Angled Power Panel Connectors for Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution panels face difficulties in servicing due to intertwined cabling and linear arrangement of connection blocks, making it challenging to reach and route cables effectively.

Innovation Solution

The power distribution panel features angled connection blocks on the rear face and conductive bars passing through the enclosure, allowing angled connections and straight-through routing of cables, reducing cable tangling and improving accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If connection blocks are arranged linearly on the panel, then the panel structure is simple, but cable routing becomes difficult and serviceability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel structureVSAvoidcable routing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection blocks are arranged in an angled configuration rather than a linear one, transitioning from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a two-dimensional angular layout. This dimensional change allows cables to be routed more easily behind the panel while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If connection blocks are positioned flush with the panel, then the panel appearance is clean, but accessibility for servicing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel appearanceVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection blocks are positioned asymmetrically at angles relative to the panel surface rather than uniformly flush with it. This asymmetric angular positioning creates accessible sides for cable connection while maintaining a clean overall panel appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If circuitry is enclosed within housing structure, then safety is improved, but accessibility to circuitry for servicing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidaccessibility to circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection blocks are extracted from the traditional flush panel position and repositioned at angles on the rear face of the housing. This extraction allows servicing personnel to access cable connections from behind the panel without compromising the enclosed safety of the main circuitry within the housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7898787B2Power panel with angled connectors

Publication Date: 2011.03.01 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

A power distribution panel is disclosed. The power distribution panel includes a panel enclosure having a front face, a rear face, and an interior. The panel also includes a first plurality of connection blocks, each of the first plurality of connection blocks located on the rear face of the panel enclosure and oriented at a first common angle relative to the front face of the panel enclosure. The panel further includes a second plurality of connection blocks, each of the second plurality of connection blocks located on the rear face of the panel enclosure and oriented at a second common angle relative to the rear face of the panel enclosure. The panel includes a plurality of circuit protection modules located on the front face of the panel enclosure, and a plurality of conductive bars passing through the enclosure and connecting the input connection blocks to one of the plurality of circuit protection modules, each of the conductive bars including a generally straight portion passing from the rear of the panel to the front of the panel.