Aquarium Base Junction Box for Single-Cord Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home aquariums have multiple power cords for accessories that are unsightly and potentially dangerous, requiring time-consuming setup and connection.
Innovation Solution
A single power connection system with a junction box integrated into the base, allowing a single power cord to power multiple accessories, including a lighting arrangement and pump, with a remote control for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple power cords are used for each accessory, then each accessory can be powered independently, but the setup becomes time-consuming and the cords create visual clutter and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power cord connections into a single power cord by integrating a junction box within the aquarium base. This junction box receives power from one cord and distributes it to multiple accessories (pump, heater, lights) through internal wiring, eliminating the need for multiple external power cords and their associated routing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single power cord system with integrated junction box serves multiple functions: it powers the pump, heater, and lighting accessories simultaneously through a unified connection point, making the power distribution system versatile and adaptable to different accessory configurations
2Reliability
If multiple power cords are routed around the aquarium, then each accessory can be connected to power, but the cords become unsightly and potentially dangerous when exposed to water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the junction box and power distribution function from the external environment and embeds it within the aquarium base structure. This internalizes the power connection point, removing the need for cords to traverse the aquarium exterior and eliminating safety hazards associated with exposed cords near water
Solution Approach 2:
The junction box is nested within the aquarium base, with its aperture arrangement positioned to receive power cords from the exterior while keeping the main power distribution components hidden inside the base structure, creating a clean external appearance while maintaining functional access
3Adaptability or versatility
If each accessory has its own power cord connection point, then accessories can be connected independently, but the aquarium requires extensive setup time to arrange and connect all cords
Solution Approach 1:
The junction box is pre-integrated into the aquarium base during manufacturing, with internal wiring and connection points already established. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform complex wiring and cord routing during setup, reducing installation time while maintaining the ability to connect multiple accessories
Data Source
AI summary
An aquarium requiring no more than only a single power connection. The aquarium includes: (a) a transparent tank having a surrounding wall with an enclosure rim surrounding an open top and an opposite closed bottom wall; (b) an electrically powered lighting arrangement; (c) an electrically powered pump oriented within an interior of the tank; (d) a base supporting the tank under the bottom wall of the tank; and (e) a junction box integrally formed with the base and having an aperture arrangement accessible from adjacent the surrounding wall having an electrical power port for removable insertion of an electrical power cord to provide power for the lighting arrangement and the pump.