DC Power Adapter for Uninterruptible PoE Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) devices in remote locations face challenges with uninterruptible power supply due to the lack of AC power sources, limited power transmission capacity through Ethernet cables, and the need for active power management, especially when relying on direct current (DC) power sources.

Innovation Solution

A system with a housing containing a DC power supply input, a power source equipment input, a powered device output, an alternative power supply, and a control module that includes a battery charger and an active injector, capable of managing and regulating power from a DC power source to ensure uninterrupted power to PoE devices, even in remote locations without AC power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If PoE devices are deployed in remote locations without AC power sources, then the adaptability and coverage of PoE networks is improved, but the reliability of power supply deteriorates due to lack of uninterrupted power

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a DC power adapter as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between DC power sources and PoE devices. This adapter converts DC power to PoE-compatible power and includes battery backup capability, enabling PoE devices to operate reliably in remote locations without AC power while maintaining uninterrupted power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If power is transmitted through Ethernet cables to PoE devices, then the ease of installation is improved, but the power transmission capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidpower transmission capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply function into two parts: DC power adaptation (handled by the power adapter) and PoE power transmission (handled by the Ethernet cable). This allows the system to maintain the ease of Ethernet cable installation while overcoming its power transmission limitations through the DC power adapter's battery backup and power conversion capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional UPS systems are used for PoE devices, then the uninterruptible power supply is improved, but the device complexity increases due to coordination requirements between power supply and powered device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuninterruptible power supplyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the UPS functionality directly into the DC power adapter, combining battery backup, power conversion, and PoE adaptation into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate UPS systems and reduces coordination complexity while maintaining uninterrupted power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Speed

If multiple battery packs are charged simultaneously, then the charging speed is improved, but the power management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management that automatically adjusts charging parameters based on real-time conditions. The system monitors battery status and power availability, dynamically allocating power to multiple battery packs in sequence or simultaneously as needed, thereby achieving fast charging while maintaining manageable complexity through adaptive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides reliable and extended uninterruptible power to multiple PoE devices, overcoming the limitations of traditional PoE systems by actively managing power and extending the range of network connections using DC power sources, ensuring continuous operation during power disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

The battery charger supplies power to charge the battery packs in sequence in the powered state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery charging: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS10749375B2System and method for supplying uninterruptible power to a PoE device for a power supply input for direct current power
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 BTU RESEARCH LLC
  • US10749375B2 patent drawing
  • US10749375B2 patent drawing
  • US10749375B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for supplying uninterruptible power includes a housing, a power supply input for a DC power source, a power source equipment input, a powered device output, an alternative power supply, a control module, and a power source equipment extension. The control module includes a comparator, a switch, a line filter and protector and an injector. The injector includes a regulator and PoE power management module. The alternative power supply includes a plurality of battery packs in series. The system can be located at a remote location with only DC power sources, such as generators, batteries, and solar cells.