Modular Electrical System Four-Wire Circuit Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular electrical systems face challenges in providing efficient power distribution in narrow raceways with limited space, requiring multiple connectors and custom couplers for various angular configurations, leading to increased complexity and cost, while also struggling with correct polarization and circuitry configurations.

Innovation Solution

A modular electrical system utilizing four-wire circuitry with integrated junction blocks and receptacles, featuring keying configurations for correct polarization and circuitry, and a reduced number of components to simplify assembly and installation, allowing for flexible configurations within narrow raceways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional modular electrical systems use multiple connectors and custom couplers for various angular configurations, then adaptability to different spatial arrangements is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different angular configurationsVSAvoidnumber of connectors and couplers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single modular electrical component that can function in multiple angular configurations (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°) without requiring different specialized connectors or couplers. The universal component includes adjustable conductive elements and contact points that can be positioned to accommodate various angular relationships between adjacent wall panels, thereby reducing the total number of different connector types needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrical connection function into separate adjustable components within the modular unit. The conductive elements, contact points, and insulating structures are segmented and can be independently positioned or configured to achieve the desired angular connection. This segmentation allows a single modular component to adapt to different configurations without requiring multiple specialized parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional systems provide comprehensive electrical interconnections for all possible configurations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical interconnection capabilityVSAvoidalignment tolerance for connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable and reconfigurable elements within the modular electrical component. The conductive elements and contact points can be positioned at different locations to accommodate various angular configurations, allowing the connection geometry to adapt dynamically rather than requiring precise pre-manufactured alignment for each specific configuration. This reduces the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If modular electrical systems are designed for narrow raceways with limited space, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated junction blocks and receptacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveraceway space utilizationVSAvoidintegration of junction blocks and receptacles

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating multiple electrical functions (junction block, receptacle, and connector elements) into a single modular component that fits within narrow raceways. By combining these functions into one integrated unit, the system eliminates the need for separate junction blocks and receptacles that would require additional space and multiple installation steps, thereby reducing the overall space requirement in narrow raceways while maintaining electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If keying configurations are added to ensure correct polarization and circuitry, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect polarization and circuitry configurationVSAvoidkeying mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry through the use of keying configurations on the modular electrical components. The keying elements create asymmetric geometries that prevent incorrect mating of components, thereby ensuring correct polarization and circuitry configuration. This asymmetric keying provides a simple mechanical constraint that guides proper assembly without requiring complex electronic verification systems, thus improving reliability with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS9166308B2Modular electrical system providing four wire circuit configurations

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 BYRNE NORMAN R

AI summary

A modular electrical system (230) comprises a number of separate components forming a four-wire system (110). The component set (230) includes receptacle junction blocks (130), two-way connectors (232), four-way connectors (236), two-way jumper cable assemblies (234), and three-way jumper cable assemblies (238). The components of the component set (230) include various configurations of male blade terminals (150) and female terminals (200) located on the individual components so that a number of differing system configurations can be achieved.