Power-supply connector for shelves and power-supply system with tracks for use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-supply connectors for shelves are prone to disconnection after repeated insertion and extraction, leading to unreliable electrical contact due to lack of a fixing device, resulting in disorderly wiring and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A power-supply connector with a bottom and top cover housing positive and negative contacts, where the contacts are rotatably supported about a pivot center, and conductive sheets are used to maintain electrical connection, allowing for reliable connection even after multiple insertions and extractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector is designed without a fixing device to enable easy insertion and extraction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the connector becomes prone to separation from the original conductive position after repeated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a dynamic fixing mechanism where the conductive element can move between a first position (inserted state) and a second position (extracted state). The fixing device automatically engages to secure the conductive element in the first position during insertion, allowing easy connection, while releasing during extraction, enabling easy disconnection. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a conductive element, a fixing device, and a housing. The fixing device is segmented into engagement and release mechanisms that operate independently. This segmentation allows the fixing device to provide automatic securing during insertion (improving reliability) while maintaining the ability to release during extraction (maintaining ease of operation).
2Reliability
If the connector is designed with high precision to maintain contact position, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise manufacturing and additional fixing components
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device operates on a self-service principle where it automatically engages and disengages based on the insertion and extraction actions. The elastic element provides automatic resetting without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service behavior achieves reliable positioning without complex control systems or high-precision manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes parameter changes in the elastic element's physical state (deformation and recovery) to achieve the fixing function. The elastic element deforms during insertion to engage the fixing mechanism, then recovers to maintain the secured position. This parameter-based approach replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with simple elastic deformation, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a power-supply connector for shelves, comprising a bottom cover, a top cover disposed on the bottom cover, positive and negative power-supply contacts clamped between the bottom cover and the top cover, and a cable with one end extending into a holding cavity formed by the bottom cover and the top cover, wherein the cable is electrically connected with the positive and negative power-supply contacts. According to the invention the positive and negative power-supply contacts are respectively rotatably supported about a pivot center, so that when one of the two free ends of a respective power-supply contact moves in a direction away from the top cover in the corresponding through-hole the other of the two free ends of the respective power-supply contact moves in a direction closer to the top cover.


