Low voltage power supply for a merchandise display system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power/signal systems face challenges in providing flexible and expandable power distribution to multiple devices while maintaining good wire management, as traditional solutions like cable raceways and powered track systems lack flexibility and complexity increases with added conductors.
Innovation Solution
A low voltage power system utilizing a configuration of ferrous and conductive materials with magnetic or mechanical connections, allowing for easy distribution of power and signals without complex wiring, and enabling device relocation and addition through magnetic or mechanical attachment methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional outlet strip approach is used to provide power to multiple devices, then power distribution capability is improved, but system flexibility and expandability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into modular components: a continuous conductive track and separate power connector assemblies. Each connector can be independently attached at different locations along the track, enabling flexible device addition and relocation while maintaining power distribution to multiple devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static outlet strip configuration to a dynamic track-based system where connectors can be moved along the conductive path. This allows the power distribution architecture to adapt dynamically to changing device requirements, locations, and quantities without requiring system reconfiguration or new wiring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional powered track systems are used to provide power to multiple devices, then system flexibility is improved, but connector complexity increases with added conductors
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductors for power and signal are merged into a single integrated conductive track structure. The track contains all necessary conductive pathways, eliminating the need for separate connectors for each conductor. This reduces connector complexity while maintaining the ability to relocate and add devices flexibly.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive track serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, electrical conduction for multiple conductors, and a guide for connector positioning. The universal track design accommodates various device types and configurations without requiring specialized connectors for each function or conductor.
3Quantity of substance
If cable raceways with multiple connection points are used, then power distribution to multiple devices is improved, but wire management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex wire management problem is extracted and eliminated by replacing traditional cable raceways with a simplified conductive track system. The track inherently guides and organizes conductors within its structure, removing the need for separate wire management components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multiple connection points.
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 a scalable and flexible power distribution solution that simplifies wire management, allows easy device reconfiguration, and maintains system integrity as conductors are added, suitable for dynamic applications like retail merchandise display systems.
Implementation Method 1
The power connector assembly may include one or more magnetic connection plates that connect to the one or more magnetic connection plates on the track providing the magnetic connection
Data Source
AI summary
A merchandise display system may include a low voltage power assembly may comprise a track that includes one or more conductive rods and one or more mechanical connections, wherein the track is powered from a power source; and a power connector assembly that connects to the track, wherein the one or more conductive rods connect to the power assembly providing a power connection, and further wherein the one or more mechanical connections connect to the power assembly providing a mechanical connection. The power connector assembly may be configured to provide low voltage power through the track to a low voltage power device. The power assembly may include a configuration of mechanical connections and conductive material arranged in such a way as to provide power and/or signal distribution to a mating device, such as to a set of LED modules, other lighting sources, or powered track devices for use with a merchandise display system.