Internet Power Backup Gateway with Automatic Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for reliable internet and power backup systems that can maintain connectivity and functionality even during wide area network or power failures, with existing solutions lacking comprehensive redundancy and automatic failover capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a power source, integrated battery, switches for power mode switching, a sensor for power detection, a network port, cellular modem for internet communication, and a processor with instructions to automatically switch between primary and backup power sources and communication methods, including GPS for location monitoring and emergency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant systems are implemented for internet and power backup, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple backup functions (power backup via integrated battery and internet backup via cellular modem) into a single apparatus. The gateway device integrates both AC power input with battery backup capability and wired network connectivity with cellular modem backup, creating a unified redundancy system that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle both power and internet redundancy through a single device. The integrated battery can provide power backup, while the cellular modem provides internet backup, allowing one apparatus to serve multiple backup functions simultaneously, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If automatic failover switching is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device automatically monitors the status of both power sources and internet connections, and autonomously switches between them without user intervention. The system self-manages the failover process by detecting failures and activating backup sources automatically, which improves ease of operation while the complexity is contained within the automated control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs feedback mechanisms where the gateway continuously monitors power availability and internet connection status. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines when to switch between primary and backup sources, enabling seamless operation without manual input while maintaining manageable complexity through sensor-based control.
3Reliability
If integrated battery and cellular modem are added, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on available power sources. The gateway can switch between AC power and battery power, and between wired and cellular internet connections, optimizing energy usage by utilizing the most efficient available source at any given time. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliability while managing energy consumption effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery backup system is designed to activate only when necessary (when AC power fails), rather than continuously operating. Similarly, the cellular modem serves as a backup connection that is used partially - only when the primary wired internet connection fails. This partial action approach maintains reliability without requiring constant energy expenditure on backup components.
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
Ensures continuous internet and power availability by automatically switching to backup power and communication methods, maintaining connectivity and providing location data to emergency responders during failures.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated battery configured for providing backup power to the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect a first signal indicating a presence of power from the power source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for internet and power backup includes a power source configured for powering the apparatus, an integrated battery configured for providing backup power to the apparatus, a first switch configured for selectively switching from a first mode where the power source supplies power to the apparatus and a second mode where the integrated battery supplies power to the apparatus, a sensor configured to detect a first signal indicating a presence of power from the power source, a network port, such as, for example, a network port, configured for Internet communications and communicatively coupled to an Internet gateway device, an integrated cellular modem configured for Internet communications, a second switch configured for selectively switching between a third mode where the internet communications is via the network port and a fourth mode where the internet communications is via the integrated cellular modem, a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor and storing one or more computer-readable instructions.