Modular power distribution system

Abstract

A modular power distribution system, comprising a client device configured to be inserted into a host device, and having a series of independently configurable electrical connections and predetermined electrical connections connecting the host device, the client device, and a cable to deliver power from the cable to a peripheral of the client. A modular power distribution system, comprising a host device having first and second compartments, the second compartment being dimensioned to automatically align the client electrical coupler with the host electrical coupler and form a protective barrier while the client electrical coupler is in contact with the host electrical coupler. A modular power distribution system comprising a multi-gang host device and a client assembly, and having a series of independently configurable electrical connections and predetermined electrical connections connecting the multi-gang host device, the client assembly, and a cable(s) to deliver power from the cable the client assembly.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A modular power distribution system, comprising:
 a client device comprising a client electrical coupler; and   a host device comprising:
 a housing having a first compartment and a second compartment; and 
 a host electrical coupler situated within an interior of the first compartment; 
   wherein the portion of the housing defining the second compartment has an open side through which the client device is inserted into the second compartment, and is dimensioned to:
 (i) automatically align the client electrical coupler with the host electrical coupler, and 
 (ii) form a protective barrier surrounding the client electrical coupler while the client electrical coupler is in contact with the host electrical coupler during insertion and removal of the client device into and out of the second compartment, respectively. 
   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first compartment is separated from the second compartment by an interface wall configured to prevent a user from accessing the first compartment and thereby reducing shock hazard. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the interface wall includes one or more ports through which the client electrical coupler may pass to couple with the host electrical coupler situated within the first compartment. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more ports are arranged such that the client electronic coupler will not align with the one or more ports if the client device is inserted into the second compartment in an incorrect orientation. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the client device and the portion of the housing defining the second compartment are keyed to prevent insertion of the client device into the second compartment in an incorrect orientation. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8 , the host device further comprising one or more cable electrical couplers extending through the housing into the interior of the first compartment, each of the one or more cable electrical couplers having one or more ports configured to direct electrical conductors of a cable through the cable electrical coupler for connection with a host bus situated within the first compartment. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a mounting frame for mounting the host device to a structure, the mounting frame comprising a host compartment configured to house the host device, the host compartment having an open front face through which the host device is inserted into the host compartment and having one or more cutouts extending rearward from the open face such that one or more cables can be connected to the host device and the resulting assembly then inserted into the host compartment without the mounting frame interfering with the one or more cables. 
     
     
         15 - 20 . (canceled)