Article with adjustable shelf with lighting system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture with adjustable shelves often lacks integrated lighting systems due to the complexity of wiring and the need for rewiring when shelves are adjusted, limiting flexibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a conductive shelf pin and contact pin assembly within the adjustable shelves, allowing for a lighting system to be conductively connected to a power source without rewiring, enabling shelves to be freely adjusted while maintaining a constant electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting system is integrally incorporated into the fixed frame of the furniture, then the lighting system is stable and easy to wire, but the shelves cannot be freely adjusted without rewiring
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into discrete components: conductive shelf pins inserted into conductive sockets in the frame, and biased contact pins on the shelves that make contact with the shelf pins. This segmentation allows the electrical connection to be maintained through simple mechanical insertion rather than complex wiring, enabling shelf adjustment without rewiring.
Solution Approach 2:
Conductive shelf pins serve as intermediaries between the fixed frame (with conductive sockets) and the movable shelves (with contact pins). These pins transfer electrical connection from the fixed structure to the adjustable shelves, allowing electrical continuity without direct wiring to each shelf.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting system is incorporated into the shelves to enable free adjustment, then shelf flexibility is improved, but the wiring complexity increases due to need for rewiring
Solution Approach 1:
The biased contact pins automatically make electrical contact with the conductive shelf pins when the shelf is placed on the pin. The spring bias ensures continuous contact without requiring manual wiring connections or switches, making the adjustment process self-servicing and maintaining electrical continuity automatically.
3Illumination intensity
If standard shelves are used without integrated lighting, then the shelves are simple and easy to adjust, but the furniture lacks integrated lighting functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive shelf pins and contact pin assembly serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the shelves, enable electrical connection for lighting, and allow for adjustable positioning. This multi-functionality integrates lighting capability into standard adjustable shelves without adding separate complex wiring systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables adjustable shelves with integrated lighting systems to be positioned and spaced as needed without rewiring, ensuring continuous power supply and maintaining electrical contact through spring-biased contact pins, enhancing the flexibility and functionality of furniture with built-in lighting.
Implementation Method 1
Each contact pin assembly includes a biased conductive contact pin that protrudes downward from a bottom surface of the shelf and is for placement in intimate contact with one conductive shelf pin
Data Source
AI summary
An article, such as a piece of furniture, includes one or more adjustable shelves each of which includes a lighting system which is connected to a power source in such a way that each shelf can be freely adjusted within a frame of the article so as to alter the location of the shelf and/or the spacing between shelves.