Modular Power Distribution Blocks with Flexible Jumpers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power distribution systems in modular furniture environments are inefficient in terms of space usage and weight, with rigid wiring harnesses and fixed connectors limiting flexibility and increasing the complexity of electrical routing.

Innovation Solution

The use of multi-port electrical distribution blocks and flexible jumper cables to create a modular power distribution system that allows for flexible routing and branching of electrical power within and between panels, reducing the number of components and weight by up to 90% and enabling increased receptacle density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional rigid wiring harnesses and fixed connectors are used, then structural stability is maintained, but space usage efficiency deteriorates and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace usage efficiencyVSAvoidwiring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wiring system is divided into modular components: power distribution units (PDUs) that can be independently positioned and connected via flexible jumpers. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different panel configurations without requiring a complete rigid wiring harness, thereby improving space usage efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization of modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from fixed rigid wiring to dynamic flexible jumpers that can be routed as needed. The flexible jumpers allow the wiring path to adapt to available space within panels, improving space usage efficiency. The modular PDU positions can be adjusted dynamically based on receptacle locations, further optimizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Weight of moving object

If conventional rigid wiring harnesses are used, then structural stability is maintained, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring system weightVSAvoidhandling damage immunity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces rigid wiring harnesses with flexible jumpers that can be routed through available space within panels. These flexible cables reduce the overall weight of the wiring system while their flexibility provides immunity to handling damage during installation and reconfiguration, eliminating the brittleness associated with rigid wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of special purpose connectors are used, then connectivity requirements are met, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector versatilityVSAvoidconnector variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal connector design that can accommodate multiple connection types and configurations. Rather than using different special purpose connectors for various panel angles and branching requirements, a single universal connector type is used throughout, simplifying the system while maintaining the ability to handle diverse connectivity needs through flexible jumper routing and modular PDU positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Quantity of substance

If conventional wiring systems are used, then power distribution is achieved, but receptacle density increases space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceptacle densityVSAvoidpanel space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes three-dimensional routing of flexible jumpers within panel cavities and along frame members, rather than being constrained to two-dimensional surface mounting. This dimensional approach allows wiring to occupy unused volumetric space within panels, enabling higher receptacle density on panel surfaces without increasing the physical footprint of the wiring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7946883B2System to place receptacles and distribution blocks

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 GROUP DEKKO INC

AI summary

An electrified wall panel in a modular furniture environment includes a plurality of multi-port electrical distribution blocks diversely located throughout the panel. Certain ones of the multi-port electrical distribution blocks are fixed to wall panel frame members and other ones of the multi-port electrical distribution blocks are free of the wall panel. A plurality of jumper cables, each having connectors at opposite cable ends are adapted to mate with any one of the multi-port electrical distribution block ports. The cables electrically interconnect the distribution blocks to form one complete circuit. There are a plurality of electrical receptacles, each having an electrical connector near one end which are electrically coupled to a port of a corresponding multi-port electrical distribution block. The system is assembled by fixing a jumper mounting bracket to a jumper cable near one end of the jumper cable. The jumper mounting bracket is attached to a support member. A modular electrical component such as an electrical receptacle is electrically connected to the power distribution block and is mechanically connected to the jumper mounting bracket thereby stabilizing the power distribution system on the support member.