Pivoting Power and Data Center for Cord Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power and data distribution systems face challenges in efficiently and aesthetically providing power and data outlets, often resulting in unsightly and hazardous cord entanglements, high maintenance costs, and limited accessibility due to rigid designs and complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable and expandable power and data center system that allows for easy access to electrical and communication ports, even when in a closed position, with a retractable carriage and cover design that hides excess cords and provides storage, reducing the need for extensive structural elements and minimizing legroom obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional power and data outlets are positioned in walls or floor surfaces at a distance from devices, then structural integrity is maintained, but accessibility and convenience deteriorate causing cord entanglements and hazardous arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The power and data center is designed with a movable carriage that can pivot between a closed retracted position and an open extended position. This dynamic mechanism allows the outlets to move closer to devices when needed, eliminating the need for long cords and preventing entanglements, while maintaining a compact profile when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed two-dimensional wall/floor mounting to a three-dimensional pivoting structure. The carriage can rotate along an arc, providing outlets in multiple positions and angles, thereby improving accessibility without compromising the compact form factor of the base unit.
2Ease of operation
If multiple receptacle raceways are employed to improve accessibility, then convenience increases, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to unsightly and entangled arrays of cords and communication lines
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivoting carriage consolidates multiple outlets into one organized unit that can be positioned as needed. When closed, all cords are neatly stored within the base, presenting a clean aesthetic appearance. When opened, the carriage extends to provide convenient access to all outlets simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple scattered raceways.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple power and data outlets that would traditionally require separate raceways are merged into a single integrated pivoting carriage. This consolidation organizes all cords and connections within one unit, improving aesthetics while maintaining the convenience of accessing multiple outlets.
3Ease of operation
If receptacles and communication ports are rigidly mounted to furniture to improve accessibility, then convenience increases, but adaptability deteriorates limiting repositioning and configuration options
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting carriage mechanism allows the entire assembly of outlets to be dynamically repositioned along an arc. Users can rotate the carriage to extend outlets in different directions and positions, providing both immediate accessibility and the flexibility to adapt to various device locations and user preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pivoting carriage serves multiple functions: it houses power outlets, data ports, and cord storage; it can be positioned in multiple locations around the base; and it adapts to different usage scenarios by rotating to appropriate angles. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple fixed-mounted receptacles.
4Ease of operation
If outlets are positioned in open locations to improve accessibility, then ease of use increases, but space consumption increases obstructing legroom and visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The outlets are housed in a carriage that pivots on demand. When closed, the carriage is retracted into the base, minimizing obstruction to legroom and visibility. When opened, the carriage extends to provide accessible outlets, creating space only when needed and maintaining a compact profile during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable power and data center (300) is adapted to be mounted within a slot (304) of a work surface (302). The power and data center (300) includes a stationary housing (306) and a carriage (328). The carriage (328) includes socket areas where power receptacles (338) and data ports (340) can be inserted. A top surface (330) of the carriage (328) and a top surface (350) of a frontal cover (348) form a pressure area (360). With the carriage in a closed position (328), a user can exert a downward pressure on the pressure area (360), causing the carriage (328) to move to an open position. A damper (368) restricts the speed at which the carriage (328) moves between the closed position and an open position.