Modular Wall Panel Connector With Spring Pins for Stable Power Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular wall systems face challenges in securely and reliably establishing electrical connections between panel elements and vertical support structures, particularly with a reduced risk of contact bounce when panel elements are hung up.
Innovation Solution
A panel element with a spring-loaded electrical connector featuring first and second connector pins that move between extended and pulled-in positions, allowing for secure contact with power supply contacts within the vertical support structures, and a detent mechanism for latching in the extended position to prevent accidental disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded electrical connector with movable pins is used, then the reliability of electrical connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector employs movable connector pins that can transition between retracted and extended positions. The pins are spring-loaded to automatically extend and make contact with power supply contacts when the panel element is hung on the vertical support structure, ensuring reliable electrical connection through dynamic movement rather than static contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded connector pins automatically extend and retract without manual intervention. When the panel element is installed, the springs automatically push the pins into contact with the power supply contacts, and when removed, the pins automatically retract, providing self-service functionality that reduces operational complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a detent mechanism is added to latch the connector pins in extended position, then the stability of electrical connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is pre-configured on the vertical support structure to receive and latch the connector pins. The detent features are positioned and shaped in advance to automatically engage with the pins when they extend, providing predetermined stability without requiring additional active control mechanisms during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the connector pins are made movable between extended and pulled-in positions, then the ease of operation during installation and removal is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pins automatically perform the movement between retracted and extended positions without requiring precise manual operation. The springs provide the force necessary for automatic extension and retraction, reducing the precision requirements for manual installation and removal operations.
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
Ensures stable and reliable electrical power supply to panel elements with reduced risk of contact bounce during installation and removal, enhancing the safety and efficiency of the modular wall system.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical connector being spring loaded to exert a force towards assumption of the pulled-in position
Implementation Method 2
a detent mechanism for latching in the extended position to prevent accidental disconnection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A panel element (12) is provided for use in a modular wall system with vertical support structures (10). The panel element comprises a panel (20) having a planar surface and side edges transverse to the planar surface, the planar surface can be hung up on at least one of the vertical support structures. An electrical connector (22) is provided on the back of the panel, comprising a first connector pin (220a) and a connector second pin (220b) for forming electrical connections. The first and second connector pins fit within openings in a surface of one of the vertical support structure. The connector pins are movably coupled to the panel so as to allow movement of the first and second connector pins in at least one direction parallel to the planar surface, between an extended position and a pulled-in position in which tips of the first and second connector pins will and will not extend into said the vertical support structure. The electrical connector is spring (34) loaded to exert a force towards the pulled-in position. A detent makes it possible to latch the electrical connector in the extended position.