Imagine a mounting system that can securely hold your device and provide a reliable, hard-wired connection to power and data. Imagine rapid customization or rearrangement without the need for tools, just your hands. Imagine that mount that can work anywhere with minimal anchoring space.
AXIO Blocks aren’t just for play. As the blocks scale, they become a strong and versatile mounting system with integrated electrical connectors. These larger blocks can hold a device and provide power and data to/from the device. We have prototyped a simple lamp to demonstrate how the mechanical and electrical connections work together and are currently patent-pending. We anticipate this mounting system, with integrated electrical connectors, will have broad-ranging applications: audio/video systems, robotics, computer hardware, automotive accessories, interior design, and many others.
This is our prototype of a self-contained base that can be mounted on a desktop, wall, floor, or ceiling. It has a ball-joint and battery pack and electrical connector inside. It is also possible to route an external power or data source through the base instead of using batteries. The base is approximately 5" (125 mm) square.
This is our prototype of an extension block, which measures approximately 6-3/8” long (162 mm). There are two “arms” on the side of the block. As the arms are squeezed, the rear socket connector opens to allow easy connection and positioning of the extender block on the base’s ball-joint. Our electrical connector protrudes from the rear of the socket joint to connect inside the base as the base and extender blocks are pushed together. Releasing the arms clamps the two blocks firmly together in the desired position. The current prototype blocks can flex approximately 35-degrees off-center.
This is our demonstration lamp with the base, extender, and lamp block connected together. The lamp block is almost identical to the extender block but with a flared hood and LED bulb. There are no external power supplies in the lamp; the base’s batteries are connected via wire and our detachable connectors through the center longitudinal axis of each block powering the LED.
The AXIO Block power connection methodology will work with almost any power or data connector, though radially-symmetric connectors are preferred for ease of block connection. We use a sleeve to attach the external connector to the block and internal connector. The wire, from external to internal connector, is protected inside the sleeve. All insertion and removal forces experienced by the connector pass through the sleeve, not the electrical wire. The external electrical connector moves axially inside the sleeve for wire strain-relief.
The lamp in these photos uses simple 2-conductor connectors, but 4-conductor connectors are readily available in the same connector format. This means that these blocks are easily upgraded to transfer USB data and power.
If you would like more information about our mounting and electrical connection system, please contact us. We would be happy to speak with you.