Adaptive Power Strip with Modular Display for Real-Time Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power strips lack advanced features for managing and monitoring power distribution to rack-mounted electronic devices, particularly in terms of adaptability to different power configurations and real-time monitoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The adaptive power strip incorporates a power rail with a three-phase AC power bus and a communications bus, featuring a power entry module with a monitor/control circuit that detects power service types and assigns unique identifiers to receptacle modules, enabling modular configuration, power monitoring, and remote management through a communications module connected via a network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional power strips are used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks advanced power management and monitoring capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power strip is divided into modular components: a power rail with conductors, a power entry module, and multiple receptacle modules. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, enabling advanced functionality while maintaining ease of production through standardized modular units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power entry module integrates multiple functions including power input reception, power service type detection, monitoring, and control capabilities. The receptacle modules provide both power distribution and communication functions, allowing a single device to perform multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If power strips are designed for specific power configurations, then manufacturing is easier, but adaptability to different power topologies is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power entry module includes a monitor/control circuit that dynamically detects the type of power service connected (single-phase, three-phase, different voltages) and automatically adapts its operation. The system can reconfigure its power distribution based on the detected topology, allowing a single manufacturing design to handle multiple power configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The monitor/control circuit changes operational parameters based on detected power service characteristics. The system can identify and adapt to different voltage levels, phase configurations, and power types, transforming a static device into one that dynamically adjusts to various power topologies without requiring multiple specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If rack-mounted electronic devices are powered without monitoring, then the system is simpler, but power utilization management is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower utilization efficiencyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitor/control circuit continuously monitors power consumption at each receptacle module and provides feedback about power utilization. This enables the system to track which devices are consuming power, detect anomalies, and optimize power distribution. The communication bus transmits this monitoring data for centralized management, improving power utilization efficiency through informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The power strip system performs self-monitoring and self-management of power distribution. The monitor/control circuit automatically detects power service types, tracks consumption patterns, and manages power allocation without requiring external intervention. This automated self-service capability improves power utilization efficiency while adding only moderate complexity through integrated monitoring functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If receptacle modules are made modular and selectable, then adaptability to different power configurations improves, but device assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution flexibilityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution system is segmented into standardized receptacle modules that can be selectively assembled on the power rail. Each module is designed with consistent connection interfaces (contact blocks with blades) that mate with the power rail conductors, enabling flexible configuration while maintaining simple, repeatable assembly procedures. The modular design allows customers to select and assemble only the receptacles needed for their specific application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8264099B2Portable display for adaptive power strip

Publication Date: 2012.09.11 VERTIV CORP

AI summary

A portable display module for a power strip. The power strip having a power rail having a power bus and a communications bus. The power entry module and one or more receptacle modules mounted on the power rail. The portable display module includes a plurality of selectable views for displaying information on the display screen that the portable display modules receives from the power entry module and the one or more receptacle modules.