Non-Contact Accessory Identification in Power Management Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems, such as UPS, face complexity and cost issues due to hardwired connections for detecting and configuring interchangeable parts like POD units.
Innovation Solution
A power management device equipped with a non-contact sensor to identify accessories based on the configuration of a keyed feature, allowing for adjustment of configuration parameters such as power, voltage, or current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired connections are used for detection and configuration of interchangeable parts, then reliable detection is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardwired mechanical/electrical connections with a non-contact sensing system. The sensor detects the keyed feature's configuration through electromagnetic fields or optical means without physical contact, eliminating the need for complex hardwired detection circuits while maintaining reliable identification of interchangeable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-contact sensor as an intermediary between the power management device and interchangeable parts. This sensor acts as a mediator that detects the keyed feature's configuration without requiring direct electrical connection, simplifying the system architecture while ensuring reliable detection.
2Measurement precision
If hardwired connections are used for detection and configuration of interchangeable parts, then accurate configuration detection is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive hardwired detection circuits with a non-contact sensor that achieves accurate configuration detection through field-based sensing. This replacement reduces component costs and assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to accurately identify interchangeable part configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a non-contact sensor to create an informational copy or representation of the keyed feature's configuration without physical contact. This virtual copying approach eliminates the need for expensive direct electrical connections while preserving accurate configuration detection capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact sensors are used for accessory identification, then interference from high-power signals is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The non-contact sensor serves as an intermediary that detects the keyed feature through electromagnetic or optical fields without being directly exposed to high-power electrical signals. This intermediary approach isolates the sensing mechanism from harmful electrical interference while maintaining accurate identification capability through field-based detection.
Data Source
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Figure 2D
AI summary
A power management device (PMD) may include one or more electrical components including at least one of a battery, a rectifier, an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter, or a DC to AC converter, where the one or more electrical components are configured to receive input power and provide output power to one or more loads. The PMD may also include a non-contact sensor suitable for distinguishing between a plurality of configurations of a keyed feature. The PMD may identify an accessory including a particular configuration of the keyed feature based on data from the non-contact sensor when the accessory is coupled with the power management device and adjust one or more configuration parameters of the power management device based on the identified accessory.