DC Power Distribution Panel With Per-Circuit Remote Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution systems in data centers and telecommunications facilities lack granular control and monitoring capabilities at the individual circuit level, making remote management of power cycling, power consumption monitoring, and equipment troubleshooting inefficient and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution panel with field effect transistors (FETs) or other switching devices and overcurrent devices for each output circuit, controlled by a centralized controller, enabling remote power cycling, monitoring, and scheduling, along with real-time data on current, voltage, and temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual intervention is used for power cycling and circuit management, then system reliability is maintained through direct control, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated power cycling capabilities where the controller can autonomously cycle power to connected equipment based on predefined schedules or conditions, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with electronic control systems. The controller uses electronic signals to activate switching devices that control power delivery, substituting manual mechanical power cycling with automated electronic control for improved efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If centralized control with multiple switching devices is implemented for each output circuit, then power management control is improved through granular control, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote power control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of switching devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments power control into individual controllable circuits, with each output circuit having its own switching device controlled by the centralized controller. This segmentation enables granular control of power distribution to different equipment while maintaining overall system coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized controller serves multiple functions including power cycling control, monitoring coordination, and scheduling management across all output circuits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each circuit, managing complexity through consolidation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring of current, voltage, and temperature is implemented for each output, then reliability is improved through proactive maintenance, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment monitoring capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple monitoring functions (current monitoring, voltage monitoring, and temperature monitoring) into a single integrated monitoring system managed by the controller. This consolidation provides comprehensive equipment health tracking while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate monitoring systems for each parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient, remote power management and troubleshooting, reducing manual intervention, improving reliability, and optimizing energy consumption by providing granular control and proactive maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of outputs is coupled to the bus bar through a respective switch device such as a field effect transistor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20260039095A1Direct current power distribution circuit control

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 AMPHENOL NETWORK SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A power distribution panel may include a power input configured to receive direct-current power from a source. The power distribution panel may include a bus bar electrically coupled to the power input. The power distribution panel may include a plurality of outputs electrically coupled to the bus bar, each of the plurality of outputs coupled to the bus bar through a respective switch device such as a field effect transistor and overcurrent device coupled in series with the switch device, wherein the switch device is controllable by a controller of the power distribution panel.