Modular UPS Power Module Assembly for Easier Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uninterruptible power modules (UPMs) in UPS systems are large and cumbersome, posing challenges in installation and maintenance due to their size and weight, which complicates the process and requires multiple personnel for handling.

Innovation Solution

A modular design for uninterruptible power modules comprising detachable rectification, inverter, and fan modules, each with standard interfaces, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance by a single person, facilitated by guide pieces and sliding pieces for alignment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the uninterruptible power module is designed as a large integrated unit, then the power supply capacity is sufficient, but the installation and maintenance become difficult and require multiple personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The uninterruptible power module is divided into multiple independent functional modules: rectification module, inverter module, fan module, and control module. Each module can be independently installed, removed, and maintained. The rectification module converts AC to DC, the inverter module converts DC to AC, and the fan module provides cooling, allowing partial replacement without discarding the entire unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The functional modules are nested within a common housing structure that provides integrated support, power distribution, and cooling pathways. The modules fit together like nested components, sharing common mounting structures and electrical connections while maintaining individual replaceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Power

If the uninterruptible power module is designed as a large integrated unit, then the power supply capacity is sufficient, but the volume and weight increase making handling difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidmodule volume
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power module system is segmented into smaller functional units that can be separately manufactured and handled. Each module has reduced volume and weight compared to the traditional integrated design, allowing single-person handling while maintaining total system power capacity through modular aggregation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If the uninterruptible power module is designed as a large integrated unit, then the power supply capacity is sufficient, but the maintenance complexity increases and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into functionally independent modules with standardized interfaces. When a fault occurs, the problematic module can be quickly identified and replaced without affecting other modules. The rectification module, inverter module, and fan module can be independently maintained, significantly reducing maintenance time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables selective replacement of only the faulty module rather than the entire power supply unit. The replaced module can be recovered, tested, and reused after repair, reducing waste and maintenance costs while preserving system power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Adaptability or versatility

If the uninterruptible power module uses non-standard interfaces, then the design flexibility is high, but the assembly and disassembly become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modules employ standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces that enable universal compatibility across different module types. The standard interfaces simplify assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining design flexibility through the ability to configure different module combinations for various power supply requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250233444A1UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER MODULES FOR UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES (UPSs) AND RELATED UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER MODULES
Publication Date: 2025.07.17 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • US20250233444A1 patent drawing
  • US20250233444A1 patent drawing
  • US20250233444A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Uninterruptible power modules for use with uninterruptible power supplies are provides. The uninterruptible power modules include a rectification module, an inverter module and a fan module which are detachably assembled together. The rectification module includes a first housing; a first electrical network, mounted to the first housing, the first electrical network is configured to be selectively connected to a main power supply or current supplied by a standby power supply and convert the current provided by a main power supply or a standby power supply into DC current. The inverter module includes a second housing, detachably connected to the first housing; a second electrical network, which is mounted to the second housing and connected to the first electrical network. The second electrical network is converts DC into AC power. The uninterruptible power module further includes a transfer switch that controls the first electrical network from being connected with the main power supply to being connected with the standby power supply.