Layered Conductive Support for Flexible Appliance Power Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical interface systems for powering appliances like lighting systems lack integration into architectural designs, leading to aesthetic and artistic detractions due to high voltage and visual clutter, and require flexibility in electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A wiring system with a structural support defined by conductive layers separated by an insulating layer, incorporating an electrical jack fastener that can be inserted at any position to provide power, reducing the need for high voltage wiring and junction boxes, and allowing seamless integration with architectural substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional high voltage electrical interface systems are used to power lighting systems, then electrical power can be delivered to the fixtures, but visual clutter and aesthetic appeal deteriorate due to visible outlets, junction boxes, and evidence of electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical wiring system with the structural support system by integrating conductive layers directly into the structural support substrate. This combination eliminates the need for separate visible electrical outlets and junction boxes, as the structural support itself becomes the electrical conduit, delivering power seamlessly while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for lighting fixtures and delivers electrical power through integrated conductive layers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrical infrastructure, reducing visual clutter while maintaining reliable power delivery to fixtures.
2Ease of operation
If traditional electrical wiring systems with junction boxes are used, then electrical connections can be made, but device complexity and visual clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from traditional separate components (outlets, junction boxes, wiring) and integrates it directly into the structural support system. By taking out the need for discrete electrical infrastructure and embedding conductive layers within the structural support, the system simplifies the overall wiring infrastructure while maintaining connection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power delivery system is segmented into multiple conductive layers (first conductive layer, second conductive layer) embedded within the structural support. This segmentation allows for flexible electrical connections at various points along the structural support without requiring traditional junction boxes, simplifying the overall wiring infrastructure.
3Loss of substance
If class 2 or class 3 power supply systems are used, then copper consumption and high voltage wiring requirements are reduced, but integration into architectural designs becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the low-voltage class 2 or class 3 power supply system with the architectural substrate by integrating conductive layers directly into the structural support. This integration makes architectural incorporation straightforward, as the electrical system becomes part of the building structure itself, while simultaneously reducing copper consumption compared to traditional high-voltage systems.
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 solution provides unobtrusive and flexible power delivery to lighting fixtures, minimizing visual clutter and enabling artistic installations while reducing copper consumption and the necessity for high voltage wiring.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer juxtaposed therebetween and insulating the first conductive layer from the second conductive layer
Implementation Method 2
The structural support can have a first adhesive layer between the insulating layer and the first conductive layer and a second adhesive layer between the insulating layer and the second conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
Wiring systems for class 2 or class 3 devices include a structural support defined by a first conductive layer opposite a second conductive layer with an insulating layer juxtaposed therebetween, and an electrical jack fastener that has a head of conductive material electrically insulated from a fastener portion of conductive material by an insulator insert and is insertable into the structural support at any position along the first conductive surface to engage the fastener portion with the second conductive layer and the head with the first conductive layer. The first and second conductive layers are configured to connect to a class 2 or a class 3 power supply to define a circuit, and the head of the electrical jack fastener has a first terminal configured to connect to a first wire and the fastener portion has a second terminal configured to connect to a second wire.