Self-Locking Breadboard Power Distributor With USB Side Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EECLDs face challenges with bulky and heavy power supplies, frequent battery replacement needs, and cumbersome cable management, making them difficult to use and transport, especially in field applications, and lack versatility for different breadboard types.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking portable power distributor (SLPDE) using USB connectors and 3D morphological elements for secure attachment to EECLDs, allowing power distribution without bulky transformers or batteries, and utilizing cables for both power supply and locking, compatible with various EECLD types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional power supplies with transformers and voltage rectifiers are used, then power distribution functionality is achieved, but weight and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy transformer and voltage rectifier circuits from the power distribution system, retaining only the essential power delivery function. The breadboard is powered directly through USB connections without traditional AC-DC conversion components, eliminating the bulk and weight while maintaining power distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distributor is designed with universal USB Type-C connectors that can interface with any standard USB power source, making the system adaptable to multiple power sources without requiring dedicated heavy power supply units. This multi-functionality allows the same lightweight distributor to work with laptops, power banks, wall adapters, and other USB-powered sources.
2Ease of operation
If batteries are used to power EECLDs for field use, then portability is improved, but frequent replacement and recharging are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using dedicated batteries that require recharging, the system uses universal USB Type-C connectors that can draw power from any standard USB power source. This allows field operators to continuously power the EECLD using available power sources such as laptop USB ports, power banks, or wall adapters without worrying about battery life or recharging cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts the widely adopted USB power delivery standard instead of proprietary battery systems. By copying and utilizing the existing USB Type-C power interface that is already ubiquitous in modern devices, the system eliminates the need for specialized battery management while maintaining portability and ease of operation in field conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable cables are used to connect power supply to EECLD, then flexibility is achieved, but cable management becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power connection function with the structural support function by integrating the power distributor body to directly hold and position the breadboard. The USB Type-C cables serve dual purposes: delivering power and providing mechanical attachment. This consolidation eliminates separate mounting hardware and simplifies cable management while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB Type-C connectors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide power delivery, data communication capability, and mechanical attachment through the integrated distributor structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability to different power sources and configurations.
4Weight of moving object
If custom integrated devices are used to hold breadboards, then lightweight design is achieved, but versatility across different breadboard types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power distributor is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate various breadboard types and sizes. The distributor body incorporates adjustable or adaptable mounting mechanisms that work with standard breadboard dimensions, allowing the same lightweight device to support different breadboard configurations without requiring custom-designed units for each breadboard type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into independent functional modules: the lightweight power distributor unit, the USB power source, and the breadboard. This modular approach allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining compatibility through standardized interfaces. The distributor can be detached and reattached to different breadboards, providing versatility without increasing the weight of any single component.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking portable power distributor for breadboards has a power input, and a power output with two conductive lines, configured for supplying voltage and ground to at least one breadboard. The distributor includes at least one three-dimensional connection element located on a distributor first outer surface such that the distributor three-dimensional connection element is shaped and dimensioned to be compatible with at least one three-dimensional connection element of the breadboard. The breadboard three-dimensional connection element may be located on a breadboard first outer surface disposed substantially perpendicular to a breadboard second outer surface. The second outer surface of the breadboard may carry at least one electronic component terminal socket. The distributor three-dimensional connection element may be configured for engaging with the breadboard three-dimensional connection element for allowing side-to-side connection of the distributor to the breadboard with respect to the at least one electronic component terminal socket.