Modular Voltage Converter for Retail Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing power to new locations in retail store environments is costly and requires professional installation, with existing high voltage circuitry often having excess capacity that goes unused due to the difficulty in reconfiguring power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A modular voltage conversion apparatus that can be easily mounted and moved, connecting to existing high voltage power sources to provide power to any location, using a voltage converter and modular wiring system to convert and distribute power safely and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power pole is installed to provide power to a new location, then power can be provided to the new location, but the installation is expensive and requires professional electricians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable voltage converter as an intermediary device between the existing power pole and the new location. This converter can be temporarily connected to the power pole via a plug and outlet, eliminating the need for permanent electrical installations. The converter acts as a mediator that provides power without requiring professional electrician installation, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable power provision and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a portable, temporary voltage converter that can be easily deployed and removed as needed. Instead of investing in expensive permanent infrastructure (power poles), the system uses affordable, temporary power conversion devices that can be plugged into existing outlets. This approach trades permanent infrastructure for flexible, low-cost temporary solutions, resolving the cost and complexity issue while maintaining power reliability.
2Reliability
If a power pole is installed to provide power to a new location, then power can be provided to the new location, but the power pole remains a permanent addition that is difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, permanent power pole system into a dynamic, temporary solution using portable voltage converters. These converters can be easily moved from one location to another, allowing the power distribution network to adapt dynamically to changing retail needs. The system evolves from fixed infrastructure to flexible, relocatable devices, resolving the contradiction between power reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the monolithic power pole concept into separate functional components: an existing power source, a portable voltage converter, and extension cords. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and repositioned, enabling flexible power distribution throughout the retail space without permanent structural additions. The segmented approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining power reliability while enabling easy reconfiguration.
3Loss of energy
If existing high voltage circuitry is used to power new locations, then power capacity is wasted, but reconfiguring the power distribution is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The portable voltage converter serves as an intermediary that taps into existing high voltage circuitry through standard outlets. Instead of requiring complex reconfiguration of the underlying electrical infrastructure, the converter mediates between the existing power source and new power needs. This approach utilizes unused power capacity while avoiding the complexity of reconfiguring the main electrical system, as the converter handles voltage conversion and distribution independently.
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
Enables flexible and cost-effective power distribution within retail store environments, allowing power to be quickly and safely provided to various locations without the need for professional electricians, utilizing excess power capacity from existing high voltage circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter for converting voltage from the existing high voltage power source
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage conversion apparatus for providing power anywhere within, for example, a retail store environment is provided. The voltage conversion apparatus includes a mounting structure that can mount the apparatus near a ceiling of the retail store environment. Also, the voltage conversion apparatus includes a voltage converter for converting voltage from an existing high voltage power source. The voltage conversion apparatus is configured to connect to the existing high voltage power source, convert the voltage from the power source and deliver the converted voltage to any location within the retail store environment. The voltage conversion apparatus is also configured to be modular and can be quickly, easily and safely mounted to different locations of the retail store environment as needed.