Power Supply Box External Connectors for Architectural Coverings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply units for motorized architectural-structure coverings require complex installation processes, including accessing internal compartments and managing line-voltage connections, which can lead to installation errors and the need for licensed electricians.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit that converts line-voltage power to low-voltage power and provides accessible connectors on its outer surface, eliminating the need to access internal compartments and using same-gender connectors for cables to simplify installation and reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional power supply units are used with internal compartments requiring access for connections, then power conversion functionality is achieved, but installation complexity increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connector from the internal compartment and places it on the external surface of the power supply unit. This allows installers to make connections without opening the housing, directly resolving the contradiction by eliminating the need to access internal compartments while maintaining full power conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-positioned on the external surface during manufacturing, so that during installation the connector is already in its final position and orientation. This preliminary placement eliminates the need for installers to navigate internal compartments and makes the installation process straightforward.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional power supply units require accessing internal compartments for connections, then power conversion functionality is achieved, but likelihood of installation errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the connector from the internal compartment and placing it on the external surface, the patent eliminates the need for installers to work inside the housing where wiring and components can cause confusion. This external placement significantly reduces the likelihood of installation errors while maintaining safe power conversion operations.
3Reliability
If power supply units require licensed electricians for installation, then proper power conversion is ensured, but installation time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables non-licensed personnel to install the power supply unit themselves by placing the connector on the external surface. This self-service capability allows anyone to make the necessary connections without requiring specialized electrical knowledge, dramatically reducing installation time and eliminating the need to hire licensed electricians while ensuring proper installation through the simplified external connector design.
4Ease of manufacture
If internal compartments are used for connections, then power conversion functionality is achieved, but need for licensed electricians increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connector from the internal compartment and positions it on the external surface, making the power supply unit accessible to anyone regardless of electrical licensing. This design change broadens the pool of qualified installers from only licensed electricians to any competent person, directly resolving the contradiction between installation accessibility and installer qualification requirements.
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
Facilitates easier and safer installation by non-licensed personnel, reducing the likelihood of errors and the need for licensed electricians, while providing a plug-and-play solution for motorized architectural-structure coverings.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply unit may be arranged and configured to receive mains or line-voltage power, to convert the line-voltage power to low-voltage power, and to supply the low-voltage power to, for example, the motorized architectural-structure coverings
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply unit for use with one or more motorized architectural-structure coverings is disclosed. In one example of an embodiment, the power supply unit includes one or more features to simplify installation. For example, in one embodiment, the power supply unit does not require an installer to access an internal compartment of the power supply unit. In addition, and/or alternatively, in one embodiment, a cable extending between the power supply unit and the motorized architectural-structure covering include same gender connectors for facilitating easier installation and reducing installation errors. In one embodiment, the power supply unit includes a power connector accessible through an outer surface thereof for receiving line-voltage and a plurality of low-voltage connectors accessible through the outer surface for supplying low-voltage to a plurality of motorized architectural-structure coverings.