Powered Curb Housing for Safe Sidewalk Power Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no safe and efficient way to distribute power to devices on a street or sidewalk, as traditional methods such as overhead or underground power lines are inefficient, pose safety risks, and result in costly code violations and environmental impacts.
Innovation Solution
A curb is designed to provide electricity to devices on a street or sidewalk by housing a power source or power source connector and featuring a top plate with power outlets that can be electrically coupled to the power source, allowing for safe and efficient power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overhead or underground power lines are used to distribute power to devices on street or sidewalk, then power can be transmitted to devices, but safety risks increase and code violations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the power distribution system into modular curb units, each containing a power source and outlet. This segmentation eliminates the need for continuous overhead or underground power lines, thereby removing safety hazards associated with exposed wiring while maintaining reliable power delivery to individual devices at specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The curb acts as an intermediary structure that houses power sources and outlets, mediating between the power supply and devices needing electricity. This intermediary approach eliminates direct exposure to power lines while still enabling power transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable power delivery and safety.
2Ease of operation
If cable is run from building to device on street or sidewalk, then device can be charged, but fire hazards and weather damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The curb unit serves multiple functions: it houses the power source, provides protected outlets, and eliminates the need for exposed cables. This multi-functional design enables device charging while simultaneously removing fire hazards and weather damage risks associated with unprotected cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The curb contains an integrated power source that independently provides electricity to devices without requiring connection to building infrastructure or exposure to external elements. This self-contained design eliminates reliance on vulnerable external cables while maintaining charging capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless charging is used for outdoor devices, then power can be transmitted without cables, but cost and energy efficiency deteriorate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a contactless electrical connection through outlets integrated into the curb. This substitution eliminates the hazards of exposed cables while maintaining high energy efficiency through direct electrical contact, avoiding the significant energy losses associated with wireless charging.
4Strength
If traditional solid curbs are used, then structural support and safety are provided, but power distribution capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the traditional curb's structural support function with a new power distribution function by integrating power sources and outlets into the curb structure. This combination maintains the curb's strength and safety properties while adding versatile power distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The curb is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support and safety as a traditional curb, while simultaneously serving as a power distribution platform with integrated outlets and power sources. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between maintaining traditional curb benefits and adding modern power distribution capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a curb for providing electricity to one or more devices on a street or a sidewalk. The curb includes a rigid curb housing for storing at least one power source or power source connector configured to be electrically coupled to a power source. The curb additionally includes a top plate removably attached to the rigid curb housing, the top plate configured to electrically couple at least one power outlet to the at least one power source or power source connector.