Power and Communication Distributions System Using Split Bus Rail Structure

Abstract

A split bus rail system (100) is employed within a commercial interior (102). The system (100) includes a main rail (114) with a power bus assembly (116) and a communications bus assembly (112). Application devices (512) are selectively energized through connector modules (400) coupled to the bus assemblies (116, 118).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 592,791, filed Jul. 30, 2004.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The invention relates to overhead structures for commercial interiors (i.e., commercial, industrial and office environments) requiring power for energizing lighting, audio-visual, acoustical management, security and other applications and, more particularly, to a distributed power and communications system using a split bus rail structure which permits electrical and mechanical interconnections (and reconfiguration of electrical and mechanical interconnections) of various applications, and communications (including programmed reconfiguration of controlled / controlling relationships) among application devices.[0006]2. Background A...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0052]Still further, the connector modules include safety means for preventing, in certain situations, the connector modules from being moved from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration relative to the main rail. The safety means operates so that when the extendable contact section is in an extended position, where the bus contacts of one connector module are engaged with the power bus assembly and the communications bus assembly, the locking bar is prevented from being moved from a locked position to an unlocked position. Still further, the connector module can include catch means for releasably securing the extended contact section in the extended position. The catch means further includes means responsive to external forces so as to be released, and further so as to permit the extendable contact section to be moved from the extended position to the retracted position. The extendable contact section can include a pair of spaced apart and tapered arms, with the tapered arms abutting either a set of AC bus contacts or set of DC bus contacts. When the extendable contact section is moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the tapered arms move inwardly toward the main body of the connector module, and cause the AC bus contacts to electrically engage the power bus assembly and the DC bus contacts to electrically engage the communications bus assembly.

Problems solved by technology

Given the use of stationary walls and heavy equipment, any reconfiguration of a commercial interior was a time-consuming and costly undertaking.

These factors have added considerably to the complexity of planning and managing commercial interiors.

The confluence of these conditions has resulted in commercial interiors being inflexible and difficult and costly to change.

However, when these structures, which can be characterized as somewhat “permanent” in most buildings (as described in previous paragraphs herein), are designed, the actual occupants may not move into the building for several months or even years.

Needless to say, in situations where the building will not be commissioned for a substantial period of time after the design phase, the infrastructure of the building may not be appropriately laid out for the actual occupants.

However, as previously described herein, most commercial interiors permit little reconfiguration after completion of the initial design.

Reconfiguring a structure for the needs of a particular tenant can be extremely expensive and time consurning.

However, many organizations today experience relatively rapid changes in growth, both positively and negatively.

When these changes occur, again it may be difficult to appropriately modify the commercial interior so as to permit the occupant to expand beyond its original commercial interior or, alternatively, be reduced in size such that unused space can then be occupied by another tenant.

Other problems also exist with respect to the layout and organization of today's commercial interiors.

To modify these control relationships in most commercial interiors requires significant efforts.

Current systems do not provide for any relatively easy “reconfiguration,” either with respect to electrical or “logical” relationships (e.g. the control of a particular bank of lights by a particular set of switches) or mechanical structure.

This often results in difficulty with respect to providing power and communications distribution throughout locations within a commercial interior.

It may therefore be difficult to establish a “mechanically efficient” system for carrying electrical power, and yet still meet appropriate codes and regulations.

Regulations and standards directed to these and similar issues have made it substantially difficult to develop efficient power and communications distribution systems.

Other difficulties also exist.

With respect to other issues associated with providing a distributed power structure, the carrying of high voltage lines are subject to a number of relatively restrictive codes and regulations.

Still further, to provide for a distributed power and communication system for reconfigurable applications, physically realizable limitations exist with respect to system size.

For example, and particularly with respect to DC communication signals, limitations exist on the transmission length of such signals, regarding attenuation, S / N ratio, etc.

Such limitations may correspondingly limit the physical size of the structure carrying power and communications signals.

Other difficulties may also arise with respect to overhead systems for distributing power.

An inverted T-runner is engaged with the spline, in a manner so that when the ceiling system is exposed to heat, the inverted T-runner continues to hold the ceiling panels even, although the spline loses structural integrity and may disengage from the trim.

Images