Electrical Connector Reserve Power Control Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

In computer networks and data centers, unexpected power disruptions can occur due to human error or system disturbances, leading to unintended power losses and extended interruption durations, which can disrupt operations and trigger system restarts.

Innovation Solution

Electrical connectors with integrated or coupled reserve power sources, such as batteries or supercapacitors, and control circuits that detect power interruptions and automatically switch to provide continuous power to downstream devices, along with indicators to signal power status and assist technicians.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple electrical connectors are connected to a common power distribution panel, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but the risk of inadvertent disconnection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoidrisk of inadvertent disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by equipping each electrical connector with a reserve power source that is pre-charged and ready to immediately supply power upon detection of a power interruption. This advance preparation ensures that when inadvertent disconnection occurs, the downstream device receives continuous power without interruption, thereby resolving the reliability issue while maintaining the efficiency benefits of multiple connectors on a common panel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of repair

If a technician disconnects an electrical connector for repair or relocation, then maintenance capability is improved, but the risk of unintended power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance capabilityVSAvoidunintended power loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing a reserve power source at each electrical connector that acts as a buffer against power loss. When a technician disconnects a connector for maintenance, the reserve power source immediately compensates for the power loss, preventing harmful effects on downstream devices. This allows technicians to perform maintenance with confidence that unintended power losses will be automatically compensated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If power is temporarily interrupted for maintenance or switching, then system adaptability is improved, but operational continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by ensuring that power supply to downstream devices never interrupts, even during system maintenance or switching operations. The reserve power source detects any power interruption and immediately takes over to maintain continuous power delivery. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to perform necessary adaptive actions (maintenance, switching) while maintaining uninterrupted operational continuity for connected devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures continuous power supply to electrical devices during interruptions, reduces downtime, and helps technicians identify and correct disconnection errors, thereby minimizing operational disruptions and extending the duration of power availability during primary source failures.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical connector and the other electrical connector either individually or collectively comprise a reserve power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a control circuit configured to provide electrical power to the device from the reserve power source in response to an interruption in power at the electrical connector or the other electrical connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10615635B1Electrical connector with reserve power support

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

A power cable includes electrical connectors at a first end and a second end of the power cable. The electrical connectors individually or collectively include a built-in reserve power source, such as batteries or supercapacitors, and a control circuit configured to provide power to one or more downstream devices from the reserve power source when power received at one or more of the electrical connectors of the power cable is interrupted. In some embodiments, an electrical connector includes one or more indicators configured to indicate a state of the electrical connector and/or display one or more indications in response to receiving a signal from an external source, such as a management system of a facility.