Fan Power Supply Abnormality Detection via Segmented Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanisms cannot definitively distinguish between fan abnormalities and power supply unit abnormalities, as both scenarios result in a fan lock signal being output, leading to uncertainty in determining the cause of a fan's stopped operation.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus is designed with a reception unit that receives signals from the fan, utilizing multiple power supply units to supply power to the fan and the reception unit, allowing the system to determine whether the issue lies with the fan or the power supply unit by switching power sources and monitoring signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fan lock signal is used to detect fan abnormality, then the detection mechanism is simple, but it cannot distinguish between fan abnormalities and power supply unit abnormalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into multiple independent power supply units (first power supply unit and second power supply unit), each capable of independently supplying power to the fan. By segmenting the power supply source, the system can isolate and identify which specific power supply unit is abnormal when a fan lock signal occurs, rather than treating all power supply issues as a single undifferentiated problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that manages multiple power supply units and monitors fan operation. The control device receives fan lock signals and systematically switches between different power supply units to identify the source of abnormality. This intermediary component coordinates the diagnostic process, enabling precise identification without requiring direct modification of the fan or power supply units themselves.
2Measurement precision
If multiple power supply units are used to supply power to the fan, then the system can identify abnormality sources, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs multiple power supply units with identical functionality, where each unit can independently supply power to the fan. This multi-functionality allows any power supply unit to serve as a backup or primary source, enabling the system to identify abnormal sources through systematic switching while maintaining operational flexibility. The universal design of power supply units simplifies the overall system architecture despite having multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power supply system by introducing multiple power supply units with different operational states (normal/abnormal). By varying which power supply unit is active and monitoring the system response, the patent enables identification of abnormal sources through parameter observation rather than structural modification, thus managing complexity while improving diagnostic capability.
3Temperature
If the fan operates at high speed with multiple power supply units, then cooling performance improves, but power consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of fan operation by enabling the fan to operate at different speeds based on system requirements. The fan can rotate at high speed when multiple power supply units are active and cooling is needed, or at low speed when only one power supply unit is operating. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between cooling performance and power consumption, adapting to the actual operational state of the power supply system.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a fan, a plurality of power supply units, and a reception unit. The plurality of power supply units supplies power to the fan. The reception unit receives, from the fan, a signal indicating a state of the fan. At least one of the plurality of power supply units that supplies power to the fan also supplies power to the reception unit.