Detachable Power Cable Interface Box for Modular Rack Infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power infrastructure for rack-server systems requires rewiring to accommodate different types of AC power sources, leading to increased costs and deployment time, and often necessitates the presence of an electrician for correct wiring.
Innovation Solution
A detachable power cable interface box (PCIB) that couples AC power to a rack-level power infrastructure through a common interface, allowing for modular and interchangeable power configurations without the need for extensive rewiring, and is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved for on-site installation without an electrician.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power infrastructure is rewired to accommodate different types of AC power sources, then compatibility with various power types is improved, but deployment time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power infrastructure is segmented into modular components: a universal power distribution unit and detachable PCIBs. Each PCIB is pre-configured for specific AC power types (single-phase, three-phase Delta, three-phase Wye) with standardized output interfaces. This segmentation allows rapid deployment by simply replacing the detachable PCIB rather than rewiring the entire infrastructure, thus maintaining compatibility across different power types while reducing deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution unit incorporates a universal interface design that can accept multiple AC power types through different detachable PCIBs. The standardized output configuration ensures that the same PDU can serve various power source types without modification, achieving multi-functionality and broad compatibility while maintaining consistent deployment procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power infrastructure is rewired to accommodate different types of AC power sources, then compatibility with various power types is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power infrastructure into reusable PDUs and specialized detachable PCIBs, the system eliminates the need for expensive custom wiring for each power type. The modular design allows standardization of components, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling bulk production of interchangeable PCIBs for different power configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable PCIBs can be easily removed and replaced depending on the AC power type available at different locations. This discarding and recovering approach allows the same PDU hardware to be reused across multiple deployments with different power types, significantly reducing overall system cost while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If traditional wiring methods are used, then proper power connection is ensured, but electrician involvement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable PCIBs are pre-configured and pre-wired during manufacturing with proper internal wiring for their specific AC power type. This preliminary action ensures that when deployed, the connection is already verified and correct, eliminating the need for on-site wiring by electricians while maintaining reliable power connection. The standardized interfaces further ensure proper mating and connection.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present disclosure, a detachable power cable interface box (PCIB) for coupling AC power to a rack-level power infrastructure is described. The detachable PCIB includes a body section and a terminal disposed within the body section. The terminal may be coupled to an AC power source. A wiring block may also be disposed within the body, and the modular wiring block may be coupled to the terminal. The wiring block may arrange power input from the AC power source into a pre-determined output configuration corresponding to a detachable interface. The system may also include the detachable interface, and the detachable interface may be configured to couple with an integrated connector of the rack-level power infrastructure. The detachable interface may be common to all types of AC power sources.