Power management device, power management method, and power management system

Abstract

The invention relates to a power management device, a power management method and a power management system. A power management device (PMD) may include one or more electrical components including at least one of a battery, a rectifier, an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter, or a DC to AC converter, where the one or more electrical components are configured to receive input power and provide output power to one or more loads. The PMD may also include a non-contact sensor adapted to differentiate between a plurality of configurations of the bond engagement feature. The PMD may identify an accessory of a particular configuration including a keying feature based on data from the non-contact sensor when the accessory is coupled with the power management device, and the PMD may adjust one or more configuration parameters of the power management device based on the identified accessory.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 541,655, filed on September 29, 2023, entitled “CONTACTLESS DETECTION AND RECOGNITION OF CRITICAL DEVICE SUBSYSTEMS,” and designating Bosko Mrkovic and Douglas Keith Maly as inventors, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to power management systems and, more particularly, to interconnections between components of a power management system. Background Art

[0004] An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or other power management system may accept interchangeable components, such as, but not limited to, a power output distribution (POD) unit. Typical techniques for detecting and configuring such interchangeable components utilize internal circuits based on hardwired connections. However, such an approach may introduce complexity and cost. Therefore, there is a need to develop systems and methods to address these deficiencies. Summary of the invention

[0005] In an embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a power management device, comprising: a power management device, the power management device comprising: one or more electrical components, the one or more electrical components comprising at least one of a battery, a rectifier, an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter, or a DC to AC converter, wherein the one or more electrical components are configured to receive input power and provide output power to one or more loads; a non-contact sensor, the non-contact sensor being suitable for distinguishing multiple configurations of key engagement features; and a controller, the controller being configured to: when the accessory is connected to the power management device, identify an accessory of a specific configuration including a key engagement feature based on data from the non-contact sensor; and adjust one or more configuration parameters of the power management device based on the identified accessory.

[0006] In an implementation, the technology described herein relates to a power management device wherein a plurality of configurations of a keying feature includes: a plurality of angles of components of the keying feature.

[0007] In an embodiment, the technology described herein is directed to a power management device, wherein the non-contact sensor includes: an angle sensor.

[0008] In implementations, the technology described herein relates to a power management device wherein a keying feature comprises a protruding feature extending from a housing of an accessory, wherein a plurality of angles of a component of the keying feature correspond to angles of a face of the protruding feature.

[0009] In implementations, the technology described herein relates to a power management device wherein a keying feature comprises a slot located in a housing of an accessory, wherein a plurality of angles of components of the keying feature correspond to angles of the slot.

[0010] In an embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a power management device, wherein adjusting one or more configuration parameters of the power management device based on an identified accessory includes adjusting at least one of the power, voltage, or current of output power provided to at least one of one or more loads.

[0011] In an embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a power management device, wherein the power management device includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

[0012] In an embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a power management device, wherein the power management device includes: a power distribution unit (PDU).

[0013] In an embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a power management device, wherein the power management device includes: a DC power system.

[0014] In an implementation, the technology described herein relates to a power management device in which an accessory includes an input / output (I / O) component.

[0015] In an embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a power management device, wherein the accessories include: a PDU.

[0016] In an implementation, the technology described herein is directed to a power management apparatus in which an accessory includes: a power output distribution unit (POD).

[0017] In an embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: utilizing a contactless sensor of a power management device to identify an accessory based on a specific configuration of key engagement features when the accessory is connected to a power management device, wherein the power management device comprises one or more electrical components, the one or more electrical components comprising at least one of a battery, a rectifier, an AC to DC converter, or a DC to AC converter, wherein the one or more electrical components are configured to receive input power and provide output power to one or more loads; and adjusting one or more configuration parameters of the power management device based on the identified accessory.

[0018] In an embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a method in which, when an accessory is connected to a power management device, a non-contact sensor of a power management device is used to identify an accessory based on a specific configuration of a key engagement feature, including: identifying a specific angle of the component from multiple possible angular orientations of the component of the key engagement feature.

[0019] In embodiments, the technology described herein is directed to a method wherein a keying feature comprises a protruding feature extending from a housing of an accessory, wherein a plurality of possible angular orientations of components of the keying feature correspond to angles of a face of the protruding feature.

[0020] In embodiments, the technology described herein is directed to a method wherein a keying feature comprises a slot located in a housing of an accessory, wherein a plurality of possible angular orientations of components of the keying feature correspond to angles of the slot.

[0021] In an embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein adjusting one or more configuration parameters of a power management device based on an identified accessory includes adjusting at least one of power, voltage, or current of output power provided to one or more loads connected to the power management device.

[0022] In an implementation, the technology described herein is directed to a method in which a power management device includes at least one of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), a PDU, or a DC power system.

[0023] In an implementation, the technology described herein is directed to a method in which an accessory includes at least one of an I / O component, a PDU, or a POD.

[0024] In an embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a power management system comprising an accessory and a power management device, the accessory comprising a specific configuration of key engagement features, the power management device comprising: one or more electrical components, the one or more electrical components comprising at least one of a battery, a rectifier, an AC to DC converter, or a DC to AC converter, wherein the one or more electrical components are configured to receive input power and provide output power to one or more loads; a non-contact sensor suitable for distinguishing between multiple configurations of key engagement features; and a controller configured to: identify the accessory based on data from the non-contact sensor when the accessory is connected to the power management device; and adjust one or more configuration parameters of the power management device based on the identified accessory.

[0025] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only and are not necessarily limitations of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description, are used to explain the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Many advantages of the present disclosure may be better appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a power management system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a first non-limiting example of a keying feature according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of a second non-limiting example of a keying feature according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of a third non-limiting example of a keying feature according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2D is a three-dimensional view of a stamped and formed housing of an accessory including a protruding keying feature according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2E is a three-dimensional view of a punch housing of an accessory including a protruding key engagement feature according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2F is a three-dimensional view of a punch housing including an attachment of a keying feature fabricated as a formed aperture in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2G is a three-dimensional view of a punch housing of an attachment including a keying feature fabricated as a punch aperture in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3 is a series of views of a magnetoresistive contactless sensor mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4is a series of views of a PCB and portions of a housing of a power management device (PMD) and a housing of an accessory to illustrate how a key engagement feature may be positioned adjacent a contactless sensor.

[0037] Figure 5A is a perspective view of an interior portion of a PMD including a PCB having a contactless sensor and a rear view of an accessory having a protruding key engagement feature on a rear portion of the accessory in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5B is a perspective view of an exterior portion of a PMD showing a contactless sensor through an opening in the housing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of an interior portion of a PMD including a PCB having a contactless sensor and a rear view of an accessory having protruding key engagement features on a side portion of the accessory in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6B is a perspective view of an exterior portion of a PMD showing a contactless sensor through an opening in the housing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating steps performed in a power distribution method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed subject matter, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure has been specifically shown and described with respect to certain embodiments and specific features thereof. The embodiments set forth herein are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods that provide contactless identification of removable components of a power management system.

[0044] Power management system may include power management device (PMD), such as but not limited to uninterruptible power supply (UPS), direct current (DC) power system or power distribution unit (PDU), and may also include one or more removable accessories. For example, PMD may include an electrical component suitable for receiving input power (e.g., alternating current (AC) or DC power) and distributing power to one or more loads. Accessory may include various components, such as but not limited to input and / or output connector or circuit breaker to promote or configure the operation of PMD. As an illustration, accessory may include but not limited to power output distribution (POD) unit. In this way, PMD may be configurable for operating with any accessory in a plurality of accessories with different functions and / or power capacity. In other words, PMD may be configured to be used for a specific application by selecting and installing appropriate accessory.

[0045] It is contemplated herein that the contactless identification of the annex being connected to PMD can provide many benefits.For example, the interference associated with the high-power signal that is sent or otherwise managed by PMD and / or any annex can be avoided by contactless identification technology as disclosed herein.On the contrary, the control signal identification annex that is set up by the direct electrical connection (for example, wiring) between PMD and the annex may be subject to the infringement of this interference.As another example, relatively simple and safe solution can be provided as contactless identification technology disclosed herein.As another example, less parts may be needed as contactless identification technology disclosed herein, and therefore relatively cost-effective.

[0046] In some embodiments, contactless identification of an accessory is achieved by using a keying feature on the accessory and a contactless sensor of different configurations suitable for distinguishing the keying feature on the PMD. For example, the PMD may include a contactless angle sensor, such as but not limited to a magnetoresistive angle sensor. In this configuration, the accessory may include a keying feature with an asymmetric profile, which may locally perturb the magnetic field in a manner that can be characterized by a magnetoresistive angle sensor for identification purposes. For example, different accessories may have keying features of different configurations, so that the PMD can identify the closest accessory based on an angular measurement (e.g., more generally, an orientation measurement) of the associated keying feature.

[0047] Once the PMD has identified the attached accessory, the PMD may use this information for any suitable purpose. For example, the PMD may adjust configuration parameters such as, but not limited to, power output, voltage, current, or operating frequency based on the identified accessory. In this manner, contactless identification of accessories may provide load control and / or safety control during operation.

[0048] Now refer to Figures 1 to 7, a system and method for providing contactless identification of components in a power management system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail.

[0049] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a power management system 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] In some embodiments, the power management system 100 includes a PMD 102, which includes a power management circuit 104 adapted to receive an input power 106 from an external power source and distribute an output power 108 to one or more loads 110. The power management circuit 104 may include any type of passive electrical components or active electrical components, including but not limited to one or more batteries, one or more rectifiers, one or more amplifiers, one or more AC to DC converters, one or more DC to AC converters, one or more DC to DC converters, one or more transformers, one or more transistors, one or more resistors, one or more capacitors, or one or more inductors. In addition, the input power 106 and / or the output power 108 may be any combination of AC power or DC power. In this way, the PMD 102 can therefore operate as any type of power management device, such as but not limited to UPS, DC power system, or PDU. In addition, in the case of AC operation, the PMD 102 can be compatible with 1-phase and / or 3-phase power supplies.

[0051] In some embodiments, PMD 102 is adapted to couple with at least one accessory 112. For example, accessory 112 may include input / output (I / O) components, such as, but not limited to, wires, terminals, plugs, etc. As another example, accessory 112 may include circuitry for controlling and / or supplementing the operation of PMD 102. In some embodiments, accessory 112 includes a power output distribution (POD) unit, which may include a circuit breaker and various I / O components.

[0052] The PMD 102 can be configured to operate with any number of accessories 112 to provide configurable operation suitable for different applications. For example, the PMD 102 can be configured to operate with various POD accessories 112 having different power capabilities and / or connection types. In this way, a user can customize the operation of the PMD 102 by selecting and installing the appropriate POD accessories 112.

[0053] In some embodiments, PMD 102 is electrically connected to accessory 112 via one or more electrical connections 114. Continuing with the example below, in which accessory 112 includes an I / O component, input power 106 and / or output power 108 can flow through electrical connection 114. In this manner, electrical connection 114 between PMD 102 and accessory 112 can be selected based on the power requirements of power management system 100.

[0054] In some embodiments, the PMD 102 includes a contactless sensor 116 adapted to identify a connected or nearby accessory 112 based on measurements of a key engagement feature 118 on the accessory 112 (eg, associated with the contactless path 120 ).

[0055] Any type of non-contact sensor 116 suitable for distinguishing characteristics or properties of any type of key engagement feature 118 is within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] In some embodiments, the non-contact sensor 116 is an angle sensor adapted to measure the angle of a component of a key engagement feature. Different accessories 112 may then have key engagement features 118 with different possible angular orientations, such that different accessories 112 may be distinguished based on the measured angular orientation of the associated key engagement features 118.

[0057] For example, the key engagement feature 118 may include a protruding feature extending from the housing of the accessory 112, wherein the protruding feature includes one or more angled and / or curved faces to provide an asymmetric profile. In this configuration, the non-contact sensor 116 may more generally determine the orientation angle of the one or more angled faces or asymmetric profile.

[0058] As another example, the key engagement feature 118 may include an opening in the housing of the accessory 112. In this configuration, the non-contact sensor 116 may determine the orientation angle of the opening.

[0059] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Depicted are three non-limiting implementations of asymmetrical cross-sectional profiles for the keying feature 118 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 2A to 4 Each of the asymmetric cross-sectional profiles in can be implemented as a protruding feature extending from the housing of the accessory 112 and / or as an opening from the housing of the accessory 112.

[0060] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a first non-limiting example of a keying feature 118 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2A In FIG. 1 , the key engagement feature 118 has an asymmetric profile characterized as a truncated circle. For example, Figure 2A The key engagement feature 118 in FIG. 2 has a curved outer edge 202 and a planar edge 204 (eg, a planar face). Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of a second non-limiting example of a keying feature 118 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B , the key engagement feature 118 includes a curved outer edge 206 , two concave edges 208 , and a planar edge 210 . Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of a third non-limiting example of a keying feature 118 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2C , the key engagement feature 118 includes an elliptical profile.

[0061] Furthermore, the keying feature 118 may be formed from the housing of the accessory 112 using any technique including, but not limited to, extruding, stamping, or punching. Figure 2D is a three-dimensional view of a stamped and formed housing 212 of an accessory 112 including a protruding key engagement feature 118 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2E is a three-dimensional view of a punch housing 212 of an accessory 112 including a protruding key engagement feature 118 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2F is a three-dimensional view of a punch housing 212 of an accessory 112 including a keying feature 118 fabricated as a shaped aperture in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2G is a three-dimensional view of a punch housing 212 of an accessory 112 including a key engagement feature 118 fabricated as a punch aperture in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] The non-contact sensor 116 suitable for angle measurement may have any design suitable for measuring the orientation of the key engagement feature 118 (eg, the orientation of an asymmetric cross-sectional profile of the key engagement feature 118 ).

[0063] In some embodiments, the contactless sensor 116 is a magnetoresistive sensor that can determine the orientation of the key engagement feature 118 based on the closest magnetic field near the sensor. The magnetoresistive contactless sensor 116 can be suitable for applications in which the key engagement feature 118 (and / or the housing of the accessory 112) is formed of a material that disrupts the magnetic field near the magnetoresistive contactless sensor 116, such as but not limited to metal. For example, a key engagement feature 118 with an asymmetric profile (e.g., an asymmetric protruding element, a slit, an orifice, etc.) can disrupt the magnetic field near the magnetoresistive sensor in a manner that can be accurately detected. It is contemplated herein that the magnetoresistive contactless sensor 116 can provide suitable resolution for orientation detection of the key engagement feature 118, while also being relatively low-cost and easy to implement. For example, some variations of the magnetoresistive contactless sensor 116 can be suitable for detecting different orientations of tens to hundreds of magnitude of the key engagement feature 118, which can be sufficient for multiple accessories 112 suitable for coupling with a particular PMD 102. In addition, the magnetoresistive contactless sensor 116 can be readily obtained as a commercial off-the-shelf COTS component and can be relatively inexpensive. For example, the magnetoresistive contactless sensor 116 can be provided as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) on a chip, which can be simply placed in the area of ​​the proximity key engagement feature 118 of the PMD 102 when the accessory 112 is connected to the PMD 102.

[0064] However, it should be understood that the systems and methods disclosed herein may include any type of contactless sensor 116 and key engagement feature 118 combination suitable for contactless identification of an accessory 112 of a PMD 102. As a non-limiting illustration, the contactless sensor 116 may include a magnetic angle sensor.

[0065] Now refer to Figure 3 to Figure 4 , Figure 3 to Figure 4 Various implementations of the magnetoresistive contactless sensor 116 are presented in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 3 1 is a series of views of a magnetoresistive contactless sensor 116 mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 302 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Panel 304 is a front view of the PCB 302 showing the top surface of the magnetoresistive contactless sensor 116 depicted as a chip (e.g., an ASIC). Panel 306 is a first perspective view of the PCB 302. Panel 308 is a side view of the PCB 302. Panel 310 is a second perspective view of the PCB 302 showing the back surface.

[0067] Figure 41 is a series of views of portions of PCB 302 and housing 402 of PMD 102 and housing 212 of accessory 112 that are used to illustrate how key engagement features 118 may be positioned adjacent to contactless sensor 116. Panel 404 is a side view of PCB 302 with contactless sensor 116, housing 402 of PMD 102, and housing 212 of accessory 112 with key engagement features 118 (depicted here as protruding features). Panel 406 is a side exploded view corresponding to panel 404. Panel 408 is a perspective exploded view of panel 404. Figure 4 As illustrated in , the housing 402 of the PMD 102 may include an aperture to expose the contactless sensor 116 so that the contactless sensor 116 can be in close proximity to (but not in direct contact with) the key engagement feature 118 on the accessory 112 .

[0068] FIG. 5A to FIG. 6B Various non-limiting placement options are depicted for the key engagement feature 118 and the contactless sensor 116. In a general sense, the key engagement feature 118 and the contactless sensor 116 may be placed at any suitable location on the accessory 112 and the PMD 102, respectively.

[0069] Figure 5A 1 is a perspective view of an interior portion of a PMD 102 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, including a PCB 302 having a contactless sensor 116 (not shown in this view) and a rear view of an accessory 112 having a protruding key engagement feature 118 on a rear portion of the accessory 112. It should be noted that for clarity of illustration, Figure 5A The configuration prior to coupling is shown. Figure 5B is a perspective view of an exterior portion of PMD 102 showing contactless sensor 116 through an opening in housing 402 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Inset 502 is a front view further illustrating contactless sensor 116 through the opening in housing 402.

[0070] Fig. 6A 1 is a perspective view of an interior portion of a PMD 102 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, including a PCB 302 having a non-contact sensor 116 and a rear view of an accessory 112 having a protruding key engagement feature 118 on a side portion of the accessory 112. It should be noted that for clarity of illustration, Fig. 6A The configuration prior to coupling is shown. Figure 6B is a perspective view of an exterior portion of PMD 102 showing contactless sensor 116 through an opening in housing 402 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Inset 602 is a front view further illustrating contactless sensor 116 through the opening in housing 402.

[0071] Refer again Figure 1 In some embodiments, the PMD 102 includes a controller 122, which may include one or more processors 124. For example, the one or more processors 124 may be configured to execute a set of program instructions maintained in a memory 126 or a memory device. As an illustration, the controller 122 may be configured to execute program instructions that cause the processor 124 to perform any action. For example, the controller 122 may identify the accessory 112 based on data from the contactless sensor 116 (e.g., data representing the orientation of the key engagement feature 118). As another example, the controller 122 may adjust one or more parameters of the PMD 102. For example, the controller 122 may adjust at least one of the power, voltage, or current of the output power provided to at least one of the one or more loads 110.

[0072] The one or more processors 124 of the controller 122 may include any processor or processing element known in the art. For the purpose of this disclosure, the term "processor" or "processing element" may be broadly defined as covering any device having one or more processing elements or logic elements (e.g., one or more microprocessor devices, one or more application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) devices, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs)). In this sense, one or more processors 124 may include any device configured to execute algorithms and / or instructions (e.g., program instructions stored in a memory). In some embodiments, one or more processors 124 may be embodied as a desktop computer, a large computer system, a workstation, an image computer, a parallel processor, a network computer, or any other computer system configured to execute program instructions. In addition, the steps described throughout this disclosure may be performed by a single controller or alternatively by multiple controllers. In addition, the controller 706 may include one or more controllers housed in a common housing or in multiple housings.

[0073] The memory 126 may include any storage medium known in the art suitable for storing program instructions that can be executed by the associated one or more processors 124. For example, the memory 126 may include a non-transitory storage medium. By way of another example, the memory 126 may include, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic or optical storage device (e.g., a disk), a tape, a solid-state drive, and the like. It should be further noted that the memory 126 may be housed in a common controller housing with the one or more processors 708. In some embodiments, the memory 126 may be remotely located relative to the physical location of the one or more processors 124 and the controller 122. For example, one or more processors 124 of the controller 122 may access a remote memory (e.g., a server) that may be accessed via a network (e.g., the Internet, an intranet, etc.).

[0074] Now refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating steps performed in a power distribution method 700 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments and enabling techniques previously described herein in the context of the power management system 100 should be interpreted as extending to the method 700. For example, one or more processors 124 of the controller 122 may directly or indirectly implement various steps of the method 700 by generating control signals to control other components. However, the method 700 is not limited to the architecture of the power management system 100.

[0075] The method 700 may include a step 702 of identifying the accessory 112 using the contactless sensor 116 of the PMD 102 based on a specific configuration of the key engagement feature 118 when the accessory 112 is coupled to the PMD 102. The PMD 102 may include any device suitable for receiving input power 106 from an external power source and distributing output power 108 to one or more loads 110, such as, but not limited to, a battery, a rectifier, an AC to DC converter, or a DC to AC converter. In addition, the accessory 112 may include any component that can be connected to the PMD 102, such as, but not limited to, an I / O component, a PDU, or a POD.

[0076] Illustratively, step 702 may include identifying a particular angle of a component from among a plurality of possible angular orientations of the component of the keying feature 118. In this configuration, step 702 may be implemented via an angle sensor, such as, but not limited to, a magnetoresistive angle sensor.

[0077] The method 700 may include step 704 of adjusting one or more configuration parameters of the PMD 102 based on the identified accessory 112. For example, step 704 may include adjusting at least one of power, voltage, or current of output power provided to one or more loads 110 connected to the PMD 102 based on the identified accessory 112.

[0078] Overall reference Figures 1 to 6B It should be understood that providing Figures 1 to 6B This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, Figures 1 to 6B An example of contactless identification of a power management device is presented. However, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be extended to contactless identification of any type of accessory. As another non-limiting illustration, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be extended to contactless identification of accessories for construction machinery.

[0079] The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates different components included in or connected to other components.It should be understood that these depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and in fact many other architectures that implement the same function can be implemented.In a conceptual sense, the arrangement of any components that implement the same function is effectively "associated" to achieve the desired function.Therefore, any two components that are combined to achieve a specific function herein can be regarded as "associated" with each other, so that the desired function is achieved, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components.Similarly, any two components so associated can also be regarded as "connected" or "connected" to each other to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be so associated can also be regarded as "able to connect" to each other to achieve the desired function.Specific examples that can be connected include, but are not limited to, components that can physically interact and / or physically interact and / or components that can wirelessly interact and / or wirelessly interact and / or components that can logically interact and / or logically interact.

[0080] It is believed that many of the advantages of the present disclosure and its attendant advantages will be appreciated from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made to the form, structure and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or sacrificing all of its material advantages. The forms described are merely illustrative, and the appended claims are intended to cover and include such changes. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power management device, comprising: A power management device, the power management device comprising: one or more electrical components, the one or more electrical components comprising at least one of a battery, a rectifier, an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter, or a DC to AC converter, wherein the one or more electrical components are configured to receive input power and provide output power to one or more loads; a non-contact sensor adapted to distinguish between multiple configurations of key engagement features; and A controller, wherein the controller is configured to: identifying, when an accessory is coupled to the power management device, the accessory including a particular configuration of the key engagement features based on data from the non-contact sensor; and One or more configuration parameters of the power management device are adjusted based on the identified accessory.

2. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein: The various configurations of the keying feature include: The key engagement feature has multiple angles of components.

3. The power management device according to claim 2, wherein: The non-contact sensor comprises: Angle sensor.

4. The power management device according to claim 2, wherein: The key engagement features include: A protruding feature extends from a housing of the accessory, wherein the plurality of angles of the component of the key engagement feature correspond to angles of a face of the protruding feature.

5. The power management device according to claim 2, wherein: The key engagement features include: A slot is located in a housing of the accessory, wherein the plurality of angles of the components of the key engagement feature correspond to angles of the slot.

6. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein: Adjusting one or more configuration parameters of the power management device based on the identified accessory includes: At least one of power, voltage, or current of the output power provided to at least one of the one or more loads is adjusted.

7. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein: The power management device comprises: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

8. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein: The power management device comprises: Power Distribution Unit (PDU).

9. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein: The power management device comprises: DC power system.

10. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein: The attachments include: Input / output (I / O) components.

11. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein: The attachments include: Power Distribution Unit (PDU).

12. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein: The attachments include: Power output distribution unit (POD).

13. A method comprising: utilizing a non-contact sensor of a power management device to identify an accessory based on a specific configuration of key engagement features when the accessory is coupled to the power management device, wherein the power management device includes one or more electrical components, the one or more electrical components including at least one of a battery, a rectifier, an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter, or a DC to AC converter, wherein the one or more electrical components are configured to receive input power and provide output power to one or more loads; and One or more configuration parameters of the power management device are adjusted based on the identified accessory.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Identifying the accessory using a non-contact sensor of the power management device based on a specific configuration of key engagement features when the accessory is coupled to the power management device includes: A specific angle of the component of the keying feature is identified from a plurality of possible angular orientations of the component.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The key engagement features include: A protruding feature extends from a housing of the accessory, wherein the plurality of possible angular orientations of the component of the keying feature corresponds to angles of a face of the protruding feature.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The key engagement feature comprises: A slot is located in a housing of the accessory, wherein the plurality of possible angular orientations of the component of the key engagement feature corresponds to the angles of the slot.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Adjusting one or more configuration parameters of the power management device based on the identified accessory includes: At least one of power, voltage, or current of the output power provided to the one or more loads connected to the power management device is adjusted.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The power management device comprises: At least one of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), a power distribution unit (PDU), or a DC power system.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The attachments include: At least one of an input / output (I / O) component, a power distribution unit (PDU), or a power output distribution unit (POD).

20. A power management system, comprising: an attachment including a specific configuration of key engagement features; as well as A power management device, the power management device comprising: one or more electrical components, the one or more electrical components comprising at least one of a battery, a rectifier, an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter, or a DC to AC converter, wherein the one or more electrical components are configured to receive input power and provide output power to one or more loads; a non-contact sensor adapted to distinguish between a plurality of configurations of the key engagement feature; and A controller, wherein the controller is configured to: identifying the accessory based on data from the contactless sensor when the accessory is coupled to the power management device; and One or more configuration parameters of the power management device are adjusted based on the identified accessory.

Images