Modular wall system and panel element for use in such a system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular wall systems face challenges in securely and reliably establishing electrical connections between panels and vertical support structures, often resulting in unstable contact and potential damage to electrical components during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A panel element with a spring-loaded electrical connector featuring movable pins that transition between extended and pulled-in positions, utilizing a detent mechanism for secure latching in the extended position to ensure stable power supply and easy disconnection, while preventing accidental contact with electrical wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the panel element is hung up quickly without manual connector adjustment, then installation speed is improved, but electrical contact reliability deteriorates due to contact bounce
Solution Approach 1:
The connector pins are pre-configured in a pulled-in position that automatically aligns with the power supply contacts when the panel is hung. The spring loading is pre-set to provide sufficient contact force, eliminating the need for manual adjustment after installation and ensuring reliable electrical contact from the moment of mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded connector automatically adjusts and maintains optimal contact pressure with the power supply contacts. The detent mechanism self-activates to lock the connector in the extended position, providing reliable electrical connection without requiring external intervention or manual adjustment during installation.
2Reliability
If the connector pins are kept in extended position during installation, then electrical contact is established, but the risk of accidental contact with wiring and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector pins are designed to be dynamically positioned - retracted during installation to avoid accidental contact, and automatically extended after mounting to establish electrical contact. The spring mechanism enables this dynamic transition, and the detent ensures stable positioning in both states, eliminating the risk of accidental wiring contact while maintaining reliable connection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured in the pulled-in position before installation, keeping the pins retracted and safe from accidental contact during the hanging process. The spring loading is pre-set so that once the panel is mounted, the connector automatically extends to establish electrical contact, separating the safety phase from the connection phase.
3Reliability
If manual adjustment of connector pins is required after hanging, then contact reliability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded connector with detent mechanism automatically performs the function of manual adjustment. After the panel is hung, the spring force automatically extends the connector pins to contact the power supply contacts, and the detent locks them in the extended position. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention, reducing installation complexity while ensuring reliable contact.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector is spring loaded to exert force towards pulled-in position, then accidental contact is prevented, but additional spring mechanism complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism serves multiple functions: it prevents accidental contact by keeping pins retracted during installation, automatically extends pins to establish electrical contact after mounting, and maintains stable contact pressure during operation. The detent mechanism adds only a simple locking function. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate safety mechanisms and manual adjustment procedures.
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 solution provides a reliable and secure electrical connection with reduced risk of contact bounce, ensuring stable power supply to panels during installation and easy disconnection for removal, thereby protecting electrical components and enhancing the safety and efficiency of the modular wall system.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical connector being spring loaded to exert a force towards assumption of the pulled-in position
Implementation Method 2
a detent configured to latch the electrical connector in the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A panel element is for use in a modular wall system with vertical support structures. The panel element includes a panel having a planar surface and side edges transverse to the planar surface, the planar surface can be hung up on at least one of the vertical support structures. An electrical connector is provided on the back of the panel, including a first connector pin and a connector second pin for forming electrical connections. The first and second connector pins fit within openings in a surface of one of the vertical support structure. The connector pins are movably coupled to the panel so as to allow movement of the first and second connector pins in at least one direction parallel to the planar surface between an extended position and a pulled-in position.