Modular Track and Hub Power Distribution for Flexible Room Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution systems are limited in their ability to flexibly and efficiently provide power to various locations within a room, often requiring cumbersome installations and fixed configurations that do not adapt well to changing needs or aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system comprising a track with adjustable channels for power cables and a movable electrical hub with stacked terminals and receptacles, allowing for flexible positioning and configuration to distribute power beneath floor coverings and provide power to different locations, including through adjustable tracks and hubs that can be positioned at central areas rather than perimeters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power distribution systems use fixed configurations and perimeter installations, then installation structure is simple, but flexibility and adaptability to changing needs and aesthetics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is divided into modular components: power cables positioned within track channels, electrical hubs with multiple receptacles, and adjustable mounting mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent positioning and configuration of each module to adapt to different room layouts and aesthetic requirements while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates movable and adjustable elements including electrical hubs that can be repositioned along tracks, adjustable mounting brackets, and flexible cable routing through channels. These dynamic features enable the power distribution system to adapt to changing needs and aesthetic preferences without requiring complete reinstallation, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and installation complexity.
2Ease of operation
If power distribution systems provide power to various locations within a room, then power accessibility is improved, but installation complexity and aesthetic impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power cables and receptacles are merged into integrated electrical hub assemblies that can be positioned at various locations throughout a room. This consolidation provides power accessibility to multiple devices simultaneously while reducing the number of separate installation components compared to individual outlet installations, thereby improving power accessibility without proportionally increasing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses tracks and channels as intermediary structures that guide and organize power cables between the power source and various receptacle locations. These intermediaries simplify the routing and management of multiple cables, making it easier to provide power to various locations while maintaining a cleaner, more organized installation that reduces aesthetic impact.
3Shape
If power cables are positioned within track channels, then cable organization and aesthetics are improved, but track structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for mounting electrical hubs, guide and organize power cables through integrated channels, and offer aesthetic coverage for cable routing. This multi-functionality achieves excellent cable organization and aesthetic appearance without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall track structure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system includes a track having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends. The track defines a channel extending along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of power cables is positioned within the channel. The power distribution system further includes an electrical hub having a body coupled to the second end of the track. A plurality of wafers is supported by the body and stacked on top of each other to define a set of terminals. The set of terminals is electrically connected to the plurality of power cables. A power receptacle is supported by the body and electrically connected to the plurality of wafers.