Network Device Fire Prevention via Redundant Power Supply Fan Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network devices with redundant power supplies face challenges in passing environmental design guidelines like NEBS, as one running power supply can stimulate a fire in the power supply being tested during fire tests, increasing the risk of failing the test.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where power signals from multiple power supplies are cross-connected to redundantly power temperature sensors and communication components, and a fan control component that receives temperature measurements to shut off fans if a fire is detected, preventing the spread of fire.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If redundant power supplies are configured to independently power the network device, then reliability is improved, but the risk of failing fire tests increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidfire test failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fan control function from the normal operation system and creates a separate fire response control mechanism. When a fire is detected in one power supply, the system automatically shuts off the fan that would otherwise stimulate the fire, while maintaining normal fan operation during standard conditions. This separation allows the redundant power supply to remain operational without its associated fan stimulating a fire in the failed power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Temperature

If fans continue to operate during normal conditions, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but fire stimulation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply temperatureVSAvoidfire stimulation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the power supply units and provide information to the control system. When the control system detects that one power supply is experiencing a fire condition, it automatically adjusts fan operation by shutting off the fan associated with that power supply. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of cooling based on real-time fire risk assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution ensures that temperature sensors continue to function during a fire, allowing for timely shutdown of fans to limit and extinguish the fire, thereby enhancing the network device's chances of passing environmental design guidelines.

Implementation Method 1

The first power supply may include a first temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the first power supply and a first communication component to transmit the measured temperature of the first power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS10133328B2Fire prevention in a network device with redundant power supplies

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A device may include multiple power supplies that are cooled by a system fan. The power supplies may be cross-connected to supply power to one another and the device may monitor temperatures of the power supplies. Based on the temperatures of the power supplies, the device may determine whether any of the power supplies are likely to be on fire. The device may shut off the fan when a power supply is determined to be likely to be on fire.