Multiport Power Backup With Remote Reboot for Networked IT Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for IT equipment fail to provide remote AC reboots and connectivity backup, leading to equipment downtime and the need for manual intervention when AC power is lost or networking devices malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port power supply system with AC and DC converters, relays, batteries, and a controller that switches between power sources and cycles power to loads, along with wireless connectivity for alerts and remote control, ensuring continuous operation and automated recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AC power is lost, then equipment operation continues briefly with UPS backup, but the system cannot reboot networking devices if they hang or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines UPS power backup functionality with networking device remote reboot capability into a single integrated system. The controller can both supply power during AC outages and cycle power to reboot networking devices, eliminating the need for separate UPS and reboot solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions: it provides AC power backup during outages, monitors networking device status, remotely reboots hung devices, and sends alerts. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making the system both reliable for power backup and adaptable for remote reboot operations.
2Ease of operation
If IP-controlled AC outlets are used for remote reboot, then remote control is enabled, but no control is possible when AC power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for power loss by maintaining the ability to control AC outlets even during outages. The controller retains control capability by using its internal power supply to operate the AC relay, ensuring remote control availability is established before power loss occurs and maintained throughout the outage.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between loss of AC power and loss of control capability. It uses its internal DC power supply and DC-to-AC inverter to maintain the ability to control AC outlets, preventing the direct link between AC power loss and control loss.
3Productivity
If networking devices are used for cloud connectivity, then data upload capability is enabled, but equipment goes offline when networking devices malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the operational status of networking devices and provides feedback. When a device is detected as hung or malfunctioning, the system automatically cycles power to reboot it, restoring connectivity and data upload capability without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-recovery by monitoring networking device status and automatically rebooting malfunctioning devices. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to restore productivity when networking devices fail.
4Reliability
If manual reboot or onsite service is required for malfunctioning devices, then equipment can be restored, but downtime increases and service efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when networking devices malfunction and performs self-reboot operations without requiring manual intervention or onsite service. This eliminates downtime associated with human response time and restores equipment reliability automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system has preliminary automated reboot capability ready to execute immediately upon detecting device malfunction. This preliminary preparation and automatic execution significantly reduces the time loss compared to waiting for manual detection and intervention.
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
Enables remote rebooting and connectivity backup, reducing downtime by automatically cycling power and sending alerts, thus allowing for automated recovery and minimizing the need for onsite service.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter coupled to an AC power source and configured to generate a DC power output
Implementation Method 2
one or more DC to DC converters coupling the DC power output to the one or more DC ports
Implementation Method 3
one or more batteries coupled to the DC power output
Implementation Method 4
one or more AC relays coupling respective AC ports to the AC power source
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply may include an AC to DC converter coupled to an AC power source to generate a DC power output, an AC port(s) to supply AC power to a respective AC load(s), an AC relay(s) coupling a respective AC port(s) to the AC power source, a DC port(s) to supply DC power to a respective DC load(s), a DC to DC converter(s) coupling the DC power output to the DC port(s), a battery(ies) coupled to the DC power output, and an ethernet port(s) to provide wired network connectivity. A controller may be configured to switch the DC port(s) between the DC power output and the battery(ies) responsive to AC power source outages, cause the AC relay(s) to cycle AC power to the AC port(s) and respective AC load(s), and cause the DC to DC converter(s) to cycle power to the DC port(s) and respective DC load(s).