Electrical Module Latching for Thin Modular Furniture Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical distribution systems in modular furniture, such as wall panels, face challenges with thinner designs due to exposed connector tabs that can be inadvertently unlocked, and require additional components like electrical distribution harnesses for connection.
Innovation Solution
A latching arrangement featuring male and female latch members for secure and releasable attachment between electrical modules, allowing direct connections between receptacles and jumpers without the need for additional harnesses, suitable for one-inch thick wall panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connector tabs are exposed externally relative to the receptacle junction block, then the connector tab can be easily accessed for connection, but the connector tab can be inadvertently pushed and unlocked from the tab slot
Solution Approach 1:
The connector tab is nested within a recess in the receptacle junction block, with the tab slot extending into the recess. This nesting arrangement allows the connector tab to be accessible for connection while being protected from inadvertent pushing that could cause unlocking, as the tab is received within the recess rather than exposed externally.
2Device complexity
If traditional latching arrangements with exposed tabs are used, then connection is simple, but additional electrical distribution harnesses are required for interconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The latching arrangement is merged directly into the electrical modules themselves, with male latch members integrated into one module and female latch members integrated into the other module. This eliminates the need for separate electrical distribution harnesses and intermediate connector tabs, allowing direct connection between modules while simplifying the overall system.
3Length of stationary object
If wall panels are made thinner to minimize width, then space is saved, but there is insufficient space to accommodate traditional electrical distribution systems
Solution Approach 1:
The latching arrangement and electrical connection functions are merged into integrated male and female latch members that are part of the electrical modules themselves. This integration eliminates the need for separate harnesses and intermediate connectors, reducing the space required for the electrical distribution system and enabling use in thinner wall panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical distribution system is segmented into modular electrical modules with integrated latching arrangements. This segmentation allows for more efficient space utilization compared to traditional continuous harness systems, enabling the system to fit within thinner wall panel configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrified office furniture system includes: a piece of office furniture; and an electrical distribution system associated with the piece of office furniture, the electrical distribution system including: a first electrical module including a first electrical module latching arrangement which includes a first pair of female latch members and a first pair of male latch members; and a second electrical module including a second electrical module latching arrangement which includes a first pair of female latch members and a first pair of male latch members, the first pair of female latch members of the first electrical module latching arrangement and the first pair of male latch members of the first electrical module latching arrangement being selectively and releasably coupled with the first pair of male latch members of the second electrical module latching arrangement and the first pair of female latch members of the second electrical module latching arrangement respectively.