Adjustable power shelf system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current method of supplying electricity to product display shelves through loose wiring is inefficient, aesthetically unpleasing, and time-consuming, especially when shelves are moved or reconfigured, as it requires frequent connection and disconnection of wires, which can lead to damage and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable power shelf system with a set of shelf support members and power shelves that include a mounting plug with a tab that automatically engages a power bus within the shelf support member when the shelf is mounted, eliminating the need for manual wiring connections and providing a hidden, safer power delivery solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loose wiring or exterior wiring is used to supply electricity to shelves, then power delivery is achieved, but the appearance is degraded and shelf movement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power bus is extracted from the exterior and embedded within the hollow cavity of the shelf support member. This internal placement eliminates visible wiring while maintaining power delivery functionality, resolving the contradiction between reliable power delivery and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The power bus is nested within the hollow cavity of the shelf support member, with nonconducting insulation surrounding it. This nested structure conceals the electrical components within the structural member itself, achieving both reliable power delivery and clean appearance without external wiring.
2Reliability
If loose wiring is used to supply electricity to shelves, then power delivery is achieved, but the process of moving and reconfiguring shelves becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service power connection through the automatic engagement mechanism. When a shelf is mounted on the support member, the mounting bracket automatically aligns and connects to the power bus without requiring manual wiring operations. This eliminates the time-consuming process of connecting and disconnecting wires during shelf reconfiguration while maintaining reliable power delivery.
3Reliability
If manual wiring connections are required for each shelf, then power delivery is achieved, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic engagement mechanism between the mounting bracket and power bus eliminates manual wiring operations. The system self-connects power delivery when the shelf is mounted, reducing operational complexity and minimizing human error while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical wiring process is replaced with an automatic mechanical engagement system. The mounting bracket's position automatically triggers the electrical connection through the tab-power bus interface, substituting complex manual wiring operations with a simple mounting action.
4Reliability
If wiring is attached to the exterior of shelves, then power delivery is achieved, but safety hazards increase due to exposed wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The power bus is extracted from the exterior environment and placed within the protected hollow cavity of the shelf support member. This internal placement shields the electrical components from external hazards such as moisture, physical damage, and accidental contact, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining power delivery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Nonconducting insulation is applied around the power bus before it is installed in the shelf support member. This protective insulation layer provides beforehand cushioning against electrical shocks and short circuits, preventing safety hazards while enabling reliable power delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples provide an adjustable power shelf system. Electrical power is supplied to a power bus running through a shelf support railing. The railing includes a slots for engaging mounting brackets on a shelf. The shelf is removably attached to the railing via the mounting brackets. The mounting bracket includes a plug with a tab sized to fit within the slots when the shelf is mounted on the railing. The tab is guided into position to engage the power bus by a guide formed within nonconducting insulation within the hollow cavity of the shelf support railing. Power flows from the power bus through the tab to wiring on or within the shelf to power peripheral devices. The shelf receives power when it is mounted to the railing and disengages the power bus when removed from the shelf railing without alteration to electrical wiring providing power to peripheral devices.