Modular Shore Power Pedestal With Interchangeable Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power assembly systems for vessels and vehicles lack modular and adaptable solutions for efficiently providing power and water, with limited flexibility in device compatibility and remote monitoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A power assembly comprising a base assembly with a removable pedestal and controller, enabling interchangeable receptacle assemblies for various power ratings and devices, along with integrated water supply and remote monitoring through a WiFi-enabled interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed power assembly design is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different devices is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power assembly is divided into separate modular components: a base assembly containing the power source, a removable pedestal assembly with controller, and interchangeable receptacle assemblies. This segmentation allows different receptacles to be swapped based on device requirements while maintaining a simple core structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base assembly and pedestal assembly serve as universal components that can work with multiple types of receptacle assemblies. The standardized interface and controller enable a single base unit to support various devices through interchangeable receptacles, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple complete systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple power assembly units are deployed, then the coverage area increases, but the monitoring complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidmonitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple power assembly units are merged into a single wireless network through WiFi-enabled communication. The controller in each unit connects to a remote device, allowing centralized monitoring and control of multiple distributed units through a unified interface, thus managing expanded coverage without proportionally increasing monitoring complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If hardwired monitoring is used, then the monitoring reliability is high, but the installation complexity and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidmonitoring reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical hardwired monitoring system is replaced with an electronic wireless communication system. The controller uses WiFi to transmit data and receive commands remotely, eliminating the need for physical wiring while providing comparable reliability through established wireless communication protocols and encrypted data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250105597A1Power assembly

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

A power assembly a base assembly including a power source and a pedestal assembly. The pedestal assembly includes a head that is removably coupleable to the base assembly, a controller positioned within the head and configured to be in electrical communication with the power source when the head is coupled to the base assembly, and a receptacle assembly removably coupleable to the head and configured to be in electrical communication with the controller when the receptacle assembly is coupled to the head for supplying power to a vessel or vehicle.