Modular Track Power Distribution for Flexible Retail Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power and signal distribution systems lack flexibility and expandability, particularly in managing multiple devices and incorporating additional conductors, leading to complex and oversized connectors, which hinders device relocation and addition.
Innovation Solution
A low voltage power system utilizing a track with both magnetic and mechanical connections, featuring conductive and ferrous materials, allows for easy distribution of power and signals with magnetic or mechanical attachments, enabling flexible device placement and scalable conductor integration without increasing connector complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional power track systems incorporate many power and signal conductors, then the power distribution capability is improved, but the connector complexity and size grow significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent contact elements, each handling a single conductor. These segmented contacts are arranged in a modular fashion along the track, allowing power and signal conductors to be distributed through separate, simple contact points rather than a single complex multi-conductor connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane connector design to a three-dimensional arrangement where conductors are distributed along the length of the track. Multiple conductors are accessed at different positions and orientations along the track, distributing the connection points spatially rather than concentrating them in one complex connector interface.
2Quantity of substance
If outlet strip approach is used with multiple connection points, then power distribution to many devices is improved, but flexibility and expandability for adding or relocating devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic reconfigurability through the ability to add, remove, and relocate devices along the track at any position. The track design allows connection points to be accessed at multiple locations, enabling devices to be moved to different positions or added/removed without affecting other connections, creating a flexible and adaptable power distribution system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device relocation and addition is enabled in power systems, then system flexibility is improved, but wire management and power distribution complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power distribution and signal distribution into a single integrated track system. Multiple conductors for both power and signals are combined in one track structure, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and reducing overall wire management complexity while maintaining full relocatability and expandability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a flexible and scalable solution for power and signal distribution, allowing easy relocation and addition of devices, such as LED lighting systems, while maintaining manageable connector complexity, suitable for dynamic retail environments and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a power connector assembly that connects to the track both through a mechanical connection and a low voltage power connection
Implementation Method 2
The track may include one or more conductive plates that connect to the power connector assembly providing the low voltage power connection
Data Source
AI summary
A merchandise display system may include a low voltage power assembly may comprise a track that includes one or more conductive rods and one or more mechanical connections, wherein the track is powered from a power source; and a power connector assembly that connects to the track, wherein the one or more conductive rods connect to the power assembly providing a power connection, and further wherein the one or more mechanical connections connect to the power assembly providing a mechanical connection. The power connector assembly may be configured to provide low voltage power through the track to a low voltage power device. The power assembly may include a configuration of mechanical connections and conductive material arranged in such a way as to provide power and/or signal distribution to a mating device, such as to a set of LED modules, other lighting sources, or powered track devices for use with a merchandise display system.