Modular Power Strip with Interchangeable Circuits for Phase Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems in computer racks face challenges in efficiently balancing electrical loads across multiple phases, often requiring additional power strips or tools to adjust configurations, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular power strip system with interchangeable second circuits that can be easily slid into and secured within the rack, featuring a universal multi-circuit connector interface, allowing for different electrical configurations without the need for tools, enabling flexible distribution of power phases and fusing schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If additional power strips or higher capacity power strips are added to meet power demand, then power capacity is increased, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power strip incorporates a dynamically reconfigurable circuit board that allows real-time switching between series and parallel configurations of power outlets. This enables the power capacity to be adjusted on-demand without adding physical hardware, resolving the contradiction between increasing power capacity and maintaining device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters of the power distribution network by reconfiguring the circuit board trace connections. By switching between series and parallel arrangements, the voltage and current distribution parameters are dynamically adjusted to meet varying power demands without requiring additional equipment.
2Ease of operation
If electrical loads are distributed unevenly across phases, then connection simplicity is maintained, but power distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power strip includes phase detection circuitry that continuously monitors the electrical phase of incoming power and automatically reconfigures the circuit board to balance the load across phases. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal power distribution efficiency while maintaining ease of operation, as the system self-adjusts without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the electrical connections based on real-time phase detection. The circuit board can switch between different wiring configurations to distribute loads evenly across available phases, resolving the contradiction between simple connections and efficient power distribution.
3Loss of energy
If power strip configuration is changed to balance electrical loads, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power strip incorporates automatic load balancing functionality that detects phase conditions and reconfigures the circuit board without external intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration by technicians, thereby improving power distribution efficiency without incurring additional time consumption or labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from phase detection sensors to automatically adjust the circuit configuration. This closed-loop control enables the power strip to maintain optimal efficiency continuously without requiring periodic manual adjustments, resolving the contradiction between efficiency improvement and time consumption.
4Device complexity
If fixed power strip configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different power demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power strip features a dynamically reconfigurable circuit board that can switch between series and parallel configurations based on detected power demands. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to varying loads while maintaining a single physical device, avoiding the need for multiple fixed-configuration power strips and thereby preserving relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power strip unit performs multiple functions by reconfiguring its internal circuitry to accommodate different power distribution scenarios. It can operate in series configuration for high voltage needs or parallel configuration for high current needs, providing universal adaptability without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a rack that is configured to receive electrical power from a power distribution box and to distribute the electrical power to one or more electrical loads. The system may include at least one power strip having a first circuit and a second circuit that are mounted in the rack. The first circuit may include outlets into which the electrical loads are connected and a first portion of a connector interface. The second circuit may include an enclosure that houses an electrical configuration including at least one power cord that is coupled to the power distribution box and a second portion of the connector interface that is configured to couple the second circuit to the first circuit by mating with the first portion of the connector interface, where the second circuit is removable from the rack and interchangeable with other second circuits that comprise different electrical configurations.