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

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertion and extractionVSAvoidreliability of electrical connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of electrical connectionVSAvoidcomplexity of connector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11006542B2Power-supply connector for shelves and power-supply system with tracks for use thereof
Publication Date: 2021.05.11 SELF ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11006542B2 patent drawing
  • US11006542B2 patent drawing
  • US11006542B2 patent drawing

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.