Versatile power supply

Rochester Institute of Technology

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Theses

Thesis/Dissertation Collections

5-12-1999

Versatile power supply

Ian Cunningham

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Recommended Citation

Rochester Institute

of

Technology

A Thesis Submitted

to the

Faculty

of

The

College

of

Imaging

Arts and

Sciences

in

Candidacy

for

the

Degree

of

MASTER OF

FINE

ARTS

Versatile Power

Supply

Approvals

Chief~dviser:Doug Cleminshaw

Date:_~\'1~~c-u~o;...J~l--t7!-

_

Associate Adviser: Craig McArt

Date:

cT0

ze

/s,

/9?

CZ

Associate Adviser: Bob Kahute

I

Chairperson: Charles Lewis

Date:_ _

--'0;"""-"

,-+'N'='<'---1\-,,~-+I----,~=--'-')~-I, Ian W. Cunningham hereby grant permission to the Wallace Memorial Library of

RIT to reproduce my thesis in whole or in part. Any reproduction will not be for

commercial use or profit.

Signature:_----;-

_

TableofContents

Approvals ii

Chapter

1. Introduction 1

Preface Essentials

Selection Process

2. Research 4

Background Search Concept Refinement Verification

3. Form 15

Identity

Development Repositionable Node

Peripheral Band

Power Plane

4.

Gallery

Display

25

Presentation

Solution #1: Inital Solution #2Next

Step

Solution #3 Quantum

Leap

Wrap

Up

58

5.

Summary

62

ReferenceList ...63

.Let,.etherless

is

a concept

for

the elimination ofconstraints

from

electrical power

delivery

systems.

Three

separate

solutions are presented

in

aprogression of

increasing

technology.

Each

stage

is

able toaddress and refine more

than the previous onethrough

foreseeable

technological

advancements.

The

main objective ofthe concept

is

to providethe user

with a more

flexible,

adaptable, and versatile

interior

environment.

The

solutions allow control

by

the

individual,

not_{the system,} of

how

and where

electricity

is

to

be

used.

The

problems and constraints of

existing

systems can

be

broken down into

three categories.

First is

the

limitation

of

logistics. We

are

bound

by

fixed

outlets or receptacles

which offer

little

or no

adjustability

to suit the needs ofa

variety

of users and applications.

Second is function. The

interfaces

with current equipment tend to

be

awkward, cumbersome and pose

safety

concessions.

Today's

products also neglect to address communication as an

essential component of a

globally

oriented society.

Thirdly

is

the

sensitivity

to aesthetic

detail. Present

systems

have been carelessly

expanded with

little

regard

to visual consequence.

This has desensitized

the public

A,

.s a graduate student of

industrial design faced

with the

overwhelming

possibilities

involved

with

choosing

a

thesis topic several

factors directed my decision.

/

wantedto evaluateand reinterpret a product or system

that

had been ignored

or overlooked.

The

topic needed to

be something

thateveryone could

identify

with and appreciate.

The

solutions needed to

be

realistic,

based

on

fact

not

a_purely conceptual theory.

The

topic and points _ofaddress

had

to

be

_something that

I

felt

_strongly about.

Many

possibilities

for

thesis topics were explored.

Some

that were considered were: a physical

fitness

training

tool, a modular storage/transport and

display

_system,

a portable golf practice station, agas stove _top, and

a

lightning

shelter.

Each

ofthese

however lacked

something from

the aforementioned essential

characteristics. Although each was

worthy

on

its

own

they

simply did

not

fulfill my

vision ofathesisproject.

Finally

the

decision

was made

based

upon the one aspect

of

my

daily

life

that presented me with the most

limitations

and constraints.

That

being

the established

T,

he

initial

concept

for Tetherless sprang forth from

a

woodworking

project that

I

was considering.

The idea

involved

alternative

joinery

techniques

for

a

knock down

shelving

system.

In considering

the potential uses

for

the

shelves

I

began addressing

the problem of wire

management.

The

concept

quickly

snowballed

from

simply

imbedding

outlets

in

a

discrete

mannerto _wishing

for

a shelfsurface that would

actually

_supply power

itself. The

notion was to utilize points of contact that

already

exist (i.e. through the

feet

of a stereo or the

base

ofa

lamp)

for

the connections of power and

communications.

The possibility

of not

being

bound

by

an outlet was

intriguing.

Ultimately

this solo

brainstorming

session

brought

me to the point of

wanting

a wireless

transmission ofpower, and all ofthe opportunities

for

product

innovations

associated with

it.

Convinced

that I

had found my

topic, the next

step

was

to prepare the project plan and schedule (see

Appendix)

and submit the concept

for

approval to

my

committee.

At

this time

I designed

and

implemented

a

format for

T.

he

research phase

began

with visits to

local

retailers

and suppliers of electrical

distribution

and control

products, systems and services.

Information

and catalogs

were gathered on a

variety

oftopics:

wire management systems

electrical components and

fittings

industrial,

commercial, and residential

devices

photo electric switches

centralized electrical control systems

central

lighting

control

track and recessed

lighting

occupancy

sensors

These

resources

along

with

interviews

with sales people

and technicians gave a good sense ofthe

existing

market.

Most

efforts were

in

the

direction

ofcosmetic cover-ups

and wire management systems.

The only

real efforts

involved

with

improving

the user/product

interface

were

track

lighting

and portable outlet centers.

(Empire 1994)(Maynards 1994)(NU Horizons

1994)

(Rero

1994)

Not

content with the

level

ofavailable _products,

I

wrote

and/or called

directly

the manufacturers.

I

questioned the

engineering

and research and

development

departments

on what

they

felt

was the

future

of electrical

supply

and

use.

Response

for

the most part was the same: our

existing

conductor

based

system

is

the

foreseeable future.

Research on topics

like

wireless or

large

scale

promising

enoughto cause a major

rethinking

of

how

we

distribute

and use the power

form.

(Echelon

1994)

(Hubbel

1994)

(Leviton

1994)

(Lightolier

1994)

(Lutron

1994)

(Moore

1994)

(Peruse

1994)

(Struthers-Dunn

1994)

(Thomas

1994)

I

also spoke to power generation

facilities like

Rochester

Gas &

Electric(RG&E)

and

New York

State Electric &

Gas. Their impressions

were much the same as the

manufacturers.

However,

at

RG&E

they

did

allow me to

explore their resource

library. Here

I

found

information

on other sources such as

The Department

of

Energy,

Empire State Electric

Energy

Research Corporation

(ESEERCO),

NASA,

and

Electric

Power Research

Institute

(EPRI).

These

are the agencies that

do

some of

the most

forward

thinking

and research on power

generation and

delivery.

I was some what

disappointed

to

find

that these organizations also reiterated the message

that I

had

grown accustomed to

hearing.

They

were all

very

optimistic about alternative sources

but

theirviews

on the

delivery

system remained the same.

There

was

talk ofresearch towards electric _vehicles,

HVAC,

lighting,

hydro &

wind generation,

demand-side

planning, and other

efficiency

related projects.

(Costello

1994)

(Electric

Power Research Institute

1991)

technology

was

only

suitable

for

satellite systems where

the

dangerous

microwave emissions pose no threat to

any

living

creature.

These findings

established the

format from

which

I

would

begin

to refine the concept.

With

this elimination

of potential

for

a wireless system

I

would concentrate on

solutions that were

based

on the conductor-based power

A,

Athis point

I began

to

digest

the mass ofinformation

I had

_accumulated, and

began

tomake

decisions

about

what were essential points to address.

My

first inclina

tions were towards a centralized control ofour

interior

environments.

As

a consumer

I

felt I

should address

every

aspect of

my life

that

electricity

touched (this soon proved too ambitious).

I began

to

focus

on the

initial

point of

interface between

user and power (the outlet).

This

seemed a

logical starting

point

After

consideration,

it

seemed topresent

limitless

potential

for

the product

designer

when presented with anew

format from

which to

draw

electricity.

Hence

the

decision

was made that the thesis topic

in its

most simplified

form

would

be

a

reinterpretation ofthe

familiar

wall outlet.

In considering

these possibilities

it became

clear that I was

interested in addressing

more than

just

one usage

scenario or

level

oftechnology.

The

concept evolved through

lists

of

desired features

and

functions

with a categorization of elements and attributes

into

three separate solutions of

low,

medium, and

high

technology:

Initial,

Next

Step,

and

Quantum Leap.

Initial: This step

would

be

equipment ortool

like,

based

onthe

adjustability

oftrack

lighting

but

directed

towards

Quantum

Leap: Here

the system would

become

an

integral

part of

any

structure where power and

communications are supplied through

virtually any

interior

_surface, (i.e. walls,

floors

ceilings).

Confident

that the

first

two concepts were

technologically

feasible,

I

was unsure ofthe third.

I

sought the

help

from

the

RIT Electrical

Engineering

Department for

technical advice.

I

interviewed

professor

Bob

Spina,

who proved

very helpful. I first

posed the

question of what

he

saw asthe next

big

step in

the

fields

ofpower generation and

delivery,

more

specifically

suggesting

the

possibility

of a wireless transmission.

He

agreed with

my

previous consultants and was

very

dubious

ofthis potential.

He

too

felt

that the most

aggressive research and

development

was

being

conducted

in

effort to

increase

performance and

efficiency.

(Spina

1994)

On my

next visit with professor

Spina I

explained

my

concepts.

I

described

a scenarioof

placing

a

lamp

(or

any

electrically

powered _appliance) on a

flat

surface and

by

simply

making

contact with the surface the

lamp

could

be

securedand supplied with the

necessary

voltage.

He

saidthat

essentially

what

I

was

describing

was

establishing

atransformer

in

a

1:1

ratio where an

electromagnetic

field is

created

between

the surface

(supplier)

andproduct (user).

This

would generate an

electromagnetic

bond

sufficientenough to "attach" the

In

subsequent visits we would talk more ofthe specific

hardware

requirements and current

limitations,

as well as

the addition of communicationscapabilities (Notes

from

these meetings appear

in

the nextchapter).

These details

were not the most

important factor but

rather that we

had

developed

atheoretical modelthat was explainable

by

existing

standards.

There

were of course the obvious

considerations

for

skeptics

like

_cost, efficiency, and

safety.

However

these were not an

issue

to me.

The first

two concepts would address these real world constraints

and could

satisfy

them.

This

thirdconcept was reserved

for

a more

forward

thinking

ideal

where the potential of

the system would open

up

whole new worlds

for

the

designer

and engineerto explore.

It

is important

to note where these solutions came

from.

They

are the result of

my

contemplations and perceptions

based

upon

my

experiences as an observer and

participant of

daily

routines,

duties

and efforts.

Their

scope

is

too

broad

to

be

attributed to

any

one

lesson

or

observation.

They

are the thoughts and

intuition

of

my

Th,

.hrough a series of meetings with Professor Robert

Spina

of

RIT's Electrical

Engineering

Department we

were able to

develop

atheoretical model

for

the

basis

of

Tetherless. The

following

chapter

illustrates

Professor

Spina's

actual notestaken

during

these meetings.

Along

with patience and enthusiasm

for

the project

Professor Spina

also exhibited a willingness to give mini

crash courses

in

the

field

of electrical

engineering

and

supplied me with an

introductory

textbook.

This

enabled

me to

have

a

basic

yet thorough_{understanding} ofthe

scenarios we were generating.

(Boylestad

1987)

Sheet 1: Professor Spina's Notes

mao o

s

Sheet 2: Professor Spina's Notes

1 ) A mapofthepowertrail fromsuppliertoour model.

2) A diagramoftheinitialmodelthatdidnot address pinpoint_deliveryof powertoa

specificproduct,butrather relied on constant power_supplythroughtheentire plane.

(Y)

f^fVsAV (Jt^c^-^^L

@

(Vv-tVWCv S_{sw^-ZaJiJu-,^}

^~/v\

^jj^-^

n%:5

TjnS^

(>

5.>-^->s_<5sJ< ""

CrTsok ^A-^>s,o~A o^<Aj vi**A

?A^SU^

\ Ptobw

ym>ym

. i-W.

Su.fZPAct1'

Sheet 4: ProfessorSpina'sNotes

1 ) A flowchart ofthehardwareneeds ofthemodel_{incorporating}communications

channels.

o,

nee

I

was comfortable with the concepts

it

was time to

develop

a

personality for

each.

I

would

first begin

with

identifying

specific applications and

functions for

each product.

Second

would come the physical

appearance and

form

of each.

This

process

began

again

by

simply compiling lists

of

individual

traits,

characteristics, attributes, uses and

functions. With

the essentials mapped out and verified

all that remained was to

develop

forms. The

shapes

both

expressed and

fulfilled

the needs of

functionality

as well

as suggesteda

family

or series.

Since

the products and

concepts were

developed

simultaneously, with

only

degrees

of

technology

separating

_them,

I

felt

their

appearances should relate.

The

simple geometric

lines

serve to

increase

the

comprehension of each product's

function. This

generic

appearance also serves as a

starting

point.

Their

outward

simplicity

suggests that

they

are

merely

the seeds

from

which new products could grow.

They

are more

suggestive ofwhat could

spring forth from

the concepts

andshould not

be necessarily

taken as

literal

expressions

ofthe end product.

They

serve as visual aids and place

Tn,

-he repositionable node or outlet

is designed

to

be

compatible with

existing

straight

blade

electric plugs.

Its

aim

is

to allow the usertoposition an outlet where

desired.

The

track

is based

on

lighting

systems and would

be

available

in

expandable segments that would allow

any

length

coverage and configuration.

Developed

with

existing

structures

in

mind the repositionable node would

allow

for

a quick and

easy

retro

fit for any

environment.

What

sets this product apart

from existing

track systems,

besides

the obvious addition ofoutlets,

is

an element of

safety.

Instead

ofthe entire inner track

being

alive with

current

in

which

any

object

inserted may

draw power

(whether

intended

or not).

The electricity is only

delivered

to the pinpoint

location

that the

"authorized"

node

is

inserted into. This

is accomplished via a smart

system of

analog

switches that

direct

current

from

a

sub-layer of the track through an outer communications

channel to the

desired

node.

This

method creates a

tamper-safe track appropriate

for

use at

any

accessible

level.

The

foremost

advantage ofthe repositionable node

is

the

adaptability

providedto

different

users.

The ability

to

place the tracks at

any level

or angle on

any

two

dimensional

surface makes

for

universal access.

This

aspect also allows

for

outlets to

be

positioned

in

and

around

fixed

or variable objects

creating

athree

dimen

sional power grid.

Walls,

furniture

and

fixtures

are no

longer hindrances

to power accessibility.

The

portable nature ofthe product allows the

customization ofnon-permanent

installations

such as

a rental property.

This versatility

gives users the

freedom

to reconfigure their

living

or work environment to suit

their

changing

needs or

desires. This

type of

flexibility

offers options

for

change to static environments.

Shared

workstations such as

kitchens, baths,

offices or

production

lines

with multiple users and

frequent

turnover

in

appliance, tool or

lighting

requirements could

benefit greatly from

such a system.

In

addition,

fluctuations

and changes

in

work type or

load

can

be

The

repositionable

node with

it's

end

cap

and single

track.

> ;

\

fa

,

V ;..

-% v

s.

A

:

T,

-he progressionto the peripheral

band

maintains the functional

benefits

ofthe repositionable node,

but

enhances the

function

ofthe system

by incorporating

communications technologies and

redefining

the

plug/receptaclerelationship.

The

peripheral

band is

designed

with more permanent

installations

andnew

construction

in

mind.

The band

could

be

used

in

architectural

detailing.

The

concept utilizes multiple tracks which allow

for

the

flexible positioning

ofoutlets,

but

also provides a

mounting device for

a

family

of

integrated

products.

With

the attachment ofproduct tothe

band

not

only is

power supplied,

but

pathways are established

for

the

free

flow

of

information between

all products within the

The

establishment of a power

line

communications

network allows products to

be interconnected simply

by

being

plugged

into

the

band. This

aspect

has

great

implications

on

both home

and work applications.

Personal

_{computers, phones,}

faxes,

audio and video

equipmentwould all

be

able to speakto one another

without additional

hardwiring. It

creates

in

effect,

a smart

home

or office.

These

products would

be introduced

to anew vertical

format redefining

the manner

in

which

they

would

be

required toappear or perform. Low profile,

high

visibility

wall mounts and space

saving

configurations

wouldpresent

opportunity for

intriguing

new

interpretations

of product

for

the

designer

to explore.

The

bands

are

intended for

permanent

installations

They

would

be

available

in

a multitude ofstyles,

configurations, and colors.

They

could

be incorporated

into

architectural

detailing

like

baseboards,

_wainscots,

chair rails or mouldings with the

opportunity

to

be

expressed orconcealed as

desired.

The Peripheral Band

with

its

multiple

tracks

and

ball &

Th,

-he ultimate progression to the power plane maintains the same goals as the previous stages while _simplifying

the

interface

and

increasing

options.

Users

are no

longer

confined to a specific outlet, rather

he

or she

is

presented

with entire two

dimensional

surfaces that

have

the

ability

to

supply

power and communication

lines

with precision.

The

power plane makes the

jump

from

an accent product

or architectural

detail

to the actual substrate of a wall,

floor

or work surface.

The

format

changes

from

a

predefined

linear layout

to an expansiveplanar surface.

The

plane would

be

made

up

of a two

layer

tile network

with an outer

broadband

communications channel and an

inner

high-_{voltage sublayer.}

Integrated

products would

actually

affix (much

like

a

suction _cup) to a

horizontal

or vertical surface

by

means

ofvacuum chambers that would require no powerto

maintain.

This

system was chosen over the

electromagnetic

bond based

on the

reliability

oftoday's

power grid.

Insulated

electric current would

be delivered

solely

to the attached product via microwave

connections.

This format is

as close toa tetherless

(unconstrained)

solution as present

technology

can explain.

It

provides

the

illusion

of a wireless transmission of

electricity

within

existing

conductor

dependent

systems.

The

power plane offers a seamless

integration

of

product and power supply.

Workstations

or

living

areas

where space and

efficiency

are

highly

valued

commodities would

benefit

greatly.

In

kitchens,

products could

be

stored and used where

needed

simply

by being

set

down

on a counter

top

or

placed on a wall.

Entertainment

equipment could

be

freed from

a

horizontal format

no

longer

tied to cabinets,

patch _cords, orgravity.

Lighting

fixtures

would

be

extremely

adaptive

in

this

format.

Any

product could

be

easily

rearranged or transported to alternate

locations

providing

the user with multiple usage scenarios.

It

would

be

as

easy

as

moving

magnets on arefrigerator.

The

possibilities

for

new

interpretations

ofproduct

within this system

is

most

intriguing.

Anything

that

comes

in

contact with a

flat

surface

has

the potential to

become

an

electrically

supplied product.

Environments

and entire

buildings

could

be

created with all wall,

floor,

and

ceiling

surfacescapable of

supplying

powerand

mounting

product without

hardware. Furniture

could

become

freestanding

workstations with

fully

on-line

power and communications capabilities.

All

electrical

activity

could

be

monitored and controlled via a single

The

limitless

surface

of

the

Power

Plane.

resenting

a conceptual project amongst

fine

art

in

a

small

gallery is difficult. In

the spirit ofthe project

I did

not want to

be

constrained

by

the

existing gallery

space.

I

elected to

build my

display

that would

in

a sense

develop

its

own environment.

To

this effect

I

decided on

a

freestanding

system

consisting

of

four

monoliths.

These

units provided wall space

for

display

of

both

graphic and model materials.

The layout

creates three

mini-environments, one

for

each solution.

Plan Viewofthe

Display

Panels

A

one-eighth scale mock

up

was created to

develop

the

format

and proportions, (laser print,

illustration

board,

wood)

26

The front

sides ofthe

display. The format

alludes to

stacked pages ofa

document

as well as

providing for

?>,

Ufa

If

' "**

I

J

The

back

sides ofthe

display. The

units are

hollow

core

doors

attachedto medium

density

fiberboard bases

via wooden

baseboards. The

bases

provide a

heavy

anchor

for

support and were painted

black. The doors

provide a

light

but

stable substrate

from

which to attach models and

informational

text.

The

fronts

ofthe

doors

were

painted whiteto symbolize refined thought, while the

backs

were

left

raw to represent

development

and

potential.

The

edges were

left

unfinished tosuggest that the panels were cut

away

sections of

interior

walls.

A

black

and white theme was used throughout the project to

convey my formal

perception of a thesis.

{ ina nutshell ₎

A

brief

synopsis

is

provided

in

this

format

for

each of

the three

solutions presented.

The

subject matter

deals

with constraint

free

power

delivery

systems.

e

e

The

repositionable node

provides mobile outlets

in

a

similar,

yet safer

manner

to that

of

track

lighting

systems.

e

e

A

close

up

ofthe Repositionable

Node

model

showing

the

relationship

to a standard plug.

Here

you can see

color used as a communication tool.

First

is

the generic

black

and white theme.

Second

is

the addition of a

neutral

grey for

the track.

This

allows asubtle contrast

while

suggesting

that the product might

in fact be any

color.

The

red

mounting

plate

is

an example ofthe

limited

use of

bright

color

in

the project.

It

adds a splash

ofvisual

interest but

more

importantly

it identifies

the

product.

Primary

colors are used on each ofthe three

concepts to

portray

asimple and pure personality, similar

to the use ofgeometric shapes as logos.

(Machined and turned polycarbonate, poplar, cast

polyester putty, and

lacquer spray

paints.)

SideThree The Repositionable Node

A)The RN Symbol(Styrenepaintedwhite)

B)Labels(Outputfrom 600dpi laserwriter, mounted onfoamcore.)

C)ApplicationBoard: Illustratestheproducts uses and advantages(300dpilaserprint

with original cut andpastedimages.)

D)Features/Functions Board: Illustrationofthewhat's, where's. andhow'softhe RN.

( bluelineprint with marker andcoloredpencilrendering.)

features

functions

9

v. y

:?

s. z*'

5J ,_,

s. _^ /:

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>

>>

s-"J

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J

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p

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m

z

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z z F^

uj =c _If

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i a

LU Z z 3= i^ o 0- o M

O z o UJ =>

z _^

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1

te

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m -j ^

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z _e)

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Side Four The Peripheral Band

A)Panelsynopsis

B)Peripheral Band (PB) Background Statement

C)ThePB Symbol: Theprogressionfromthesquareto the trianglerepresents an outwardsimplificationofform fourto threesides whiletheinward, inthiscase mathematical,basis becomesmore complex.

DlThePBModel

E)ThePB's_plug isdisplayedon a shelfinthesame mannerastheRN This helpsthe

viewertovisualizethecomparisonto_existing straightbladeplugs

The

peripheral

band

provides

integrated

products with power

and communication

lines incorporated

into

The

Peripheral

Band

would utilize multiple tracks

incorporated

into

architectural

details.

A

close

up

ofthe

PB

model

showing

the revised outlet.

The

colorthemes are maintained with the

PB,

here

yellow was used as the

identifying

primary

color.

(Machined and turned polycarbonate, poplar,

The

power

tap

eliminates the

easily damaged

and

awkward

blades

of conventional plugs.

features

functions

it.

~E.

JZ c

s. -~u y: ^ ^ ,

^ ._^ - _'^

~ -jL

3 "

s/j ' ~

s ~ 3" y. _^ _ 5 %i _Zl

O ,E X y. ~L EI ^

'-c = = _^

~

' ~

tij

"5 ~

>. o O ' CJ ~~

2 tx ^:

C ~

5

>., v. ~

O

c -3 o

s.

y

S.

ZL

S.

:c x, j=

u -* ;J _c:

^

I

$

I

I

-~JZ

z

Q <r z Z _en in o cU < V ell

< r.'

co uj

z Uj < i-> z 33 O < U_ z 2 UJ <J3 O

if Z a. O 0)

to

<

uj o 1

in UJ < to z 2 uj en < UJ 33 o

CS en ~> ^ 1

z < v o in

< LjJ z z < LU.

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u V La 33 < UJ 3C < in s UJ 3 to 33 en L3 < uj in a o a_ UJ u_ 2 < 0) o UJ Q z 33 O UJ 111 Cs _o

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pz 3C o

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< z Z. O UJ ₅ o u. Z IT5 \ CO <

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Uj _{<-_:} <o cfl ?

UJ U-O 33

U-UJ z

O

<r 'Ij Ou1 CL. I ^ O \ z

2 < 2 L*. O u_ > UJ o c-IT) Z > UJ u_

s

o T z 33 UJ < 'O G UJ Z Z <o < 2 <c LU o 3Z > CO UJ UJ Z lTj < 33 > 33 X UJ UJ cO O <C U-UJ 2 < CD UJ X <ji CO UJ _ifi UJ

'. <r_ CL. u i o f ~> _O

z

, i \ o r*: z 1 UJ -L_ CO cv: < I 1 <r Q_

o

33 <

z Z

< 33o <J5 UJ TV' z UJ 3Z o Z

0- OJ

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w^t^<iAyA^iii||iith.U'->iiilTJitWai

21

^-^_

i

The

elimrl

constraints of point

specific outlets and allows power and

communication access

anywhere across a

two

dimensional

surface.

The

power

tap

affixes via a vacuum seal anywhere on the

A

close

up

ofthe

PP

model

showing

the power

tap

plugged on the grid.

Once

again color themes are main

tained,

this time with

blue

as the

primary identifier. The

round polycarbonate

disk

represents the tile network

which

in reality

could

be any

size ororientation of atwo

dimensional

plane.

(Machined and turned polycarbonate, polycarbonate rod,

and lacquer

spray

paints.)

Both

power and communications

lines

pass through the

Side Seven The Power Plane

A)The PP Symbol

B)Labels

C)ApplicationBoard: utilizesa magneticboard withtheproducticonsmountedto steelwashers.This is intendedtoallow theviewertointeractwiththeproject and

illustratethatproductsintroducedtothis system couldbemoved about as_simplyas

"movingmagnets onyour refrigerator".

D)Features/Functions Board

features

IT.

'*> \\w '~,

_ Uj

<

%

U:

Us -

-<

Uj

t*

C3.

G. "3j

""""

_ 'J "3

s.

-Cl _^ ^Jj u y. O

-jL

c

IE

1*

i _>

_, ^

_C o j O

r-IT)

in inUJ 33

z

< o oi

<

X u_ 13

< ul

^5 to 3f U

O

!V LU

U- < z _O UJ

131 IV

LU

tv to en O y_ cv- _CO

LU

< o <

k m

UJ z

<-z '-'> _< U_ T3 in z O G < tv ^ _< UJ UL. < in < t-o z C3

z Z O. ₃₃

CO 33 UJ k < en o U-33 i 3: LU CO 33 2 2 O lO u_ O >-LV CO _} re k z tv UJ >-LU 33 in UJ CL. !J_ 33 in __) O 2 < in < in LU 2 UJ 33 in z 33 o UJ Cj UJ 33 k >-cQ Cj UJ < U_ 33 V o o 2 in V UJ >-< in z < CO in CO in V o u_ m UJ CJ o o in CL. 33 CO 13 z V z Z O LC UJ z u_ UJ CL. CL. 33 in tv u_ _Q LLJ 3D in tv UJ o CL.

z V > u_

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2

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5

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2

z CJ z < U_ O >-33 k iri CO < LU in 13 *.' Cu Z 1 1 1

LU

z

LU

U-33 > _Z

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IV

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r~i s > UJ LU

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<JL _{tV o} o k k

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ti- k _CO z <L C3, ?i LU UJ CLj < CO O- CO z

Side Eight Conclusion

A)The Tetherless Symbol: Acombination of allthreeproduct symbols( 300dpi laserprintmountedonfoamcore.)

B)Labels

C)Motivations/Intentions Board: Photographsofthefunctional, logistical,and aestheticlimitationsof_existingproducts which motivatedmeto

develop

thesolutions

Alsoincluded isa_{basic summary}of whatIwas_tryingtoachieve.

D)ProcessPhoto: A photoof sketches, foam studies,literature,and modelsthat

representsthephysical processinvohedwiththedevelopmentofTetherless. This was

toshowthe_galleryaudiencetheartistic expression andpassion involvedwiththe

ii tn

process :

i

&

T

^^H T

;! Vh T

:,

<d ?T

s:

T

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T r^

H

en

C/3 motivations

<D intentions_?

Th

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CJ

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r- _S. CJ

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CJ X Cj l" cj "E:

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r- _y

Tec

technology provides us with such vast possibilities,

it

demands

that we question

existing

establishments. regardless of

how

engrained or endowed in order to

move

forward.

Through

out this thesis

I have

viewed the solutions as

doorways

to new and

better

living

through product

development.

The

true

industrial design

solutions to

these scenarios are

really

yet to

be

resolved. I

have

merely hinted

at the possibilities

for

new product within

asystem such as this.

Through

advancements

in

science

and

technology,

new platforms

continually

develop

and

allow the

designer

great

freedoms

and

broader

scope

in

which to

develop

product.

My

hope is

that the reader ofthis paper orthose who

viewed the

gallery installation

gained some

insight

and

have

a new

level

of

understanding for

the value and

service ofthe

design

profession

by

envisioning

the

potential

for

new products or systems within their own

lives.

Reference List

Boylestad,

Robert. 1987.

Introductrory

Circuit Analysis, 5thEdition.

Columbus: Merrill

Publishing

Company.

Costello,

Tom. 1994. Phone interview

by

IanCunningham, 17 January'. Demand

side managment teammember ofRochester Gas and Electric.

Echelon Technical Support. 1994. Phone interview

by

Ian Cunningham,

15 January. Lonworks Products Division, Palo Alto, CA

Electric PowerResearch Institute. 1991. Proceedings: Buildingsand Their

Energy

Systems-Technologies and

Planning

Strategies.

Policy

Research

Associates, Inc.

Electric Research andDevelopment Reportto the New York StatePublic Service

Commission 1992,

by

the Empire State Electric

Energy

Research

Corporation, 2.1-2.37.

Empire Electric

Supply Company

Technician. 1994. Interview

by

Ian

Cunningham, 10January. Rochester,NY

Leviton

Manufacturing

Company

_{Engineer. 1994. Phone interview}

by

Ian

Cunningham,

16January. Little

Neck,

NY

Lightolier Technician. 1994. Phone interview

by

Ian

Cunningham,

16 January.

Track

Lighting

_{manufacturer, Secaucus.NJ}

Lutron Electronics Technician. 1994. Phone interview

by

Ian

Cunningham,

16

January.

Coopersburg,

PA

MaynardsInc. Sales Staff. 1994. Interview

by

Ian

Cunningham,

16

January.

Rochester,

NY.

Moore,

Brian. 1994. Phone interview

by

Ian

Cunningham,

15 January. Research

andDevelopment Department ofEntrelec Manufacturing, Mississauga,

Ontario Canada.

NU Horizons Electronics Corporation Technician. 1994. Interview

by

Ian

Cunningham,

16 January.

Rochester,

NY

Peruse,

Marcel. 1994. Phone interview

by

Ian

Cunningham,

15 January.

Technical supportfor The WiremoldCompany, Hartford, CT

Rero Distribution Companies Technician. 1994. Interview

by

Ian

Cunningham,

1 1 January. Rochester, NY.

Spina,

Robert. 1994. Interviews

by

IanCunningham, January-April. RIT

Electrical

Engineering

Department, Rochester,NY.

Struthers-Dunn Commercial/Industrial RelaysRepresentative. 1994. Phone

interview

by

Ian

Cunningham,

16 January. Darlington. SC.

Thomas Betts Electrical Components Sales Person. 1994. Phone interview

by

Ian

Cunningham,

15 January. Memphis. TN

US DepartmentofEnergy. 1993. US Government Manual. Washington.D.C.:

Phase I: proposal

Phase II: concept

PhaseIII: investigation 12/1to12/31 (31)

1

PhaseIV: applications 1/1to1/31 (31) i

Pha^e V: interface 2/1;o2/15 il5i 1

PhaseVI: /omi 2/16ro3/16 (291 _;

PhaseVII: presentation 3/17/.. 4/24 (38) 1

PhaseVIII:written word Summer/Fall1994 :