Flexible Insulated Panel System for Irregular Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting electric devices to networks face issues such as inflexibility, potential short-circuits due to inadequate insulation, and inability to handle data transmission, limiting their versatility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A system with electrically insulated panels connected by a thin insulating element, allowing flexibility and adaptability to non-planar surfaces, and incorporating data transmission capabilities through separate panels and conductors, with magnetic or screw-based constraints to ensure secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick insulating panel is used to ensure appropriate insulation between metal panels, then insulation safety is improved, but the structure becomes stiff and cannot be fitted to irregular surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thick rigid insulating panel with a thin flexible insulating film that can conform to irregular surfaces while maintaining adequate insulation between conductive layers. The film's flexibility allows the panel assembly to be fitted to non-planar surfaces without requiring thick insulation material.
2Strength
If an external frame is added to keep panels together, then structural integrity is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fastening function directly into the insulating film by incorporating adhesive properties, eliminating the need for a separate external frame. The insulating film simultaneously provides electrical insulation and mechanical bonding between the metal panels, reducing component count while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If only electric devices are connected through cylindrical plugs, then electrical connection is achieved, but data transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the panel system with both electrical conductors and data transmission lines integrated into the same structure. The cylindrical plugs are configured to establish both electrical power connections and data communication connections simultaneously, allowing the system to serve multiple functions through a single interface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced safety, flexibility, and data transmission speed comparable to USB ports, enabling efficient connection of various devices on irregular surfaces and supporting both electric and data connections.
Implementation Method 1
at least a fourth panel has at least one portion of magnetisable material, or ferromagnetic material, and the electric connection member comprises a magnet, or an electromagnet, or a ferromagnetic element. This way, a magnetic, or electromagnetic, field is created arranged to constrain the electric connection member to at least one of said panels.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) for managing electric devices comprises a first panel (110) having at least one hole (113) and having a first conductive surface (115), a second panel (120) integral and substantially parallel to the first panel (110) and having a second conductive surface (125). In use, the first panel (110) is overlapped to the second panel (120). The system (100) is configured in such a way that the second conductive surface (125) has at least one portion (126) not covered by the first panel (110) and accessible through the or each hole (113). The first conductive surface (115) and the second conductive surface (125) are connected to an electric circuit (10) in such a way that the first conductive surface (115) has a first predetermined polarity, and the second conductive surface (125) has a second predetermined polarity, opposite to the first predetermined polarity. The system (100) for managing electric devices also comprises at least one electric connection member (150) arranged to electrically connect the first conductive surface (115) and the second conductive surface (125) to an electric device (160), in order to close the electric circuit (10) and electrically supply the electric device (160). The first and the second panel (110,120) are made of electrically conductive material, and the first panel (110) is electrically insulated by the second panel (120) by means of an insulating element (140). The insulating element (140) is an insulating glue arranged to constrain the first and the second panel (110,120), in order to make them integral with one another and arrange them close each other.