Powered Mounting Connector With Stepdown Voltage and Keyed Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for devices like dispensers and faucets often lack efficient methods for providing power and communication, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and safety hazards due to inadequate voltage regulation and lack of secure attachment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that includes a mounting plate with a stepdown voltage device and a keying feature to ensure secure attachment and power communication, using a device connector to mate with the mounting connector, providing power and communication while inhibiting attachment of incompatible devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mounting system provides power and communication to devices, then operational efficiency is improved, but safety hazards increase due to inadequate voltage regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system introduces a stepdown voltage device as an intermediary component between the power source and the connected device. This intermediary regulates and reduces the voltage to safe levels, enabling power and communication transmission while eliminating the safety hazards associated with unregulated high voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter from high voltage to low voltage through the stepdown voltage device. This parameter transformation maintains the ability to provide power and communication (improving productivity) while reducing voltage to safe levels (eliminating safety hazards).
2Ease of operation
If a mounting system allows flexible device attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to lack of secure attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs asymmetric keying features where the mounting plate has a specific geometric configuration that only matches compatible devices. This asymmetric design allows easy attachment of compatible devices while preventing attachment of incompatible ones, simultaneously improving ease of operation and ensuring reliable secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates preliminary anti-action through the keying feature design that preemptively prevents incompatible devices from being attached. The geometric mismatch creates a mechanical barrier that stops improper attachment before it can occur, ensuring reliability without compromising the ease of attaching compatible devices.
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 solution ensures safe and efficient power delivery and communication to devices, mitigating shock hazards and allowing for secure attachment, thereby enhancing operational reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting system comprises a stepdown voltage device supported by at least one of the mounting plate or the dispenser. The stepdown voltage device is configured to step down a voltage of the power to less than about 18 volts.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for providing power and/or communication to a device, such as a dispenser, a flush valve of a bathroom device, a hygiene opportunity measurement device, a hands free faucet, etc. For example, a mounting system comprises a mounting plate that may attach to a structure, such as a wall. The mounting plate may comprise a mounting connector that may be configured to mate with a device connector of the device to establish a connection. Power may be provided to the device through the connection. A communication may be provided for the device through the connection. For example, the device may send current device statuses, usage metrics, and/or other information to a remote source. The remote source may send instructions, data collection requests, functionality changes, and/or other information to the device.