Modular Power Mounting Wall for Fast, Shock-Safe Device Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The labor-intensive process of connecting multiple electrically powered devices to a power source in retail display systems, which requires custom wiring and extensive routing of wires, is inefficient and prone to errors due to the lack of a standardized power distribution and mounting system.

Innovation Solution

A modular electrical power distribution and mounting system featuring a mounting wall with apertures and power delivery contacts on the rear side, where electrically powered devices with complementary mounting pins and contacts can be easily and securely inserted, ensuring stable mounting and electrical connection without manual contact with live wires, using a combination of shaft and head configurations for secure retention and spring mechanisms for continuous engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If custom wiring and individual hand-made connections are used for each device, then each device can be connected to power, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the power distribution function into modular power delivery members, each serving specific aperture locations. Instead of running individual wires to each device, the wall itself is segmented into functional units with integrated power delivery capabilities at predetermined locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Power delivery members are pre-installed in the wall during construction, with electrical connections already established at each aperture location. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site wiring and connection work during device installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If power delivery contacts are accessible through apertures for easy connection, then device installation is simplified, but electrical shock hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice installation easeVSAvoidelectrical shock hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture acts as an intermediary mechanism that guides the mounting pin into proper alignment with the power delivery contacts. The pin serves as a mediator that makes electrical contact automatically during the mechanical mounting process, eliminating the need for manual contact with live wires.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service installation where the device's own mounting pins automatically establish electrical connections with the power delivery contacts during the mechanical mounting process. The installation act itself performs both the mechanical mounting and electrical connection functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a standardized aperture pattern is used in the wall, then modular device installation is enabled, but flexibility in device placement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoiddevice placement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized aperture pattern creates universal mounting locations that can accommodate various device types. Each aperture is designed to work with complementary mounting pins, allowing different devices with appropriate pin configurations to be installed at the same locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for variations in the aperture pattern configuration to be implemented based on specific installation requirements. Different wall designs can use different aperture arrangements while maintaining the same fundamental power delivery mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If mounting pins with shaft and head configurations are used, then secure retention against lateral and axial movement is achieved, but the complexity of the mounting components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidmounting component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting pin uses an asymmetric head-shaft configuration where the head portion is enlarged relative to the shaft. This asymmetric design provides lateral retention through the head's geometry while the shaft provides axial engagement, achieving stable mounting without complex multi-component assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2313949B1System and method for distribution of electrical power
Publication Date: 2012.01.18 BOSTON RETAIL PRODUCTS INC
  • EP2313949B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2313949B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2313949B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrical power distribution and mounting system (10), the system comprising: a housing comprising a mounting wall (30) having a front side (40), a rear side (50) and a plurality of apertures (42) arranged in a select pattern; a power delivery member (80) mounted on the rear side of the mounting wall; one or more electrically powered devices (20); each electrically powered device being mountable in a stable position on the front side of the mounting wall; and, wherein one of the electrically powered device and the mounting wall have a primary pin (76); the other of the electrically powered device and the mounting wall having a primary aperture (42) for receipt of the primary pin.