Industrial Personal Computer Stacked Housing UPS Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial personal computers (IPCs) in factory automation environments face reliability issues due to potential power interruptions, which can lead to unexpected shutdowns and data loss, necessitating a solution to ensure continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
The IPC design incorporates a second housing module with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device and a power management controller, allowing for seamless power transfer between the internal power supply and the UPS, preventing interruptions and ensuring continuous operation by managing power distribution and charging the UPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal electric power supply device is used in the IPC, then the IPC can operate autonomously, but power interruptions may still occur causing shutdowns and data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS device is pre-charged from the internal electric power supply device during normal operation. When power interruption occurs, the pre-charged UPS immediately provides power to prevent shutdown, eliminating the need for external power during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The UPS device acts as a buffer or cushion between the internal power supply and the IPC components. It absorbs power interruptions by providing backup power, cushioning the IPC against harmful power failures and ensuring continuous operation.
2Reliability
If a UPS device is added to the IPC, then power interruption protection is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS device is integrated into the existing IPC power supply system through the connection bus. The UPS merges with the internal power supply device to form a unified power management system, reducing overall complexity compared to separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection bus serves multiple functions: it connects the internal power supply device to the UPS for charging, and also connects the UPS to provide backup power to the IPC components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated connections, simplifying the overall system.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability of IPCs by preventing power interruptions, ensuring no data loss, and maintaining system stability in industrial environments, where failures should be avoided.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second connection portions form a connection bus along the stacking direction for transmitting electric power between the first and second housing modules
Implementation Method 2
The UPS device comprises a UPS power supply, for example a UPS battery, and, optionally, a control unit (power management controller) for controlling the same
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
According to a first aspect, an industrial personal computer (IPC) (100) is provided. The IPC comprises: a first housing module (10) having a first electronic component, an internal electric power supply device and a first electric connection portion; and a second housing module (20') having a second electronic component and a second electric connection portion, the first and the second housing modules being stacked along a stacking direction (SD), wherein the first and second connection portions form a connection bus along the stacking direction at least for transmitting electric power between the first and second housing modules; wherein the second electronic component is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device (21).