Modular Service Pole for Exhibition Stand Energy Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection systems for exhibition stands are bulky, expensive, and oversized for small exhibition spaces, failing to meet the energy needs of low-consumption technologies and complicating transparent billing and management.

Innovation Solution

A compact technical column with a central multi-start post and retractable crosspieces that accommodate different standards, allowing for modular energy distribution and management, with an articulation and adjustment system for compatibility with various crosspiece lengths and heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional technical columns are used for electrical connections in exhibition stands, then reliable power distribution is achieved, but the stands become bulky and occupy excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidstand footprint area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The technical column is divided into modular components: a base unit with electrical connections, retractable crosspieces, and attachable partitions. This segmentation allows the electrical infrastructure to be compact while still providing full functionality, reducing the overall space occupied by the stand structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection system is nested within the modular stand structure. The base contains electrical outlets and connection points, which are integrated into the vertical post assembly. Cables and connectors are housed within the structural elements themselves, eliminating the need for separate bulky electrical equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Extent of automation

If intelligent electrical boxes with control electronics are installed in each stand, then automated energy management is achieved, but manufacturing costs and device weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy management automationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The technical column base serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses electrical outlets, manages cable routing, and enables modular assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate intelligent electrical boxes in each stand, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining energy management capabilities through the shared modular infrastructure.

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

3Ease of operation

If standardized modular components are used for stand assembly, then ease of setup and dismantling is achieved, but adaptability to different energy consumption needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidenergy distribution adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The technical column incorporates retractable crosspieces that can be extended or retracted based on the specific configuration needs. This dynamic element allows the same standardized base unit to adapt to different stand sizes and energy requirements, maintaining both ease of assembly and versatility in energy distribution configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The modular system allows adjustment of physical parameters such as the number and position of partitions, the extension of crosspieces, and the configuration of electrical outlets. These parameter changes enable the same standardized components to be adapted to various energy consumption needs without requiring custom-built solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3186861B1Service pole for modular assembly, for fairs
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 CUBE TECHNOLOGIES SAS
  • EP3186861B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3186861B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3186861B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Removable feeder pillar (10) for exhibition stands formed of partitions (20) held by posts (21, 22) and at their base by a crossmember (30) extending between two posts (21, 22) at ground level, which pillar (10) comprises a base (11) comprising wired connections, and a plurality of individual façades (12) each one comprising product and/or service management and distribution means allowing products and services from physical distribution networks to be distributed to each stand of a group of stands (23, 24, 25, 26), said pillar (10) being characterized in that it comprises at least one crossmember (30), possibly removable, secured to the base (11) of said pillar (10), which pillar (10) further comprises a central opening (29) able to accept a central post (21) and at least one vertical slot (49) able to accept a partition (20) that comes into contact with said central post (21) and said at least one crossmember (30) secured to the base (11), which crossmember (30) leaves enough space to allow the passage of the wired connections present inside the feeder pillar (10).