Patent ID: 12249813

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples described throughout the present disclosure provide a base device for an electronic module or a mounting device that includes a panel portion and one or more fastener receiving structures each provided within a perimeter or opening of the panel portion. The fastener receiving structure can include an aperture to receive an insertive fastener, and a flexure mechanism to enable at least a portion of the fastener receiving structure that includes the aperture to flex with insertion of the fastener in the aperture that attaches the panel portion against an underlying surface. A mounting device refers herein to any device that may be mounted to another structure, such as a receptacle (e.g., an electrical box), using one or more fasteners (e.g., screws).

Mounting Device with Over-Strain Protection

FIG.1AthroughFIG.1Dillustrate examples of a mounting device having at least one fastener receiving structure120with strain reduction capabilities. According to examples, a mounting device100includes a panel portion110that can be mounted to an underlying structure (e.g., receptacle) or surface (e.g., wall) through insertion of a fastener90into a fastener receiving structure120. The fastener receiving structure120includes an aperture122for receiving the fastener, as well as a flexure mechanism that enables the aperture122to travel inwards and/or flex with insertion of the fastener. In examples, the mounting device100is mountable to an underlying surface or structure, with the panel portion110remaining planar while an insertive fastener secures the panel against the underlying surface or structure.

In some examples, the mounting device100corresponds to a device or assembly that attaches to an electrical box to retain electrical wiring for lighting switches. The mounting device100can include a receptacle portion130that can insert into an opening formed in an underlying wall when the mounting device100is installed. However, while some examples are illustrated in the context of a mounting device that installs to an electrical box, in other variations, the mounting device100may correspond to another type of structure or device, such as a faceplate that mounts onto another type of structure or surface.

The mounting device100includes a first fastener receiving structure120provided in a top region of the panel portion110, and a second fastener receiving structure120provided in a bottom region of the panel portion110. In variations, more or fewer fastener receiving structures120may be used. According to examples, the installation of the mounting device100can utilize one or more fasteners to attach the panel portion110to an underlying surface. Under conventional designs, the insertion of fasteners cause strain and stress on the surface of the panel portion110. With strain and stress, panel portion110can undergo deflection, fracture, or otherwise lose structural integrity. In some examples, the panel portion110may also include sensitive components that can fail with deflection or structural failure of the panel portion110. By way of example, the panel portion110may support, or otherwise provide electronic components, such as circuitry and/or connectors, which can fail as a result of deflection or fracturing by the panel portion110. In examples, the fastener receiving structure120can receive and secure the panel portion110to an underlying surface or structure, while reducing or eliminating strain that would otherwise cause the panel portion110to deflect or lose structural integrity.

FIG.1Aillustrates the mounting device100in a pre-installed state, prior to the fastener receiving structure120receiving an insertive fastener. The fastener receiving structure120can be formed within a perimeter of the panel portion110. In an example, the fastener receiving structure120includes a flexure mechanism that can be formed by one or more voids126(e.g., the curved slits shown inFIG.1A), one or more members124extending from or defining each void126, and a ring structure128which connects to the members124.

FIG.1Billustrates the mounting device100in an installed (or partially installed state), where an insertive fastener90is inserted into the aperture122. The insertive fastener90may correspond to, for example, a screw. In wall mounting applications (e.g., where the mounting device100attaches to an electrical box to provide an electrical switch), the insertive fastener90may correspond to a dry wall screw.

FIG.1Cis a side cross-sectional view ofFIG.1B, along line A-A. InFIG.1C, fasteners90are shown to be fully inserted into respective apertures122. An inserted length of each fastener90is extended into a fastener receptacle94of an underlying wall88. The receptacle portion130of the mounting device100may also fit within a corresponding opening96(e.g., a rough drywall hole) formed into the wall88. With the fasteners90inserted into the respective fastener receiving structures120, the panel portion110can remain planar and secured flush against a room-facing surface of the wall88.

FIG.1Dis a closeup of region B-B ofFIG.1C. In an example shown, the fastener90is inserted in the aperture122defined by the ring structure128. The ring structure128is connected to the members124, which extends to the respective void126. In one implementation, once the fastener90is fully inserted into the aperture122, further insertion of the fastener90causes the inserted width of the fastener90to increase, such as would be the case of partial insertion of a screw head. With insertion of the greater width, the ring structure128can expand. For example, the ring structure128may flex as inward force of a head of the fastener90is applied to the fastener receiving structure120(e.g., as the fastener90is tightened into the fastener receptacle94). As an addition or variation, the members124of the fastener receiving structure120can travel inward or otherwise flex to accommodate the insertion of the fastener90. In this way, the fastener receiving structure120can prevent deflection and/or loss of structural integrity of the panel portion110that could otherwise result from the strain and stress caused by over-insertion of the fastener90.

In some examples, the fastener receiving structure120can be unitarily formed with respect to the panel portion110. For example, the panel portion110can be formed from flexible material of a given thickness, and the fastener receiving structure120may be defined in part by slits and/or other voids formed into a segment of the panel portion110(e.g., a portion having a reduced thickness). The formation of slits and/or voids can enable a portion of the fastener receiving structure120that contains the aperture122to flex and/or travel inwards, to accommodate the inserted fastener90. For example, when the fastener90is over-inserted, the head of the fastener90can partially enter the aperture122or otherwise place an inward force on the ring structure128. In such instances, the ring structure128and/or member(s)124can flex to increase the aperture122without straining the panel portion110. As an addition or variation, the ring structure128and/or member(s)124can travel inward with insertion of the fastener90, to reduce or eliminate the resulting strain.

FIG.1Eillustrates a variation of an example mounting device, such as examples shown byFIG.1AthroughFIG.1D. In an example ofFIG.1E, a mounting device150corresponds to a base structure or module that can mate to an electrical box of a dwelling, to receive, for example, line, load, and neutral wiring. As provided herein, a “dwelling” can comprise a household, office space, place of business, or any interior or even exterior space that includes typical wiring and power infrastructure. In other variations, the mounting device150can be implemented as another type of device, such as a faceplate or monolithic device that can be fastened (e.g., via screw) to another surface or structure. In an example ofFIG.1E, the mounting device150includes a panel portion160and fastener receiving structures170. The mounting device150may also include a receptacle portion180, which can retain electronic wiring or components. In variations such as described with respect toFIG.6AandFIG.6B, the receptacle portion180can include electronic componentry and a connector interface for enabling another device (e.g., an electronic module) to be mounted against the mounting device150.

In an example ofFIG.1E, the fastener receiving structure170is formed separately from the panel portion160. For example, the panel portion160may be formed from molded plastic, and the fastener receiving structure170may be formed from metal. The fastener receiving structure170can be formed within a void of the panel portion160, with a perimeter of the void providing an interior perimeter interface164for the fastener receiving structure170. The fastener receiving structure170can include one or more members174which extend from the perimeter interface164to a ring structure178that defines an aperture172to receive a fastener.

In variations, the shape or dimension of the members174may vary based on design and implementation. As described with other examples, the members174are configured to provide flexure and/or inward travel for the ring structure178and aperture172when the aperture172receives an insertive fastener (e.g., a screw). In this way, an insertive fastener can be inserted inward through aperture172, with the force applied from the insertion causing the ring structure178and aperture172to travel inward. In variations, the members174and/or ring structure178can have additional flexure to accommodate additional width of the insertive fastener, resulting from over-insertion of the insertive fastener.

FIG.1Fillustrates a variation of a fastener receiving structure, for use with mounting devices. In an example ofFIG.1F, a fastener receiving structure190is provided on a panel portion186, with members194that extend from an interior perimeter interface188of the panel portion186. The members194can extend from the interior perimeter interface188to a ring structure198that defines an aperture192for receiving an insertive fastener. The members194can be shaped in the form of an arc (e.g., corkscrew), as shown byFIG.1E. In other variations, the members194can have alternative shapes, such as U-shaped members (e.g., seeFIG.2AandFIG.2B), or as leg members (e.g., seeFIG.3AandFIG.3B). As described with other examples, the members194are configured to provide flexure and/or inward travel for the ring structure198and the corresponding aperture192.

In an example ofFIG.1F, the fastener receiving structure190includes a failure rib195that attaches to the interior perimeter interface188of the panel portion186and to one or more of the members194. When an insertion member is inserted into the aperture192, the members194can travel inward, to prevent strain and stress on the panel portion186because of the insertion member being inserted. The failure rib195can dimensioned and/or composed of a material to correlate to a predetermined acceptable depth of travel for the connected member194. If the connected member194reaches or passes a depth that exceeds the dimension and/or material properties of the failure rib195, the failure rib195snaps, causing an audible and/or physical feedback. The audible and/or physical feedback can be used to signify that an installer of the mounting device should stop inserting the fastener. The dimension and/or material of the failure rib195can be selected to provide the installer with feedback just before the inserted fastener is over-inserted to a point where the inward travel of the member194could cause damage to the member194or to the panel portion186. In this way, the failure rib195simplifies the installation process, by providing feedback as to when the installer should stop, for example, drilling or turning a screw during installation of the mounting device.

FIG.2AandFIG.2Billustrate an example of a mounting device200having at least one fastener receiving structure220to mount the mounting device200against a wall or electrical box. The mounting device200includes a receptacle230, with a pair of fastener receiving structures220provided above and below the receptacle. The mounting device200may include a panel portion210formed from a rigid material, such as a plastic. Once mounted, the panel portion210is secured flush against an underlying wall. As with other examples, deflection of the panel portion210can cause unwanted problems, such as inability for the panel portion210to support electronics, circuitry, or other mounted structures. The fastener receiving structures220serve to prevent deflection or other unwanted strain resulting from use of fasteners to mount the mounting device200to a wall.

In some examples, each of the fastener receiving structures220can be separately formed from the panel portion210. In variations, the fastener receiving structures220may be formed from a different material than the panel portion210. For example, the panel portion210can be formed from plastic, while the fastener receiving structures220can be formed from metal.

The fastener receiving structures220may each be provided within a perimeter of a void of the panel portion210. For example, the panel portion210may include an interior perimeter interface212for each fastener receiving structure220. The interior perimeter interface212may correspond to an interior edge surface that supports structural members of the respective fastener receiving structure220. In an example ofFIG.2AandFIG.2B, the structural members of the fastener receiving structure220include U-shaped members224and a ring structure228. An aperture222defined by the ring structure228can receive a fastener. In one implementation, over-insertion of a fastener (not shown) causes flexure by the ring structure228and/or U-shaped members224. As an addition or variation, insertion of the fastener may cause inward travel by the ring structure228and/or U-shaped members224.

FIG.3AandFIG.3Billustrate another example of a mounting device300having at least one fastener receiving structure320. As with other examples, the mounting device300includes fastener receiving structures320which are provided within a perimeter defined by a void of a panel portion310. In a variation depicted byFIG.3AandFIG.3B, each of the fastener receiving structures320include legs324which extend from an interior perimeter interface312of the panel portion310, to form a ring structure328. The ring structure328defines an aperture322to receive a fastener. In one implementation, over-insertion of a fastener (not shown) causes flexure by the ring structure328and/or legs324, and the flexure accommodates the increased width and/or inward travel of the fastener. As an addition or variation, insertion of the fastener may cause inward travel by the ring structure328and/or legs324, to prevent deflection or fracture of the panel portion310.

FIG.4AandFIG.4Billustrate yet another example of a mounting device400having a fastener receiving structure. The mounting device400includes fastener receiving structures420provided within a perimeter of a panel portion410. Each of the fastener receiving structures420include arc members424that support a corresponding ring structure428in a void defined by an interior perimeter interface412of the panel portion410. In an example ofFIG.4AandFIG.4B, the ring structure428defines aperture422to receive a fastener (not shown). In one implementation, over-insertion of a fastener causes flexure by the ring structure428and/or arc members424. As an addition or variation, insertion of the fastener may cause inward travel by the ring structure428and/or arc members424, to prevent deflection or fracturing of the panel portion410.

Base Device for Mounting Electronic Assembly to Electrical Box

Some examples provide for an electronic assembly that includes a combination of a base device and electronic module. Still further, in variations, an electronic assembly can include a base device to retain components that can interface with the wiring of an electrical box (e.g., electrical junction box for a dwelling), where the base device can also support and connect with an electronic module and a faceplate. Additionally, in some examples, the base device can be installed separately from other components of the electrical assembly. For example, the base device can be mechanically connected to an electrical junction box (e.g., gang box for light switches), and further connected to receive electrical power from the mains (e.g., electrical wiring) of a dwelling. Once the base device is installed, the electronic module and faceplate can be operatively coupled to the base device, to enable the operative assembly to perform any one of various functions, such as providing lighting control and/or a communication interface with other devices in the dwelling.

FIG.5Aillustrates a base device500that can be installed to provide a modularized interface to receive an electronic module. According to examples, the base device500can be installed to receive power from the wiring of a dwelling. For example, the base device500can be mated to an electrical junction box and connected to receive electrical power (e.g., via line and neutral wiring for a light switch). A receptacle of the base device500can include an electrical interface to receive and mate with electrical wiring of the dwelling (e.g., line, load, and neutral wiring). The base device500may also hold electrical components, such as circuitry, wiring, and/or logical components (e.g., a microcontroller) that can electrically connect with an electronic module. When installed, the base device500can mechanically and electrically mate with an electronic module.

Additionally, in some variations, a panel structure516of the base device500can include features to enhance functionality. For example, the panel structure516can include recess formations515positioned at or near corners of the base device500, where additional wiring may be provided to enhance wireless communication capabilities of the base device500or of the mounted electronic module520(e.g., shown inFIG.5D).

In an example, the base device500, when installed, provides a mating interface510for an electrical module520(seeFIG.5D through5F). The mating interface510includes one or more electrical connectors514, which can extend electrical power and data connectivity to an electronic module520. In some examples, the base device500is operative independent of the electronic module520. For example, the base device500may include a set of core functionality which the base device500can perform with or without a connected electronic module520. For example, the base device500may be installed to an electrical junction box in place of a conventional light switch. In such an example, the wiring provided through the electrical junction box may be connected to internal components of the base device500, such that one or more of the electrical connectors514can be operated by a user as a light switch to control lighting.

The base device500may also include one or more fastener receiving structures502. Each fastener receiving structure502can include a portion that defines an aperture for receiving the fastener. The fastener receiving structures502can flex, or otherwise travel inward with insertion of an insertive fastener, to reduce or eliminate strain that would otherwise result from insertion of the fastener.

In examples, the base device500can also include structural features to mechanically couple to an electronic module520using any one of a variety of different types of coupling mechanisms. For example, the base device500can include coupling features508(e.g., protrusions or hooked elements) that align and fit into corresponding apertures on a back façade of the electronic module520. The coupling features508can enable the electronic module520to operatively attach and detach from the base device500. When attached, the base device500may supply power and other resources (e.g., data communications) to the electronic module520using the connectors514.

FIG.5Billustrates a block diagram of electronic components that can be retained within the base device500. In an example, the base device500includes electrical components (e.g., connectors, circuits, and/or other hardware) that interface with the mains of a dwelling (“mains interface513”), a set of electrical components516that enable the base device500to perform functions and operations when installed, and the connectors514. The connectors514can be configured to mate with corresponding connectors of the electronic module520. By way of example, the set of electrical components516can include memory to store data, a microcontroller, and one or more wireless transceivers to enable communications with other devices. By way of example, the electrical components516may enable the base device500to communicate using Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth.

In an example, the connectors514may extend power, data and functionality to a connected electronic module520. In some variations, the base device500may also include one or more user-interface mechanisms that enable a user to interact with the base device500when no electronic module520is attached. For example, the base device500can include one or more interactive mechanisms (e.g., touch surface, switch, button, etc.) that enable the base device500to operate independently as a light switch once installed.

FIG.5Cillustrates the base device500installed to an electrical box595that is provided within a wall598. The base device500can receive fasteners that mechanically secure the base device500to the wall598. In an example, the electrical box595can be installed within the wall598, and the base device500can be secured to the electrical box595via fasteners. In some variations, the base device500may include fastener receiving structures502to reduce or eliminate strain that may otherwise have resulted from the insertion of the fasteners during installation of the base device500. When installed, the base device500can provide the mating interface510to mate with an electronic module520.

FIG.5Dillustrates installation of an electronic assembly550, having an electronic module520and base device500, with the electrical box595provided within the wall598. The electronic module520can mechanically connect to the base device500using structural features508, or other retention mechanisms and features as described with other examples. The electronic module520can also electronically connect to the connectors514of the base device500through use of suitably configured connector elements provided on a back facade of the electronic module520.

FIG.5EandFIG.5Fillustrate an installed electronic assembly. In an example, an electronic assembly550can include the base device500and electronic module520. The base device500can be installed to the electrical box595within the wall598. As shown, the electronic module520can include a back façade523having a set of connector elements which are aligned and configured to be mated with the connectors of the base device500. Additionally, as described with examples, the base device500and the electronic module520can utilize one or more sets of mechanical fasteners to connect the back facade of the electronic module520to the base device500. For example, the back façade523may include openings to receive and latch onto the protrusions or other coupling features508(as shown inFIG.5A).

The electronic assembly550can provide the electronic module520as a wall-mounted device that can perform functions such as control operation of light switches and other devices. As described with other examples, the electronic module520can provide additionally functionality for the combined assembly through, for example, a touchscreen display or touch-sensitive region, additional processing resources, wireless communication capabilities, voice input, etc. By way of example, the electronic module520, when connected to the installed base device500, can provide functionality to control lights or other devices through the electrical box595, as well as other devices within a given vicinity. In some examples, the base device500, when installed, can receive any suitably structured electronic module520. Thus, a user can attach multiple alternative electronic modules to the base device500. For example, a user can carry the electronic module520from room to room, and mate the electronic module520with different base devices500within a dwelling.

FIG.5GandFIG.5Hillustrate an example of an electronic assembly550having the base device500, the electronic module520, and a faceplate530. InFIG.5G, the electronic module520is shown to be couplable to the faceplate530, and is connected to the base device500. The electronic module520may include a set of user-interface components on a front facade. By way of example, the front facade includes a display524, touch screen or touch-surface, speaker, and/or microphone.

In some examples, the faceplate530covers the edges of the front façade, to provide a protective and/or decorative shell for the electronic module520. The faceplate530can also include voids532,534which expose, for example, the display524, camera, sensors, or touch surface of the electronic module520. The faceplate530can couple to the electronic module520using, for example, mechanical mating fasteners, such as clasps, tangs or protrusions which can extend from either of the electronic module520or the faceplate530to mate with openings provided by the other of the module/faceplate520,530. In variations, the faceplate530can use biased clasps or members which fit around and retain the electronic module520. In examples, the combination of the electronic module520and the faceplate530can be attached to the base device500via the mating interface510.

FIG.6AandFIG.6Billustrate alternative variations in which a base device600,650includes one or multiple types of mechanical fasteners to retain an electronic module and/or faceplate. InFIG.6A, a base device600includes retention structures610,612on a top602and bottom end604of the base device600. Each of the retention structures610,612can include one or more apertures to receive corresponding protrusion structures from an electronic module.

InFIG.6B, a base device650includes protrusions652(e.g., hooked elements) which extend from the sides or side edges of the base device. The protrusions652may be set inward by a gap, where a corresponding mating structure from the electronic module or faceplate can be received. The base device650may also include top and bottom support structures662,664to support the electronic module when mated with the base device650.

FIG.7AthroughFIG.7Dillustrate another example of an electronic assembly, in which one or more hook fasteners of a base device700are used to retain an electronic module720. InFIG.7A, the base device700includes a set of hooks708(e.g., four) which extend from the panel region710. As shown withFIG.7B, the electronic module720includes receiving structures722that are provided on a back façade724of the electronic device720to mate with the respective hook fasteners708of the base device700. In an example shown, the electronic module720may also include a recess725that provides a set of electrical connectors to mate with the electrical connectors712of the base device700. With reference toFIG.7C, the hooks708and receiving structures722can be mated to connect the base device700to the electronic module720.FIG.7Dillustrates a hook motion which a user can perform to readily mate the electronic module720to the base device700.

FIG.8AthroughFIG.8Fillustrate another example of an electronic assembly, in which a slide and rotate mechanism is used to couple an electronic module820to a base device800.FIG.8Aillustrates the rear façade of an electronic module820having a retention mechanism822positioned two bottom corners and coupling insets827positioned at the two top corners of the electronic module820.FIG.8Billustrates a closeup of detail C, showing the retention mechanism822as a recess formation having a receiving shape to receive a matching extension824. InFIG.8C, a base device800includes mirrored extensions812(e.g., retention hooks) that are shaped to mate with the retention mechanism822of the electronic module820. The base device800further includes a pair of coupling protrusions829to mate with the coupling insets827of the electronic device820.FIG.8Dis a close-up of detail D, showing the matching extensions824as extending outward and upward.FIG.8EandFIG.8Fshow the electronic module820and base device800being mated using a slide and rotate motion, in which the extension824of the base device800is received by the counterpart retention mechanism822of the electronic module820, and the top portion of the electronic module820is pivoted towards the base device800such that the coupling protrusions829of the base device800are mated with the coupling insets827of the electronic device820. In such examples, the coupling protrusions829and coupling insets827can be secured automatically with applied force (e.g., via a snapping fastener) or can be mechanically secured through the use of locking pins or screws.

FIG.9AandFIG.9Billustrate another example of an electronic assembly, in which a base device900and an electronic module920are structured to enable the electronic module920to slide into the base device900as a means for securing the electronic device920to the base device900. As shown byFIG.9A, the base device900includes perimeter structure912(e.g., a lipped retention slider) which extends outward from a mating interface910of the base device900. In such examples, the electronic module920can include a corresponding retention slider that couples to the perimeter structure912of the base device900such that a user can slide the electronic module920downward to couple the electronic module920with the base device900(as shown inFIG.9A).

Base Extension

In some examples, components of an electronic assembly can be modularized to permit electronic modules of different sizes to be mated with an installed base device. As described with, for example,FIG.5AthroughFIG.5D, the base device500may be installed to conform to dimensions of an electrical junction box595(e.g., gang box). For example, the receptacle of the base device500in which electronic components are situated extends into an opening of the junction box595when installed. As such, a dimension of the receptacle of the base device500may be constrained by a dimension of an existing junction box595at the point of installation.

Moreover, junction boxes range in size, based on factors such as the number of switches (e.g., to control lights) that are to be provided through the box. Thus, a size and configuration (e.g., physical layout) of the base device500can also vary to accommodate junction boxes of different sizes. Likewise, the size and configuration of electronic module520(and faceplate530) may also vary. For example, a larger electronic module520may include a larger display, or an additional sensor area. In order to enhance modularity of the base device500, examples enable the base device to receive one or more extensions that increase its footprint when installed. With an increased footprint, the base device500can, for example, be installed to conform to an existing junction box, while supporting attachment of an electronic module that would otherwise be dimensioned for a larger base device.

FIGS.10A and10Billustrate an example of an extended base device. With reference toFIG.10AandFIG.10B, a base device extension1010comprises a plate that can be positioned adjacent to a base device1000to result in a combined base structure1012having an increased dimension (e.g., width) that accommodates a larger electronic module. Depending on implementation, the extension1010can be secured to the underlying wall, to abut against a panel edge1018of the base device1000. A dimension of the extension1010may be selected so that a combined dimension of the base device1000and extension1010conforms to a dimension of an electronic module that is to be mated to the combined structure1012. The extension1010may also include, for example, retention structures (e.g., seeFIG.6A) and/or support structures (e.g., seeFIG.6B) to support a mounted electronic module.

To accommodate the larger electronic module, some examples provide that the extension1010includes lateral retaining structures1014that align the extension1010laterally and vertically to the base device1000. In examples, the lateral retaining structures1014of the extension1010can include protrusions that extend outward and mate with corresponding recesses, openings, or coupling mechanisms along or near a panel edge1018of the base device1000.

In variations, the lateral retaining structures1014may extend laterally outward towards the panel edge1018. In such variations, the panel edge1018can include lateral recesses to receive the lateral retaining structures1014. In other variations, the base device1000can include lateral structures such as described above, and the extension1010can include conforming recesses, openings, or coupling structures for receiving the lateral structures of the base device1000.

Safety Switch and Plunger Mechanism

FIG.11AthroughFIG.11Cillustrate an example safety switch for powering a mounted electronic device1150, according to various examples described herein. Referring toFIGS.11A through11C, a mount plate1100for an electronic device1150can be mounted to an insert plate1115within a wall box or gang box. The mount plate1100can comprise an electrical mating interface for an electronic module1150, and can include a recess1105for an electronic connector1130that provides power to the electronic device1150. In various examples, the mount plate1100can include a plunger1110in an extended position when the electronic device1150is not mounted thereon. When the plunger1110is in the extended position, a safety switch1120is disengaged such that an air gap1122exists. In the disengaged position the safety switch1120decouples an electrical power line1125from the electronic connector1130. As shown inFIG.11C, when the plunger1110is in the extended position, the safety switch1120is open, creating an air gap1122, which disconnects the power line1125from the mount plate1100.

FIGS.12A and12Billustrate another example of a safety switch for powering a mounted electronic device1250, according to examples described herein. As shown inFIG.12A, the electronic device1250is mounted to the mount plate1200, which depresses or pushes the plunger1210inward and closes the safety switch1220, enabling electrical power to be provided to the electronic device1250via the power line1225, closed switch1220, and electrical connectors of the mount plate1200. Accordingly, coupling the electronic device1250to the mount plate1200connects the electrical connector (not shown) to the electronic device1250while at the same time depresses the plunger1210to engage the safety switch1220. When decoupling the electronic device1250from the mount plate1200, the plunger1210can automatically extend, which disengages the safety switch1220, thereby decoupling the power line1225to the electrical connector.

Shutter Mechanisms

FIG.13A through13Dillustrate an example embodiment of a shutter mechanism1345for an electronic device, according to various examples. The electronic device can comprise embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, such as the electronic module520shown and described with respect toFIG.5GandFIG.5H. As described herein, the electronic device can include various sensors (e.g., light sensors, motion sensors, etc.) and one or more cameras that require apertures to receive or otherwise capture sensor data. Referring toFIG.13AandFIG.13B, a faceplate1300for an electronic device can include an aperture1302for one or more sensors (e.g., a motion detection sensor) that need not be covered or that may be required to be uncovered for optimal use of the electronic device (e.g., for detecting the presence of a user). The faceplate1300can further include a camera aperture1304for a camera of the electronic device, wherein the camera is disposed on a front façade of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1150,1250shown inFIG.11BandFIG.12A).

It is contemplated that users may wish to cover the camera in certain circumstances. Thus, according to examples described, a shutter mechanism1345is included, as shown in the rearward views ofFIGS.13C and13D, within the faceplate1300to enable a user to close the camera aperture1304. A shutter slider1360of the shutter mechanism1345can include a shutter portion1308that covers the camera lens. The shutter portion1308can include a protrusion or lip1306that the user can push with a finger to open and close the shutter portion1308. In various examples, the shutter slider1360of the shutter mechanism1345includes one or more slider pins1312that are guided in slider openings1314to ensure linear opening and closing of the shutter mechanism1345.

In certain implementations, the shutter slider1360of the shutter mechanism1345can further include sliding dovetails1316so that the shutter portion1308is rigid to the faceplate1300, and only allows linear movement along a width of the camera aperture1304, which corresponds to the length of the slider openings1314and the rails along which the sliding dovetails1316slide. As shown inFIGS.13C and13D, the slider openings1314and the sliding dovetails1316can both be placed laterally to the camera aperture1304(e.g., at a same horizontal axis with respect to the faceplate1300), since there is a sufficient gap1307between the camera aperture1304and the edge of the faceplate1300(as shown inFIG.13B). This gap1307enables the shutter portion1308and shutter mechanism1345to be disposed behind the faceplate1300along the length of the gap1307and lateral to the camera aperture1304. Further description of the shutter slider1360ofFIGS.13A through13Dis provided below in connection withFIGS.15A and15B.

Referring toFIG.13D, the chassis of the electronic device or the faceplate1300can include a lever arm1321that includes a locking pin that soft locks to a pair of corresponding locking holes1317of a tacking portion1319of the shutter mechanism1345(shown inFIG.15B). For example, the locking pin can be located at a distal end of the lever arm1321and can slide within a guiding groove1323(shown inFIG.15B) to soft lock in an open position in which the locking pin locks to a first locking hole1317, and a closed position in which the locking pin locks to the other locking hole1317. Further detail of this soft locking feature is provided below with respect toFIG.15B.

FIG.14A through14Cillustrate another example embodiment of a shutter mechanism1445for an electronic device, according to examples described herein. As shown inFIG.14A, a shutter portion1408covering the camera aperture1404also includes a protrusion or lip1406, and the sensor aperture1402remains open. The shutter mechanism1445shown and described with respect toFIGS.14A through14Cis an alternative embodiment required for electronic devices and corresponding faceplates1400in which a gap1407between the camera aperture1404and an edge of the faceplate is inadequate for the simple installation and configuration of the shutter mechanism1345ofFIGS.13A through13D. Thus, referring toFIG.14B, the rails for the sliding dovetails1416of the shutter mechanism1445are positioned above and below the camera aperture1404as opposed to being laterally positioned in relation to the camera aperture1404. Accordingly, the sliding dovetails1416, slider openings1414, and slider pins1412are positioned on horizontal axes that are above and below a horizontal axis of the camera aperture1404and sensor aperture1402respectively. Furthermore, in some aspects, the gap1407can comprise a width that is substantially equivalent to a width of the shutter portion1408of the shutter slider1460.

Referring toFIG.14B, the chassis of the electronic device or faceplate1400can include a pair of lever arms1421each including a locking pin configured to slide within a guiding groove1423between two locking holes1417of a tacking portion1419of the shutter mechanism1445(shown inFIG.16B). For example, for each lever arm1421, the locking pin can be located at a distal end of the lever arm1421and can slide within the guiding groove1423(shown inFIG.16B) to soft lock in an open position in which the locking pin locks to a first locking hole1417, and a closed position in which the locking pin locks to the other locking hole1417. Further detail of this soft locking feature is provided below with respect toFIG.16B.

The shutter slider1460can comprise a shutter portion1408to cover the camera aperture1404when closed, and one or more slider appendages1418that stabilize the shutter slider1460. In the example shown inFIG.14C, the shutter slider1460comprises a pair of slider appendages1418. The slider pins1412and sliding dovetails1416can each be coupled to a respective slider appendage1418, which may then be coupled to slider openings1414and rails respectively. Further description of the shutter slider1460ofFIGS.14A through14Cis provided below in connection withFIGS.16A and16B.

FIG.15AandFIG.15Billustrate a shutter slider1360implemented in a shutter mechanism1345as shown and described with respect toFIG.13AthroughFIG.13D. As shown inFIG.15A, the shutter slider1360includes a shutter portion1308and a protrusion or lip1306. Referring toFIG.15B, a backside of the shutter slider1360can include multiple slider pins1312and multiple sliding dovetails1316that hold the shutter slider1360in a constant horizontal position and enables movement along a single linear axis. It is contemplated that certain applications of shutter mechanisms can scratch or cause damage to camera lenses. In order to prevent such damage, the rear side of the shutter portion1308can include a recess1340so that the rear side of the shutter portion1308does not make contact with the camera lens of the electronic device.

As shown inFIG.15B, the shutter slider1360can include a tacking portion1319that comprises a pair of locking holes1317, one for an open position of the shutter mechanism1345and the other for a closed position of the shutter mechanism1345. A guiding groove1323can be disposed between the locking holes1317to guide the locking pin of the lever arm1321of the chassis between the open and closed positions. In practice, a user opening and closing the shutter mechanism1345will feel an initial click corresponding to the locking pin being released from one locking hole1317, and a subsequent click corresponding to the locking pin engaging the other locking hole1317.

FIG.16AandFIG.16Billustrate a shutter slider1460implemented in the shutter mechanism1445as shown and described with respect toFIG.14AthroughFIG.14C. As shown inFIG.16A, the shutter slider1460can include a shutter portion1408having a protrusion or lip1406, and a pair of appendages1418, as described herein. Referring toFIG.16B, the shutter slider1460can further include multiple slider pins1412and multiple sliding dovetails1416that also enable movement only along a single linear axis. The shutter slider1460shown inFIG.16Balso includes a recess1440on a rear side of the shutter portion1408to prevent contact between the shutter portion1408and the camera lens.

As shown inFIG.16B, the shutter slider1460includes a pair of tacking portions1419(e.g., an upper tacking portion and a lower tacking portion), each including a pair of locking holes1417and a guiding groove1423disposed therebetween. A corresponding locking pin on a corresponding lever arm1421for each tacking portion1419can engage with and disengage from each locking hole1417depending on whether the shutter mechanism1445is in a closed or open position. Like the shutter slider1360described inFIG.15B, the shutter slider1460inFIG.16Bcan be utilized by a user to open and close the shutter mechanism1445, and the user will feel a click corresponding to the locking pin disengaging with one locking hole1417and a subsequent click corresponding to the locking pin engaging with the other locking hole1417. Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention is not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive.