Relocatable Ceiling Panel Power Supply Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing power to various locations in retail store environments is costly and requires permanent installations, making it difficult to reconfigure or remove power poles, which may not meet aesthetic or building code requirements.
Innovation Solution
A relocatable power supply assembly that integrates with a ceiling grid system, using a ceiling panel with an aperture to house a cord connecting a power source to a powered fixture, supported by a frame and strain relief device, allowing for easy relocation and installation without visible structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power pole is installed to provide power to a new location, then power supply capability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase due to requiring electricians and permanent installation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into separate modular components: a ceiling panel unit, a cord set, and a junction box. This segmentation allows the power supply capability to be added without requiring complex permanent installations, as each component can be independently installed and connected using simple fastening methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ceiling panel assembly that mediates between the existing ceiling structure and the power delivery system. This intermediary component provides a standardized interface that simplifies connection to the power source and to the load, eliminating the need for complex electrician-installed power poles.
2Reliability
If a power pole is permanently installed, then power supply stability is improved, but removability and reconfigurability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel power supply assembly is designed with dynamic, reversible fastening mechanisms rather than permanent fixed connections. The panel can be securely installed to provide stable power supply, yet easily removed and relocated when reconfiguration is needed, allowing the system to transition between stable and movable states as required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a power pole is installed on the sales floor, then power delivery is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible structures
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply components are extracted from the traditional visible power pole configuration and integrated into the ceiling panel structure. The cord is routed through the ceiling panel rather than being externally visible, and the junction box is concealed within the ceiling space, eliminating aesthetic concerns while maintaining power delivery capability.
4Reliability
If traditional power installation methods are used, then code compliance is achieved, but installation cost increases due to requiring licensed electricians
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel power supply assembly is designed as a self-contained unit that can be installed using simple mechanical fastening methods without requiring licensed electricians. The pre-assembled nature of the unit allows non-electrician personnel to perform the installation while still achieving code compliance through proper integration with the building's existing electrical infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply assembly and method for installing in a retail store environment are described. The power supply assembly is relocatable for providing power and/or data to a particular location within the retail store environment. The power supply assembly can provide power and/or data from a power source above a dropped ceiling to a powered fixture without the ceiling panel being set askew, in a manner that may be more aesthetically pleasing and that can satisfy building code requirements. The power supply assembly can be movable to various locations in the retail store environment and does not require installation of a structure such as, but not limited to, a power pole or other beam-like structure in which power cords may be contained.