent in either case, but the signal is either “high” or “low” and therefore different in each case. The predetermined threshold may be the maximum power (or current) that power supply2002is capable of delivering or capable of safely delivering. The predetermined threshold may be somewhat below the maximum power that power supply2002is capable of delivering, as a safety precaution.

Alternatively, power supply2002only stays on when a signal is produced by power requirement detector2004that the power currently required is below the predetermined threshold. In an embodiment, if the maximum power required by the accessories currently attached is below the predetermined threshold, and if power supply2002is off (e.g., as a result of previously having been shut off because the accessories attached required too much power), power supply2002is automatically turned on.

Ports2006A-N are a series of one or more ports that are electrically coupled to power supply2002. The accessories may be attached to any combination of ports2006A-N. Each of ports2006A-N may include two or more pairs of connectors, which may include pair of terminals2008A-N and pair of terminals2010A-N. Pair of terminals2008-A-N may be for supplying power to the accessories, and may include one terminal connected to ground and second terminal connected to the high voltage output of power supply2002. Pair of terminals2010A-N (which are also labeled terminals α and β) may be for communicating information (and/or for interrogating the accessory) and may include one terminal (e.g., having a higher voltage) for receiving current supplied and lower voltage for a return current.

FIG. 20Bshows an embodiment of power requirement detection circuit2020. In the embodiment ofFIG. 20B, power requirement detector2004may be connected to accessories2022-A-N (or ACC1-ACC N). Each of accessories2022-A-N may be equipped with power indicators2024A-N, which are attached to pair of terminals2010A-N (FIG. 20A), respectively. In an embodiment, each of power indicators2024A-N may include a resistor, which may be one of resistors RA-RN, which may be chosen to be indicative of the maximum current that the accessory to which it is attached will draw (in alternative embodiments, other electrical components may be used instead of and/or in addition to resistors). For example, each of resistors RA-RN may be a in the order of a small percentage (e.g., 1%) of the maximum load the corresponding accessory will place on power supply2002. In an embodiment, power-requirement-detection-circuit2020may only be activated when a new accessory is attached (and/or when the user turns on power-requirement-detection-circuit2020). For example, attaching a new accessory may automatically activate power-requirement-detection-circuit2020, and optionally power-requirement-detection-circuit2020may automatically shut itself off, after the new accessory is attached. In an embodiment, power-requirement-detection-circuit2020may, additionally or alternatively be activated every time the panel is powered on. In an alternative embodiment, power indicators2024A-N may send a message, such as a binary encoded value, indicative of the maximum power the accessory will draw. In an embodiment, a digital interface may be included for monitoring the results of and/or behaviors power-requirement-detection-circuit2020.

FIG. 20Cshows an embodiment2030of part of circuit2000ofFIG. 20B. In the embodiment ofFIG. 20C, the individual resistances of the current indicators of the accessories has been replaced with a resistor symbol labeled RACC2032(which represents the effective resistance of all of the accessories currently attached to circuit2000together). Specifically, in this embodiment, RACCmay be computed by,
1/RACC=1/RA+1/RB+ . . .1/RN.

Since, in this embodiment, the comparator draws relatively little current, the voltage one input of the comparator (e.g., the plus input) may be given by,
Vc+=V1*Rset/(−RACC+Rset)

So that as more accessories are added, RACC2032is lowered, which thereby decreases the voltage drop across RACCand increases the voltage Vc+, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 20B and 20C. Power requirement detector2004may include a high voltage output2026a(which may have voltage V1), which powers the power requirement indicators2024and a comparator2028. Comparator2028compares the return voltage across accessories2022A-N to a fixed reference voltage. If, as a result of the comparison, the return current from accessories2022A-N is higher than the reference current. The return current from accessories2022A-N being higher than the reference current, indicates that the total of the maximum currents required by the accessories is higher than the current available from the power supply, and therefore also indicates that the total of the maximum power required by the accessories is greater than the power available from the power supply. In an embodiment, comparator2028may be an operational amplifier. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 20B and 20C, the resistors Rcu2026aand Rcd2026b, may form a voltage divider that may determine the voltage drop from V1to the junction between Rcu2026aand Rcd2026b, where the reference voltage is given by
Vc−=V1*Rc/(Rcu+Rcd)

In the embodiment ofFIG. 20C, the two resistances Rcu and Rcd are chosen to be the same, and that resistance may be denoted as Rc. In other words, Rcu=Rcd=Rc, so that Vc=−V1/2 (or in other words, as a result of the resistances Rcu and Rcd being the same, the voltage at the comparator is half V1). However, other values for Rcd2026aand Rcu2026bcould be chosen to other values instead. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 20A-20C, if Vc+>Vc−, comparator2028outputs a high voltage at PRSS2029, which turns off power supply2002. In an embodiment, the ratio of (1) the effective resistance of each accessory to (2) the resistance of the resistor that the accessory uses for indicating the maximum current is the same for each accessory. Since the ratio of (1) the effective resistance of each accessory to (2) the resistance of the resistor that indicates the maximum current is the same for each accessory, the change in the effective resistance of the RACC2032is proportional the change in the effective resistance resulting from adding an accessory to the power output of power supply2002. In an alternate embodiment, the maximum permissible loads (and therefore the resistor set points) may optionally be set to different values. In alternative embodiments, the reference voltage may be Vc+ and the power requirement indicators2022B are connected to Vc−, and then when the output of comparator2028is low, the power supply is shut off. In yet another embodiment, the accessories, and the power indicators of this application, may be powered with AC electricity. In an embodiment, the accessories and power indicators of this application may be powered with AC electricity instead of DC electricity. Although in the embodiments ofFIGS. 20A-20Cresistors are used to divide the voltage, capacitors and/or inductors may be used instead. Although in the embodiment ofFIGS. 20A-20C, the accessories, and the voltage indicators, are arranged in parallel, in an alternative embodiment, the accessories and the voltage indicators could be arranged in series.

FIGS. 21A, B, C, D, E, and F depict six different ways for how power can be obtained by one or more attached accessories (which may be included in an embodiment of system100). These are intended for examples of how power can be distributed, but it is generally understood that many variations may exist.2100may be a system where high voltage alternating current2101(AC) is converted to Direct Current (DC) via a dedicated power supply (PSU)2102. The PSU2102then connects its DC output to the baseplate2103. The baseplate then makes DC power available to any attached accessories2104.2105may be a similar system as2100except that instead of a dedicated power supply, the power supply is part of the baseplate circuitry.2106may be AC current flowing directly to the baseplate circuitry2107that is designed to receive it. The baseplate circuitry of2107may distribute DC current to any attached accessories2108.2109may be a system similar to2100, but instead of a dedicated PSU the PSU component are located inside of an embodiment of an electric outlet. AC current2110may flow directly into the electrical outlet2111. The electric outlet may have a connector or special designated area where DC output can be connected directly to the baseplate2112. The baseplate can be then make the DC power available to any attached accessories2113.2114shows a similar system as2109except that an embodiment of a light switch with built in PSU circuitry is depicted instead of an electrical outlet. AC current2115may flow directly into the light switch containing an AC to DC power supply2116. The light switch2116may have a connector or special designated area where DC output can be connected directly to the baseplate2117. The baseplate can be then distribute DC power available to any attached accessories2118.2119shows a system where the AC to DC PSU is located on the attached accessory itself. AC current2120may flow directly to the baseplate2121. The baseplate may distribute the AC power directly to any attached accessories2122. Any attached accessories may then convert AC to DC for their own use.2123shows a system where high voltage AC is used all the way through without any conversion to DC. AC power2124flows directly to the baseplate2125. The baseplate then makes AC power available to any attached accessories2126. The accessory can make use of the AC power and/or further extend the AC power to another attached device. Any of embodiments ofFIGS. 21A-F, may include a processor system having one or more processors communicatively coupled to a memory system, and the processor systems, the processors, and/or the memory systems may each be in any of the baseplate, power supply, and/or accessories.

Any of the embodiment of this specification may be included in one or more embodiments of system100.

ALTERNATIVES AND EXTENSIONS

Each embodiment disclosed herein may be used or otherwise combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed. Any element of any embodiment may be used in any embodiment.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made without departing from the essential teachings of the invention.