Modular electrical system including back-to-back receptacle configurations and capable of providing four wire circuitry

Abstract

A modular electrical system (230) comprises a number of separate components forming a four-wire system (110). The component set (230) includes receptacle junction blocks (130), two-way connectors (232), four-way connectors (236), two-way jumper cable assemblies (234), and three-way jumper cable assemblies (238). The components of the component set (230) include various configurations of male blade terminals (150) and female terminals (200) located on the individual components so that a number of differing system configurations can be achieved.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 747,518, titled MODULAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UTILIZING FOUR WIRE CIRCUITRY, filed May 11, 2007.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO MICROFISHE APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The invention relates to electrical power and communications distribution systems and, more particularly, to systems employing modular components with back-to-back circuit configurations and capable of providing for four wire circuit configurations with receptacles.[0006]2. Background Art[0007]Known interior wall systems typically employ pre-fabricated modular units. These units are often joined together in various configurations, so as to divide a workplace into smaller offices or work areas. Generally, such modular wall panels may be equipped with means for receiving g...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a problem in designing modular office systems, where the need for electrical power and communication connections between furniture components can be a challenge. The text describes the use of modular wall panels with raceways for electrical and communications distribution, but the raceways require sufficient room and special modifications to power systems of wall panels can be complex and expensive. The technical effect of the patent is to provide a solution that allows for more efficient and convenient interconnection of electrical and communication devices to utility power, while also addressing the issue of interchangeability of wall panels and the need for custom modifications.

Problems solved by technology

However, these modular systems must not only allow for change in furniture configurations, but also must provide for convenient interconnection of electrical devices to utility power, regardless of the spacial configuration of the modular systems and resultant variable distances between electrical devices.

The problems associated with providing distribution of communications essentially correspond to the same problems existing with respect to distribution of conventional electrical power.

However, it is also apparent that to the extent reference is made herein to providing electrical outlets and electrical power connections for adjacent panels, the same issues exist with respect to providing communications among panels.

Under such circumstances, the interconnecting wiring becomes a significant problem.

Still further, modifications of wall panels on site at the installation facility is complex and may be relatively expensive.

In addition to the foregoing issues, problems can arise with respect to the use of junction blocks and the amount of room which may exist within a raceway.

Consequently, costly inventory of couplers must be maintained.

There is a distinct disadvantage in modern day systems, where several independent electrical circuits are needed in a wall panel system, with each requiring separate connectors.

Space for such circuits and their connectors is very limited in the raceway areas of modern, thin-line wall panels.

Another issue which exists with respect to raceway systems has to do with size, when the number of circuits provided by 8, 12 or 14 wire electrical configurations is unnecessary.

A further issue which can arise relates to physical size somewhat independent of the issue of the number of circuits.

Still further, one disadvantage of known modular electrical systems relates to the substantial large volume of individual components.

Relatively inherent difficulties with a number of known modular electrical systems relates to the ease of assembly and installation.

Still further, one difficulty which arises with respect to connectors utilized with modular interval systems relates to ensuring for correct polarization and circuitry configurations.

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