Patent Publication Number: US-11646537-B2

Title: Configurable low voltage power panel

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/282,827, filed Feb. 22, 2019, which claims benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/634,054, filed Feb. 22, 2018, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to power distribution systems and, more particularly, to power sources that are configurable to deliver power to one or more accessories, such as for use with office furniture, tack boards, partitions, dividers, and the like. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The traditional means to deliver low voltage power to a device is through a power cord connecting the device directly to a power source. It is also relatively common for electrical devices to be powered by rechargeable batteries that occasionally need to be connected to a power source to operate the device or recharge the battery. While wireless charging can provide a recharging power source for some of these devices without the clutter of wires and need to find an appropriate power outlet, the wireless connectivity of today&#39;s wireless charging can be inefficient and take longer to charge a device&#39;s battery than a direct wired connection. Typically office environments provide low voltage power outlets at inconvenient locations, such as at lower areas of a building wall or along a lower strip of partition walls or the like. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a power distribution system that includes a panel assembly that is capable of engaging one or more application modules at multiple locations on an outer surface the panel assembly, so as to conveniently position the application modules at desirable locations, such as for positioning a component, such as a light or speaker or power outlet, integrated with the application module. The application modules may electrically connect with the engaged locations of the panel assembly so as to power or supply electricity to the integrated component or components of the application modules. The application modules may also be easily disengaged and relocated to other desired locations on the panel assembly, so as to allow for simplistic interchangeability and customization of associated environments, such as permanent and temporary work spaces, waiting areas, educational places, and the like. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a power distribution system includes a panel assembly that has an outer surface and two conductive structures spaced from each other and spanning beneath the outer surface. An application module is configured to engage one of a plurality of locations disposed over the outer surface of the panel assembly. The application module includes a first contact configured to engage the first conductive structure and a second contact configured to engage the second conductive structure. The second contact is electrically insulated from the first contact and the first conductive structure for the panel assembly to deliver power to the application module. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a power distribution system includes a panel assembly that has an outer panel and an inner panel spaced from outer panel. An application module is configured to attach to one of a plurality of locations disposed over the outer panel of the panel assembly. The application module has a first contact that is configured to engage the outer panel and a second contact that is configured to extend through the outer panel and engage the inner panel. The second contact is electrically insulated from the first contact and the outer panel for the panel assembly to deliver power to the application module when attached to the outer panel. Optionally, the application module may include a magnet that is configured to bias the application module against the outer panel when the first and second contacts are in engagement with the respective outer and inner panels. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for delivering electricity to an application module that is supported at a desired location on a panel assembly. The panel assembly has an outer surface and first and second conductive structures spaced from each other and spanning beneath the outer surface. An application module is positioned at one of a plurality of locations over the outer surface of the panel assembly. A first contact on the application module is engaged with the first conductive structure to form a first electrical connection. A second contact of the application module is passed through the outer surface and into engagement with the second conductive structure to form a second electrical connection insulated from the first electrical connection. The application module may include an attachment feature that, with the first and second contacts in engagement with the first and second conductive structures, is attaching and supporting the application module at the outer surface of the panel assembly. 
     These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  are environmental perspective views of various examples of application modules engaged with a panel of a low voltage power distribution system that is integrated with different examples of partitions and panel systems; 
         FIG.  2    is a front, upper perspective view of a panel of a low voltage power distribution system having an application module engaged with a front surface of the panel; 
         FIG.  3    is a front elevation view of the panel shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a front elevation view of the panel shown in  FIG.  2    with the application module removed; 
         FIG.  5    is a rear perspective view of the panel shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded upper, perspective view of the panel and the application module of the low voltage power distribution system shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a rear, lower perspective view of the application module shown in  FIG.  2    disengaged from the panel; 
         FIG.  8    is an upper perspective view of a user holding the application module away from a cut-away section of the panel shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  9    is an upper perspective view of the application module engaged to the cut-away section of the panel shown in  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of a section of the application module shown in  FIG.  7   , showing a spring-loaded contact stud configured to engage the panel; 
         FIG.  11    is schematic block diagram of the low voltage power distribution system shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a front, upper perspective view of an additional example of a panel of a low voltage power distribution system, showing two application modules engaged to the panel; 
         FIG.  13    a front elevation view of the panel shown in  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is an exploded upper, perspective view of the panel shown in  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a rear, lower perspective view of one of the application modules shown in  FIG.  12    disengaged from the panel; 
         FIG.  16    is a front, upper perspective view of an additional example of a panel of a low voltage power distribution system, showing an application module engaged to the panel; 
         FIG.  17    is a rear, upper perspective view of the panel shown in  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a front elevation view of section XVIII of the panel shown in  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  19    is a rear, upper perspective view of the application module shown in  FIG.  16    disengaged from the panel; 
         FIG.  20    is a rear, upper perspective view of the application module shown in  FIG.  16    and a cut-away section of the panel engaged by the application module; 
         FIG.  21    is a front, upper perspective view of a further example of a panel of a low voltage power distribution system, showing an application module engaged to the panel; 
         FIG.  22    is a front, upper perspective view of the panel shown in  FIG.  21    with a portion of the application module exploded away from the panel; 
         FIG.  23    is a rear, lower perspective view of the application module shown in  FIG.  21    disengaged from the panel; and 
         FIG.  24    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the application module shown in  FIG.  22    engaged to the panel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a power distribution system is provided that includes a panel assembly that is capable of receiving and supporting one or more application modules at various engaged locations on the panel assembly, so as to position the modules at desirable locations. The panel assembly may be connected to an auxiliary power source, such as a power supply that is connected to a standard electrical outlet. Alternatively, when an auxiliary power source is disconnected, an engaged application module may be used as a power source for other engaged application modules, such as to backfeed electrical power to the panel assembly. The application modules electrically connect at the locations of the panel assembly it is attached so as to power or deliver electricity to the integrated component or components of the application modules, such as a light, a speaker, or power outlet. 
     To form the electrical connection with an attached application module, the application module includes a first contact that engages a first conductive structure of the panel assembly and a second contact that engages a second conductive structure of the panel assembly. The second contact is electrically insulated from the first contact and the first conductive structure for the panel assembly to deliver power to the application module. The application modules may also be easily disengaged and relocated to other desired locations on the panel assembly, so as to allow for simplistic interchangeability and customization of associated environments. For example, as shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , the panel assembly may form or be integrated with various partitions and divider wall systems and application modules may be engaged at various locations that may be convenient within such a work station or space or the like. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2 - 11   , an example of a power distribution system  10  includes a panel assembly  12  that has an inner portion  14  and an insulating cover  16  that is disposed at least partially over an outer surface of the inner portion  14 . The inner portion  14  of the panel assembly  12  also includes at least two conductive structures, such as the two conductive members  18   a,    18   b  shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4    at a generally consistent spacing from each other on the panel assembly  12 . The two conductive members  18   a,    18   b  are disposed on a panel  19  beneath the insulating cover  16 , so as to be arranged between the panel  19  and the insulating cover  16 . The separation between the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  allows them to have opposing electrical polarity, so as to be capable of powering an accessory module  20 , such as the attached accessory module  20  shown in  FIG.  2     
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the application module  20  may attach to the panel assembly  10  at a desired location where contacts on the application module  20  engage the conductive structures. More specifically, the application module  20 , as shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9   , has two contact studs  22   a,    22   b  that are disposed on the application module  20  at the same or similar spacing to that provided between the conductive members  18   a,    18   b.  The contact studs  22   a,    22   b  may pierce through the insulating cover  16  and engage one of the conductive members  18   a,    18   b.  Accordingly, the application module  20  may be positioned at any location along the length of the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  where the contact studs  22   a,    22   b  are capable of engaging the respective conductive members to form electrical connections that can deliver power to the engaged the application module  20 . 
     The panel  19  provided on the inner portion  14  of the panel assembly  12  may be substantially planar and rigid, such as shown in  FIG.  6   . However, it is also contemplated that the exterior surface of the panel in additional examples may include curvatures or angles to accommodate the overall structure that is integrated with the panel assembly and may be formed with flexible materials. Likewise, although shown as a wooden board, the panel  19  of the panel assembly  12  may comprise additional or alternative electrically insulating materials, such as a plastic, a fiber composite, a cement board, a cork board, a foam board, or the like. As such, the shape and material of the panel assembly  12  may be configured to integrate with the shape and material of office furniture, tack boards, partitions, dividers, and the like, among other conceivable applications, whereby the panel assembly may be a separate unit or an integral piece of a larger structure. For example, panel assemblies are integrated with various partition and divider wall systems in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  to show examples of how application modules may be engaged at various locations that may be convenient within a work station or the like. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the panel  19  of the inner portion  14  of the panel assembly  12  may include channels  24  that are formed along the exterior surface in the shape and depth of the conductive members  18   a,    18   b.  As such, the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  may be fit in the channels  24  so as not to substantially protrude from the exterior surface of the panel  19  of the inner portion  14  and provide a generally flush overall exterior surface of the inner portion  14  of the panel assembly  12 . With the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  mounted in such a flush arrangement, the outer-facing surface of the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  together with the exterior surface of the panel  19  may form a generally uninterrupted exterior surface, which when concealed by the insulating cover  16 , the conductive members may generally become visually and tactilely unnoticeable. 
     The conductive members  18   a,    18   b,  such as shown in  FIGS.  2 - 6   , are provided as metal rails that are configured to deliver power, such as low voltage DC or AC power, to the engaged contact studs  22   a,    22   b  of the application module  20 . The metal rails that comprise the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  may be stainless steel, copper, or other electrically conductive materials. The conductive members  18   a,    18   b  are shown arranged centrally on the panel assembly  12  with the length of the members extending in a vertical orientation, although it is understood that the conductive members in additional examples may alternatively be arranged horizontally, diagonally, or any other conceivable orientation. Also, the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  are shown extending generally linearly along their length, although it is contemplated that the conductive members may have a curved or angled shape along their length, such as to correspond with the shape of the panel assembly or overall structure integrated with the power distribution system. The metal rails of the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  shown in  FIG.  6    are approximately 0.04 inches thick, 1.75 inches wide, and roughly 48 inches in length; although it is understood that rails in other examples may be various sizes to accommodate various alternative structures and applications. 
     Further, as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  6   , the lower ends of the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  include terminal connection features  23  that are configured to attach to wires  25  that lead to a power supply  26  of the power distribution system  10 . Specifically, the wires  25  have a ring crimp terminal that is fastened to an aperture at the lower ends of the metal rails, such as with screws or the like. Other forms of terminal connection and are also contemplated to use in connecting a power supply or power source to the conductive members. The power supply  26  may be a class 2 power supply that reduces the connected voltage to 24 volts, where the connected voltage may be 120 volts supplied by a standard electrical outlet. It is understood that the other examples of the power supply may deliver different voltage level and may be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) to similarly supply power to the panel assembly. Alternatively, when an auxiliary power source is disconnected, an engaged application module may be used as a power source for other engaged application modules, such as to backfeed electrical power to the panel assembly. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 6   , the insulating cover  16  may include a fabric that has several openings configured to receive the contact studs  22   a,    22   b  of the application module  20 . The fabric may be woven to provide warp and weft filaments to define a grid pattern and may be woven loose enough to allow the openings in the woven fabric to expand upon insertion of the contact studs  22   a,    22   b  through the fabric. Similarly, the fabric may be resilient so that the openings generally retract to a natural state upon removal of the contact studs from the fabric. Also or alternatively, the insulting cover may include other non-woven materials or fabric materials, such as leather, polyamide, polyester, silicone, mesh, or other natural or synthetic covering materials that may be formed with slits or openings that are sufficiently sized to be engaged by the contact studs of an application module. The insulating cover may be secured in place with an adhesive or fastener or the like to generally prevent movement of the cover relative to inner portion of the panel assembly. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9   , the contact studs  22   a,    22   b  of the application module  20  extend through the insulating cover  16  and each engaging one of the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  at a location along the length of the conductive members  18   a,    18   b.  Upon engaging the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  embedded under the insulating cover  16 , the application module  20  is placed in electrical connection with the power supply, such as shown in  FIG.  11   . When power is delivered to the panel assembly  12  and the application module  10  has made an electrical connection with the panel assembly  12 , an indicator, such as the illustrated indicator light  21  ( FIG.  9   ) may illuminate or otherwise notify a user of the electrical connection. The conductive members  18   a,    18   b  may thereby deliver the low voltage power to the engaged contact studs  22   a,    22   b  of the application module  20 . 
     To facilitate a stable and consistent electrical connection with the device or module, a spring pin assembly may be provided on or within the module. As shown in  FIG.  10   , a spring pin assembly  40  includes a spring  42  that may carry current to a wire connector  44  that engages a wire to electrically connect to the module&#39;s electrical components from a shank  46  that pierces through the fabric or insulating cover to contact the conductive members. The spring  42  may also absorbs potential movement of the module due to movement of the overall structure, such as a furniture piece, and may compensate for tolerance differences in the spacing and depth of the conductive members. Accordingly, the spring may be used entirely for mechanical biasing purposes and wires or other conductive elements may be used to transfer current from the shank to the module&#39;s electrical components. 
     To hold and support the application module  20  at the panel assembly  12 , and also to maintain the electrical connection of the contact studs  22   a,    22   b  with the conductive members  18   a,    18   b,  the application module  20  may include an attachment feature, such as a fastener, magnet, clip, or the like, that is configured to engage the outer surface of the panel assembly  12 . As shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the attachment feature of the application module  20  is provided as two magnets  28  that are configured to align with the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  so as to physically bias the application module  20  against the outer surface of the panel assembly  12 . The magnets  28  magnetically attach to the metal rails of the conductive members  18   a,    18   b  when the contact studs  22  are also in engagement with conductive members  18   a,    18   b.  By aligning the magnet  28  with the metal rails, no additional metal features are needed on the panel assembly  12  to effectuate the magnetic connection with the magnets that supports the application module  20  at the panel assembly. In addition to or in the alternative to magnets aligned with conductive members of the panel assembly, it is contemplated that a magnet may be disposed on an application module so as to position the magnet outside or between the conductive members, such as to magnetically connect with a different metal structure on the panel assembly. 
     The application module  20  may include various components or combinations of components to provide the desired functionality of the module  20 . As also shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9   , the application module  20  provides a switch  32  at the upper surface of the module  20  for actuating a light source  34 . The light source  34 , as shown in  FIG.  2   , is operable to direct light downward through the lower surface of the module  20 , such as to illuminate a work area or surface. The light source  34  is shown in  FIG.  2    as an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminate through a transparent substrate  36 , such as a glass or plastic lens or cover. It is also contemplated that the device or module  20  may be equipped with additional or alternative components, such as speakers, displays, control circuitry, wireless connectivity chips, or the like. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , the application modules may be engaged at various locations on various types of panel assemblies, such as to be in the desired location within the surrounding environment. For example, as shown in  FIG.  1 A , three different types of modules  20   a,    20   b,    20   c  are shown. A power outlet module  20   a  provides a power outlet  31  for connecting a laptop computer, and may also be capable of powering other similarly connected devices. The work station that has the power outlet module  20   a  is also provided with a speaker module  20   b  engaged to an adjacent work station partition panel that may be part of the power distribution system powering the panel engaged by the power outlet module  20   a.  The speaker module  20   b  may receive signals to operate the speaker from contemplated various sources, such as on-board memory or an on-board receiver, such as for radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi other wireless signals. As further shown in  FIG.  1 A , a task lighting module  20   c  is shown engaged to a panel assembly in a location above a work surface, such that the light source of the lighting module  20   c  may illuminate the working surface.  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  also illustrate exemplary additional attachment locations X of the multitude of available attachment locations to receive one of the illustrated accessory modules or to attach an additional accessory module. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1 B , two additional types of modules  20   d,    20   e  are shown attached to another example of a power distribution system. A power module  20   d  provides two universal serial bus (USB) ports  30  for connecting with devices that are capable of being powered or charged via such a USB connection. It is conceivable that in addition to or in place of the USB port, the module may have power outlets or receptacles or ports that are configured for different connection types, such as with different accessory cords or the like. Furthermore, a charging module  20   e  is shown that provides a support surface or features, such as to support other items or devices. The charging module  20   e  includes an upper support surface  35  that is configured with an inductive charger to inductively couple with a wireless device having such wireless power and/or data transmission capabilities. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  12 - 14   , an additional example of a panel assembly  112  is shown that has an inner portion  114  with a frame  150  that borders several panel pieces  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158  to hold them together and in the desired alignment. The panel pieces include two front-facing exterior panels  154 ,  156  that border the outside lateral edges of the conductive members  118   a,    118   b.  A front-facing interior panel  152  is disposed between the two front-facing exterior panels  154 ,  156  and borders the inside lateral edges of the conductive members  118   a,    118   b.  These front-facing interior and exterior panels  152 ,  154 ,  156  together with the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  form a front section of the inner portion  114  that is disposed against a rear-facing panel  158  and may be attached thereto, such as via an adhesive or fastener or the like. The outer frame  150  attaches around the peripheral edge of the assembled panel pieces to hold the panel pieces securely together. The outer frame  150 , such as shown in  FIG.  14   , may have lateral members  160 ,  162  that engage over and along the lateral outside edges of the panel pieces and upper and lower members  164 ,  166  that engage over and along the respective upper and lower edges of the panel pieces. The outer frame may also incorporate feet  168  that support the outer frame  150  upright, such as shown at the lateral members of the outer frame in  FIGS.  12 - 14   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  14   , the inner portion  114  of the panel assembly  112  provides channels  124  between the front-facing interior and exterior panel pieces  152 ,  154 ,  156 , to allow the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  to set in the channels  124  and be generally flush with the exterior surface of the front-facing interior and exterior panel pieces  152 ,  154 ,  156  that are immediately adjacent to the channels  124 . With the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  mounted in such a generally flush arrangement, the outer-facing surface of the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  together with the exterior surface of the front-facing interior and exterior panel pieces  152 ,  154 ,  156  may form a generally uninterrupted exterior surface. An insulating cover  116  may be disposed at least partially over the inner portion  114  to conceal the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  and panels, such that the cover  116  may define the outer surface of the panel assembly  112 . 
     The conductive members  118   a,    118   b,  such as shown in  FIGS.  12 - 14   , may include metal rails, which may comprise stainless steel or other conductive metals, which are configured to deliver low voltage DC or AC power to the engaged contact studs of the engaged application module  120 . As also shown in  FIGS.  12  and  14   , the end sections of the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  may include insulating caps that attach to and conceal the ends of the rails. Also, the lower ends of the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  shown in  FIG.  14    include terminal connection features that are configured to attach to wires that lead to a power supply  126  of the power distribution system  110 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the insulating cover  116  may include a woven fabric that defines a plurality of openings configured to receive the contact studs of the application module. The insulating cover  116  is disposed over the exposed front and rear surfaces of the inner portion of the panel assembly  112 , so as to substantially conceal the upper and lower members  164 ,  166  of the exterior frame, along with the panel pieces  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158 . The insulating cover  116  may keep the lateral members  160 ,  162  of the outer frame  160  exposed. The insulating cover  116  may be secured in place with an adhesive or fastener or the like to generally prevent movement of the cover relative to inner structure of the panel assembly. 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , two accessory modules  120   a,    120   b  are attached to the outer surface of the panel assembly  112 . The application module  120   a  provides an upper support surface  135  that is configured with an inductive charger to inductively couple with a wireless device having such wireless power and/or data transmission capabilities. The application module  120   b  attached to the panel assembly  112  below the application module  120   a  provides a switch  132  at the upper surface of the module  120   b  for actuating a light source  134 . As shown in  FIG.  15   , the light source  134  is operable to direct light downward through the lower surface of the module  120   b,  such as to illuminate a work area or surface. The light source  134  is an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminate through a transparent substrate  136 , such as a glass or plastic lens or cover. It is also contemplated that the application module or modules used with the system  110  shown in  FIGS.  12 - 14    may be equipped with additional or alternative components, such as speakers, displays, control circuitry, wireless connectivity chips, or the like. 
     As further shown in  FIG.  15   , the application module  120   b  has contact studs  122   a,    122   b  that are needle-shaped to easily pierce through the insulating cover  116  of the panel assembly  112  shown in  FIGS.  12 - 14   . The insulating cover  116  may be a fabric without accessible openings or with a relatively tight weave, such that the contact studs  122   a,    122   b  may pierce through the insulating cover  116  to each engage one of the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  at a desired location along the length of the conductive members  118   a,    118   b.  Upon engaging the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  embedded under the insulating cover  116 , the application module  120   b  makes an electrical connection with the panel assembly  112 , such that an indicator light  121  on the application module  120   b  ( FIG.  12   ) may illuminate to notify a user of the electrical connection. The conductive members  118   a,    118   b  may thereby deliver the low voltage power to the engaged contact studs  122   a,    122   b  of the application module  120 . 
     To hold and support the application modules  120   a,    120   b  at the panel assembly  112 , and also to maintain the electrical connection of the contact studs with the conductive members  118   a,    118   b,  the application modules  120   a,    120   b  may each include an attachment feature, such as a fastener, magnet, clip, or the like, that is configured to engage the outer surface of the panel assembly  12 . As shown in  FIG.  15   , the attachment feature of the application module  120   b  is provided as two magnets  128  that are configured to align with the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  so as to physically bias the application module  120   b  against the outer surface of the panel assembly  112 . The magnets  128  magnetically attach to the metal rails of the conductive members  118   a,    118   b  when the contact studs  122   a,    122   b  are also in engagement with conductive members  118   a,    118   b.    
     With reference to an additional example shown in  FIGS.  16 - 20   , a power distribution system  210  may include a panel assembly  212  that has an outer conductive panel  213  and an inner conductive panel  215  spaced from each other. The outer and inner panels  213 ,  215  span beneath the outer surface of the panel assembly  212 , which may be defined by the outer surface of the outer panel  213  or a protective layer or insulated fabric disposed over the outer an inner panels. As shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , an outer frame  250  attaches around the peripheral edge of the assembled panels  213 ,  215  to hold the panels  213 ,  215  at a spaced distance from each other. The outer frame  250 , has lateral members  260 ,  262  that engage along the lateral outside edges of the panels  213 ,  215  and upper and lower members  264 ,  266  that engage along the respective upper and lower edges of the panels  213 ,  215 . It is also contemplated that the outer frame may also incorporate feet that support the outer frame upright, or may otherwise be integrated in another structure or furniture piece. 
     The outer and inner panels  213 ,  215  may be substantially planar and oriented in planar parallel alignment with each other, such as shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   . It is also contemplated that other examples of the panels may be curved or have angular transition and may still be provided in spaced parallel alignment. Also, the panel assembly  212  may include an insulating spacer disposed between the panels  213 ,  215  to maintain the spacing away from each other, such as with an electrically insulating stand-off piece or substrate layer disposed between the outer and inner conductive panels  213 ,  215 . Alternatively, the panels  213 ,  215  may be insulated from each other by an air gap, which may be maintained by the rigidity of the panels  213 ,  215  and the structure of the outer frame  250 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  16   , an application module  220  may attach to one of a plurality of locations disposed over the outer panel  213  of the panel assembly  212 . As shown in  FIGS.  19  and  20   , the application module  220  engages and forms an electrical connection with the panel assembly  212  with a first contact engaging the outer panel  213  and a second contact extending through the outer panel  213  and engage the inner panel  215 . The first and second contacts on the accessory module  220  are electrically insulated from each other, so that the panel assembly can deliver power to the application module  220  via the first and second contacts. The first and second contacts may be disposed on separate contact studs  222   a,    222   b,  such as shown in  FIGS.  19  and  20   , where a first contact stud  222   a  engages the outer conductive panel  213  and a second contact stud  222   b  extends through an opening in the outer panel  213  to engage and make electrical contact with the inner conductive panel  215 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  16   , the outer conductive panel  213  has openings  217  that allow the contact studs  222   a,    222   b  to engage a plurality of locations, both vertically and horizontally, over the panel assembly  212 . The openings  217  disposed over the outer conductive panel  213  may define the plurality of locations for engaging the application module  220 . As shown in  FIG.  16   , the openings  217  in the outer panel  213  may have a shape that corresponds with the shape of the contact studs  222   a,    222   b,  such as a circular hole. As shown in  FIG.  17   , the rear panel  215  may also include openings  219  and those openings may be shaped differently than the openings in the outer panel  213 , such as square hole. As shown in  FIG.  18   , the openings in the outer and inner panels  213 ,  215  may be misaligned, such that the contact studs  222   a,    222   b  that are is inserted through the outer panel  213  do not extend through the rear or inner panel  215 . 
     As shown in the application module  220  illustrated in  FIGS.  19  and  20   , the first contact stud  222   a  has an insulating portion  270  at the tip portion of the stud that engages the inner panel  215 , such that no electrical connection is made between the first contact stud  222   a  and the inner panel  215 . Likewise, the second contact stud  222   b  has an insulating portion  270  at the base portion of the stud that engages the outer panel  213 , such that no electrical connection is made between the second contact stud  222   b  and the outer panel  213 . Thus, the first contact stud  222   a  engages the outer conductive panel  213  and the second contact stud  222   b  engages the inner conductive panel  215 . The application module  220  shown in  FIGS.  19  and  20    also includes magnets  228  that are configured, with the contact studs in engagement, to bias the application module  220  against the outer surface of the panel assembly  212 . The outer and inner panels  213 ,  215  comprise metal, such as stainless steel, copper, or other conductive metals that are configured to deliver low voltage power to the engaged contact studs  222   a,    222   b  of the application module  220 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  19  and  20   , the application module  220  includes a switch  232  at the upper surface of the module  220  for actuating the a component of the module, such as a light source, speakers, displays, control circuitry, wireless connectivity chips, or the like. Upon engaging the conductive members or panels  213 ,  215 , the application module  220  makes an electrical connection with the panel assembly  212 , such that an indicator light  221  on the application module  220  ( FIG.  20   ) may illuminate to notify a user of the electrical connection. The conductive panels  213 ,  215  may thereby deliver the low voltage power to the engaged contact studs  222   a,    222   b  of the application module  220 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  21 - 24   , another example of a power distribution system  310  includes a panel assembly  312  that has an outer conductive panel  313  and an inner conductive panel  315  spaced from outer panel  313 . An application module  320  is configured to attach to one of a plurality of locations disposed over the outer panel  313  of the panel assembly  312 . As shown in  FIGS.  21 - 24   , the inner conductive panel  315  of the panel assembly  312  generally does not have any holes or openings, at least at the central portion of the inner conductive panel  315  that is aligned with the openings  317  disposed through the outer conductive panel  313 . Instead, the inner conductive panel  315  is a generally planar sheet of metal, which prevents rear access to the front or outer panel  313  and over insertion of the contact stud through the outer panel  313 . Also by being free of openings, the inner conductive panel  315  may be easily used, covered or uncovered, as an opaque partition or divider or the like. Also, the outer conductive panel  313  may be covered with an insulated layer, such as paint, fabric, cork, or the like. 
     The outer conductive panel  313 , as shown in  FIGS.  21  and  22   , has openings  317  that allow a contact stud  322  of the application module  320  to engage at a plurality of locations, both vertically and horizontally, over the panel assembly  312 . The openings  317  disposed over the outer conductive panel  313  may define the plurality of locations for engaging the application module  320 . The openings  317  in the outer panel  313  may have a shape that corresponds with a contact stud  322 , such as a circular hole. Alternatively, it is contemplated that holes with other conceivable shapes, such as orthogonal shapes or elongated slots, may be formed in addition to or in place of circular shaped holes at the outer panel. Further, it is understood that the holes may have various different sizing and spacing from each other from the illustrated example. 
     The outer and inner panels  313 ,  315  are substantially planar and oriented in planar parallel alignment with each other, such as shown in  FIGS.  21 ,  22 , and  24   . It is also contemplated that other examples of the panels may be curved or have angular transition and may still be provided in spaced parallel alignment. Also, the panel assembly  312  may include an insulating spacer disposed between the panels  313 ,  315  to maintain the spacing away from each other, such as with an electrically insulating stand-off piece, such as a plastic washer, or insulating substrate layer, such as a fiberglass sheet, disposed between the outer and inner conductive panels  313 ,  315 . Alternatively, the panels  313 ,  315  may be insulated from each other by an air gap, which may be maintained by the rigidity of the panels  313 ,  315  and any supportive structure of the a frame or stand that support the panels. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  21 - 24   , the application module  320  has a first contact that is configured to engage the outer panel  313  and a second contact that is configured to extend through the outer panel  313  and engage the inner panel  315 . The second contact on the application module  320  is electrically insulated from the first contact and the outer panel  313  for the panel assembly  312  to deliver power to the engaged application module  320 . As further shown in  FIGS.  21 - 24   , the application module  320  has a housing  380  and a single stud  322  that protrudes from a rear portion of the housing  380 . The first contact of the application module  320  that engages the outer panel  313 , such as shown in  FIG.  24   , is disposed at a base portion  382  of the contact stud  322 . The second contact of the application module  320  is then disposed at a tip portion  384  of the stud  322  for extending through an opening  317  to engage the inner panel  315 . 
     The singular contact stud  322  of the application module  320  shown in  FIGS.  23  and  24   , thus, contains two independent contacts, insulated from one another, each of which make contact with a different panel (inner and outer). This allows electricity to conduct through the single stud  322 , since it contains both isolated legs of the circuit. Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG.  24   , the tip portion  384  of the stud  322  has a pin  346  that extends centrally through a chamber of the stud  322  to contact the inner panel  315 , while the base portion  382  of the stud  322  has a collar  386  that engages the peripheral edge of the outer panel  313  surrounding the opening  317 , such as at a chamfered edge. The pin  346  and collar  386  of the stud are electrically insulated from each other by a core insulator  388  that surrounds the pin  346 . The stud  322  may include a spring  342  that absorbs potential movement of the module due to movement of the overall structure, such as a furniture piece, and may compensate for tolerance differences in the spacing and depth of the conductive members. In addition to mechanical biasing purposes, the spring may be used as a conductive element to transfer current between the stud and the module&#39;s electrical components. 
     As shown in  FIG.  22   , the application module  320  includes a housing  380  that has an outer portion  390  that houses the internal component or components of the module  320  and an inner portion  392  that houses the stud assembly  322 . The inner portion  392  has cavities  394  that may receive magnets configured to bias the application module  320  against the outer panel  313  when the contacts are in engagement with the respective outer and inner panels  313 ,  315 . The outer portion of the housing  390  has a switch  332  at the upper surface of the module  320  for actuating a component of the module, such as the illustrated light source  334 . However, it is contemplated that additional examples of the application module  320  may also or alternatively include speakers, displays, control circuitry, wireless connectivity chips, or the like. Upon engaging the conductive members or panels  313 ,  315  to the stud  322 , the application module  320  makes an electrical connection with the panel assembly  312 , such that an indicator light  321  on the application module  320  ( FIG.  22   ) may illuminate to notify a user of the electrical connection. The conductive panels  313 ,  315  may thereby deliver the low voltage power to the engaged contact stud  322  of the application module  320 . 
     Thus, the application module may electrically connect with the engaged location of the panel assembly so as to power or supply electricity to the integrated component or components of the application module. The panel assembly may include an outer cover that conceals the electrical elements or members that are integrated into the panel assembly, such that the application module may pierce through the outer cover to engage the electrical elements or members and form an electrical connection therewith. The panel assembly may optionally include conductive plates that are spaced from each other, such that the application module may engage through at least one of the conductive plates to form an electrical connection with the panel assembly. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” “inner-facing,” “outer-facing,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the assembly as oriented in  FIG.  1   . However, it is to be understood that it may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in this specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law. The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.