Network Bypass Relay for Power-Failover Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network switches require power to operate and are expensive due to their intelligence, and they cannot route network links efficiently during device maintenance or power failures.

Innovation Solution

A network bypass apparatus with a relay system that switches between normal and bypass modes based on power availability, allowing network data to be routed to a secondary communication device when the primary fails or is being maintained, using a daisy-chain configuration for redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a network switch is used to route data, then network routing capability is improved, but device cost increases and power dependency is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork routing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The network path is segmented into primary and secondary communication devices. The relay apparatus divides the network connection into two parallel paths, allowing automatic failover from the primary device to the secondary device when the primary device loses power or fails, thereby maintaining network routing capability without continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A relay apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the network device and communication devices. This relay apparatus includes a relay that can switch between connecting to the primary communication device or the secondary communication device, enabling automatic failover without requiring the network switch itself to consume continuous power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a smart network switch with intelligence is used, then routing efficiency is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting efficiencyVSAvoiddevice intelligence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive relay apparatuses with simple relay switches instead of expensive intelligent network switches. The relay apparatus provides basic switching functionality without requiring complex intelligence, achieving cost-effective network routing with automatic failover capability through predetermined switching logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The relay apparatus is configured to automatically detect power loss or failure at the communication device and autonomously switch to the secondary communication device without requiring external control or complex intelligence. The system serves itself by using predetermined switching logic that activates automatically upon detecting failure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If network switch is used during maintenance, then network connectivity is maintained, but power availability becomes a constraint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidpower availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by establishing a secondary communication device as a backup before any failure occurs. The relay apparatus is pre-configured with switching logic that automatically activates upon detecting power loss or failure, enabling immediate network connectivity restoration without requiring power during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a backup communication device that serves as a cushion against network failures. This secondary device is prepared in advance and can immediately take over network communication when the primary device fails or loses power, ensuring network connectivity is maintained during maintenance without requiring continuous power to the primary device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 seamless network link redirection to a standby device during power outages or maintenance, maintaining network connectivity without the need for powered network switches, thus reducing costs and enhancing reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The relay may communicatively decouple the first connection interface and the third connection interface while communicatively coupling the first connection interface and the second connection interface in response to application of power to the relay via the input power port during a normal mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelay: Relay

Data Source

PatentUS12362989B2Network bypass framework

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 ZPE SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Framework for network bypass is disclosed herein. Exemplary network bypass apparatus may include a relay, a first connection interface connectable to a network device, a second connection interface connectable to a first communication device, and a third connection interface connectable to a second communication device. The network bypass apparatus may further include a housing enclosing the relay and the first, second and third connection interfaces, wherein the relay communicatively couples the first connection interface and the third connection interface while communicatively decoupling the first connection interface and the second connection interface in response to disconnection of power to the relay during a bypass mode.