Solar-Powered Display Device Channel System to Reduce Retail Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The effort involved in providing a power supply for multiple electronic display devices in retail environments, such as supermarkets, is significant due to the need for extensive cabling and battery replacement, which is labor-intensive and unsustainable.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring an elongate base body with a channel for accommodating display devices and integrated current conductors, powered by a solar power source with two supply poles, allowing for easy electrical connection and reducing the need for complex cabling and battery usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If extensive cabling and battery replacement are used to power multiple display devices, then the display devices can be powered, but the installation effort and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply function into modular components: individual display devices can be independently powered through the channel system, and the solar power source is separated as an independent energy generation unit. This segmentation allows flexible configuration and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for display devices, establishes electrical connections through integrated conductors, and enables power distribution from the solar source to multiple devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cabling systems.
2Reliability
If individual power supplies are provided for each display device, then each device can operate independently, but the installation effort increases greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the power distribution function into the mechanical channel structure. Electrical conductors are integrated directly into the channel, combining mechanical support and electrical connection functions. This allows independent operation of display devices while dramatically reducing installation effort compared to separate power supplies.
3Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power display devices, then portable power is achieved, but battery replacement is labor-intensive and unsustainable
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power source provides self-sustaining energy generation without requiring external battery replacement. The system harvests solar energy directly to power display devices, eliminating the maintenance burden of battery replacement while maintaining portable, wireless operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery replacement system with a solar energy harvesting system. Instead of manually replacing depleted batteries, the system uses photovoltaic conversion to generate electricity continuously, substituting a passive energy storage mechanism with an active energy generation mechanism that requires no maintenance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If solar power source is used to energize display devices, then sustainability is improved, but electrical connection complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power source and display device power supply are merged through the channel system with integrated conductors. This single integrated connection provides both mechanical mounting and electrical power distribution, achieving sustainability without increasing electrical connection complexity.
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
This solution simplifies the power supply process, reduces installation effort and costs, and promotes sustainability by using solar energy indoors, eliminating the need for extensive electrification and battery replacement.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solar power source (36) with two supply poles (120, 122), with one of the supply poles (120, 122) being used for the production of an electrically conductive connection with one of the current conductors (21, 22) in order to energize all electronic display devices (11) that can be accommodated in the channel (16) by the solar power source (36)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (10) for powering display devices (11) for displaying product-related information, comprising an elongated base body (12) and a solar current source (36), wherein the base body (12) has a channel (16) for receiving the display devices (11), and the base body (12) has two end portions (18), each end portion (18) having one of two channel end portions (20) of the channel (16), in which the display devices (11) can be received. The system (10) has at least two current conductors (21, 22) which are arranged in the channel (16), and a power supply contact (28) of each display device (11) can be contacted with a respective current conductor (21, 22) by receiving the display devices (11) in the channel (16). The solar current source (36) is provided for powering all display devices (11), which can be received in the channel, via the current conductors.