Shelf Support Arm Power Supply With Flush-Mounted Electrical Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems for shelving systems with LED lighting are inconvenient due to messy wires and protruding components, which complicate installation and maintenance, especially when versatility and aesthetics are required.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with a support arm that uses punched holes and hooks to securely attach the electrical supply device to vertical shelf rails, allowing for easy assembly and minimizing the impact of tolerance issues, while using bus bars and resilient electrical contacts for reliable power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are passed from the shelf irradiation surface to the back of the shelf to connect LED lighting with power source, then electrical connection is achieved, but wire arrangement becomes messy and maintenance becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from traditional wire-based power transmission. Instead of passing wires through the shelf structure, the invention uses a power supply unit with electrical contacts that engage with bus bars, separating the power transmission mechanism from the mechanical shelf structure and eliminating messy wire arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based electrical connection system with an electrical contact system. The power supply unit uses electrical contacts that slide along or engage with bus bars mounted on the shelf rails, substituting the need for flexible wires with a rigid electrical contact mechanism that is easier to manage and maintain.
2Reliability
If ejection plug is provided on the support arm to solve power supply issues, then electrical connection is improved, but installation becomes difficult when backboards have tolerance deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable support arm that can rotate and adjust its position. The support arm with electrical contacts can dynamically adapt to tolerance deviations in backboard positioning, allowing the electrical connection to be maintained without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances. The rotational capability of the support arm provides flexibility to compensate for installation variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the installation parameters by using a support arm with rotational degrees of freedom instead of a fixed rigid connection. This allows the system to accommodate variations in backboard position through angular adjustment, transforming a position-critical installation into a more tolerant system that can adapt to manufacturing variations.
3Reliability
If power source is placed on the back of the shelf, then power supply is achieved, but aesthetic appeal is reduced due to visible wires and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the power supply unit within the existing shelf structure. The power supply unit is mounted on the shelf rails or integrated into the support arm mechanism, hiding the electrical components within the structural elements of the shelf rather than placing them on the visible back surface. This nesting approach maintains power supply functionality while concealing unsightly wires and components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply function with the structural support elements of the shelf. The power supply unit is integrated into the support arm or mounted on the rails that are already part of the shelf structure, combining aesthetic structural elements with functional power distribution components, thereby eliminating the need for separate visible wiring on the back surface.
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 simplifies the installation process, reduces wire clutter, and enhances the aesthetic appeal by providing a secure and versatile power supply system that can be easily adjusted and maintained, ensuring reliable power distribution to LED lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of resilient electrical contacts (322, 323) which are electrically connected to the circuit board (321) and extend beyond a side of the circuit board (321)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A power supply system (100) for shelving system includes a support arm (31), and an electrical supply device (32) mounted on a mounting plate (312). The support arm includes a mounting hole (311), and the mounting plate disposed in the mounting hole. The thickness of the mounting plate is less that the depth of the mounting hole. The electrical supply device includes a circuit board (321), and a first protection cover covering the circuit board (324). The circuit board is clamping between the mounting plate and the first protection cover. A side wall of the first protection cover opposite to the circuit board is flush with a side wall of the mounting hole. The assembly of the support arm can be completed without being affected by the electrical supply device as long as the end of the support art can be inserted into the punched hole as the side wall of the first protection cover opposite to the circuit board is flush with the side wall of the mounting hole.