Modular Power Distribution Box With Unified Cable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for providing power and control signals to devices in live performances or productions are labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring individual wiring of power and control cables to each device, which limits portability and efficiency in assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a distribution box, cables, and connection boxes that distribute both power and control signals, using a single cable type for similar devices, eliminating the need for central processing of control commands and allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without the requirement of an electrician for wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual wiring of power and control cables is used for each device, then reliable power and control signal delivery is achieved, but assembly time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wiring task into modular segments using pre-assembled cable assemblies that contain both power and control conductors integrated together. Each cable assembly is a self-contained unit that can be quickly connected to devices without individual wiring of separate power and control cables, thus maintaining reliable signal delivery while dramatically reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines power conductors and control conductors into a single integrated cable assembly with unified connectors. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection operations for power and control wiring, ensuring both signals are delivered reliably to each device while reducing the overall assembly time and complexity.
2Reliability
If individual wiring of power and control cables is used for each device, then complete power and control connections are achieved, but labor intensity and electrician requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assemblies are pre-assembled with all necessary power and control conductors, connectors, and routing elements configured before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures complete and correct connections are achieved while eliminating the need for skilled electricians during the actual assembly process, as the pre-configured assemblies can be installed by less specialized personnel.
3Ease of operation
If devices are networked in a daisy chain arrangement, then assembly and disassembly is simplified, but individual wiring by electrician is still required at each connection point
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assemblies are designed with universal connectors that can be directly plugged into standardized device interfaces. This universality allows the same cable assembly type to be used throughout the entire daisy chain network, eliminating the need for individual custom wiring at each connection point while maintaining the simplicity of daisy chain assembly and disassembly operations.
4Productivity
If modular components with preselected configuration are used, then portability and quick assembly are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components use standardized, homogeneous connection interfaces and cable assembly configurations throughout the system. This homogeneity reduces the perceived complexity by making all modules interchangeable and identical in their connection methodology, allowing for rapid assembly through simple plug-and-play operations without requiring complex system configuration or different cable types for different devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing power and control to devices is described. The system includes a distribution box having connection points to receive power from a power supply and connection points to receive control instructions from a control system. The distribution box includes a plurality of output connection points to provide power and control instructions to the devices of the system. Each output connection point of the distribution box uses the same configuration of power and control conductors. Each device in the system uses a connection box with a connection point that can have the same configuration of power and control conductors as the distribution box. A plurality of cables are configured to connect the connection point on the connection box to a corresponding output connection point on the distribution box.