Supply element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving systems face complexity and high effort in supplying power and data to terminal devices, especially when converting layouts to accommodate different-sized goods, due to cumbersome cable management and assignment of information in cable-supported solutions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer supply element with at least three conductor tracks is integrated into the hollow shelf post, allowing for simple and efficient power and data distribution to terminal devices, with freely accessible sections on the surface for easy connection, and can be rearranged without extensive cable re-laying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable-supported solutions are used to supply power and data to terminal devices, then power and data can be transmitted reliably, but the system complexity and effort for cable management and reconfiguration increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power and data supply function from external cables and integrates it into the shelf post structure itself. The supply element is embedded within the hollow shelf post, eliminating the need for separate cable routing and management systems while maintaining reliable power and data transmission to terminal devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf post is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for shelves and simultaneously integrates the supply element for power and data distribution. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cable infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining transmission reliability.
2Reliability
If cable-supported solutions are used for power and data supply, then terminal devices can be powered reliably, but the effort and cost for re-laying cables during system conversion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supply element is designed with modular conductor tracks that can be independently accessed and connected at different heights along the shelf post. This segmentation allows individual terminal devices to be connected or disconnected without affecting other connections, enabling easy system conversion and reconfiguration while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic accessibility of conductor tracks through opening elements that can be selectively opened at different positions along the shelf post. This allows the system to adapt to changing requirements during conversion, enabling easy reconfiguration of power and data connections without extensive re-laying work.
3Loss of information
If specific information assignment to specific terminals is required, then data can be accurately delivered, but the complexity of cable assignment and connection management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical cable routing and assignment systems with an integrated electrical connection system. The conductor tracks are positioned and configured to automatically establish correct connections between the supply element and terminal devices based on their spatial positions, eliminating the need for manual cable assignment and management while ensuring accurate data delivery.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between shelving brackets is changed to accommodate different goods, then the shelving system becomes more versatile, but extensive cable re-laying is required in cable-supported solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The supply element is pre-installed within the shelf post structure with conductor tracks available at multiple predetermined positions. This preliminary preparation allows shelf brackets to be moved to different distances and configurations without requiring subsequent cable re-laying, as the power and data connections are already in place and can be easily accessed at the new positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a supply element (1) for a shelf system (30) for providing current and/or data to a terminal device (20), in which the supply element (1) can be arranged in an interior space (33) of a hollow shelf support (32) of the shelf system (30), in order to provide current and/or data through contact to a terminal device (20) which is provided on a shelf bracket (34) fastened to the shelf support (32), and is designed with multiple layers and has a longitudinal direction L, a widthways extent B and a thickness D. At least three conductive tracks (6, 6', 6'') designed for carrying current and/or data are provided, of which one is freely accessible and contactable continuously along at least one segment A of the longitudinal extent L on the surface (7) of the supply element (1), and at least two conductive tracks (6', 6'') for carrying current and/or data are freely accessible and contactable on the surface (7) of the supply element (1) in segments A', A'' of the longitudinal extent L, wherein segments A', A'' on the longitudinal extent L of the at least two conductive tracks (6', 6''), on which the at least two conductive tracks (6', 6'') are freely accessible and contactable, are formed at different locations O', O'' of the surface (7) of the supply element (1), in order to supply current and/or data to at least two shelf brackets (34) of the shelf system (30) with terminal devices (20).