Low-Voltage Track Power Assembly for Flexible Display Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power and signal distribution systems lack flexibility and expandability, particularly in providing power to multiple devices while allowing for device relocation, addition, and removal, as they often require complex wiring and secondary wire management, and traditional powered track systems struggle to incorporate multiple power and signal conductors efficiently.
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 through a track system that supports magnetic or mechanical attachment of devices, enabling flexible device placement and reconfiguration without increasing connector complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional powered track systems are used to provide power to multiple devices, then power distribution is achieved, but the system lacks flexibility for device relocation and the connector complexity increases significantly with each additional conductor
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a fixed portion attached to the track and a movable portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the connector to accommodate multiple conductors without increasing overall complexity, as each conductor has its own dedicated contact path through the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system is designed with universal power and signal conductors that can serve multiple devices simultaneously. The distributed power contacts along the track allow any device to connect at any position, providing multi-functional capability where the same track infrastructure supports power distribution, signal transmission, and device relocation without requiring different connectors for each function.
2Quantity of substance
If cable raceways with multiple connection points are used, then power can be provided to many devices, but the system lacks expandability for adding or relocating devices
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a movable portion that can be dynamically repositioned along the track to connect with different devices. This dynamic capability allows the system to expand and adapt to changing device configurations without requiring permanent wiring changes, enabling both multiple device support and easy reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design nests the movable portion within the fixed portion, allowing the movable component to slide along the track while remaining connected to the power and signal conductors. This nested structure enables the system to support multiple devices at different positions while maintaining a compact, integrated connector design that can be easily extended.
3Quantity of substance
If many conductors are added to traditional power track systems, then more power and signal capabilities are achieved, but the connector size and complexity grow significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector segments the contact elements into multiple independent contacts within the fixed portion, each aligned with specific power or signal conductors in the track. This segmentation allows numerous conductors to be accommodated in a compact arrangement, as each conductor has its own dedicated contact point rather than requiring a single large connector body.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes a three-dimensional arrangement where contacts are distributed in multiple dimensions within the fixed portion. This dimensional distribution allows many conductors to be accessed in a compact volume by organizing contacts spatially rather than linearly, reducing the overall connector size while supporting a high number of conductors.
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 movement and placement of connected devices, and maintains system simplicity as additional conductors are added, suitable for applications like retail merchandise display systems.
Implementation Method 1
a power connector assembly that connects to the track both through a mechanical connection and a low voltage power 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.