Low-Voltage Power Track Connector for Flexible Display Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power and signal distribution systems lack flexibility and expandability, particularly in managing multiple devices and incorporating additional conductors, leading to complex and cumbersome connector systems.
Innovation Solution
A low voltage power system utilizing a track with both magnetic and mechanical connections, allowing for easy distribution of power and signals with magnetic or mechanical attachment methods, enabling flexible device placement and reconfiguration without the need for complex wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional outlet strip approach is used to provide power to multiple devices, then power distribution capability is improved, but system flexibility and expandability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into modular components: a power source unit, multiple conductor sets extending from it, and individual device units that can connect to any conductor. This segmentation allows devices to be independently added, removed, or relocated without affecting other devices, resolving the contradiction between powering multiple devices and maintaining system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor sets are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide electrical power, support mechanical connection, and enable signal transmission. Each conductor can connect to different devices at different locations, making the system universal and adaptable to various configurations, thus improving both power distribution capability and system flexibility simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional powered track systems are used to provide power to multiple devices, then system flexibility is improved, but conductor integration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductors (power and signal) are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. Instead of requiring separate connectors for each conductor, the invention combines all conductors into one unified connection point that attaches to the device housing or circuit board, significantly reducing connector complexity while maintaining the ability to provide multiple conductors to relocated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary connector assembly is introduced between the track system and the device. This intermediary component receives multiple conductors from the track and provides a simplified single-point connection to the device, mediating the complexity of multi-conductor integration while preserving device relocation flexibility.
3Quantity of substance
If more conductors are added to traditional power track systems, then power and signal distribution capability is improved, but connector size and complexity grow significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductors are nested within a single connector housing or cable assembly. The conductors are arranged concentrically or in compact bundles within the connector structure, allowing numerous conductors to be contained within a compact form factor that does not significantly increase in size or complexity, thus improving conductor distribution capability without proportionally increasing connector size.
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 system provides a scalable and flexible power distribution solution that simplifies the addition and relocation of devices, reducing complexity and enhancing usability in applications like retail merchandise display systems, while maintaining efficient power and signal management.
Implementation Method 1
a power connector assembly that connects to the track both through a mechanical connection and a low voltage power connection
Implementation Method 2
The track may include one or more conductive plates that connect to the power connector assembly providing the low voltage power connection
Data Source
AI summary
A merchandise display system may include a low voltage power assembly may comprise a track that includes one or more conductive rods and one or more mechanical connections, wherein the track is powered from a power source; and a power connector assembly that connects to the track, wherein the one or more conductive rods connect to the power assembly providing a power connection, and further wherein the one or more mechanical connections connect to the power assembly providing a mechanical connection. The power connector assembly may be configured to provide low voltage power through the track to a low voltage power device. The power assembly may include a configuration of mechanical connections and conductive material arranged in such a way as to provide power and/or signal distribution to a mating device, such as to a set of LED modules, other lighting sources, or powered track devices for use with a merchandise display system.