Continuous Power Rail With Modular Contact Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power rail systems in IT technology and server cabinets restrict the placement of socket strips to specific, predetermined positions, leading to inefficient cabling and limited adaptability, as they cannot be easily rearranged or expanded to accommodate different socket types or increased energy demands.

Innovation Solution

An energy rail system with a continuous base structure featuring contact devices along its entire length, allowing modules for energy distribution and communication to be connected at any point, enabling flexible placement and easy expansion, and supporting various socket types and voltage configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If socket strips are fixed at predetermined positions with connection devices at fixed intervals, then the system structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability and flexibility of module placement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure is segmented into modular sections with connection devices distributed along its length, allowing independent modules to be attached at various positions. This segmentation enables flexible placement of power distribution modules while maintaining a manageable system structure through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure is designed with universal connection devices that can interface with different module types at any position along its length. This universal interface design allows the same base structure to support various power distribution modules with different functions, enhancing adaptability without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If socket strips are installed at fixed positions, then the system is stable and easy to manufacture, but the cabling length increases and cabling effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabling effortVSAvoidsystem installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed-position sockets to a dynamic configuration where modules can be placed at variable positions along the base structure. This dynamic placement capability allows optimization of cabling routes based on actual consumer locations, reducing cabling effort while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If connection devices are placed at fixed intervals, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to accommodate different socket types and energy demands is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesocket type compatibilityVSAvoidconnection device arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different sections of the base structure can be equipped with connection devices optimized for specific local requirements. This allows different socket types and configurations to be provided at different positions along the base structure, accommodating diverse energy demands and socket type requirements without requiring a completely complex redesigned system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2057718B1Power rail system
Publication Date: 2012.05.16 KNURR GMBH
  • EP2057718B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2057718B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2057718B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a power rail system comprising a power conducting base structure and at least one power distribution and/or power feeder module that can be attached to the base structure. According to the invention, the power conducting base structure has power conductors that are designed as first contact devices and are distributed substantially over the whole length of the structure. The power distribution and/or power feeder module or modules has or have second contact devices for contacting the first contact devices of the base structure and contact on or with the base structure can be made at any point.