Power Distribution Equipment Outlet Identification via Visual Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems in server rooms face challenges in efficiently identifying plug-in positions of powered devices due to complex cable distribution and the lack of indication functions at electrical outlets, leading to potential power disruptions during repairs or replacements.
Innovation Solution
A power apparatus with outlet identification capability using IP addresses and outlet codes, where a manager interface transmits identification requirements via network packets to power distribution equipment (PDEs) to drive indicator lights or displays, allowing for intuitive identification of plug-in positions without requiring users to memorize IP addresses and outlet codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID tags and transponders are used for outlet identification, then identification capability is improved, but apparatus cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (lights and displays) as simple copies or representations of outlet identification information, rather than implementing complex RFID tags and transponders at each outlet. The manager system creates a visual map that copies the logical outlet identification to physical indicators, achieving identification capability without the high cost of electronic tags at every outlet location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a manager system as an intermediary between the control system and the outlets. This manager receives identification requests, processes them centrally, and drives appropriate visual indicators at the relevant outlets. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for distributed intelligent components (RFID tags) at each outlet, reducing overall system cost while maintaining identification capability.
2Device complexity
If no indication function is provided at electrical outlets, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing indicator lights at the outlets to provide visual feedback for outlet identification. Different colors or lighting patterns indicate different states or identification information, enabling easy location of specific outlets during maintenance without adding complex electronic components to the outlets themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures outlet identification information and associates it with visual indicators before maintenance operations begin. When a maintenance request comes in, the manager system already has the mapping between device locations and outlet identifiers, allowing immediate activation of the appropriate visual indicators to guide technicians to the correct outlets.
3Device complexity
If manual outlet identification methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time increases during device replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the manager system receives identification requests and immediately activates visual indicators at the target outlets. This real-time feedback loop provides instant guidance to technicians, eliminating the time-consuming manual search process while keeping the physical outlet infrastructure simple and unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods (technicians physically searching for outlets) with an optical/electronic indication system. Visual indicators provide automatic guidance, substituting the mechanical search process with a faster optical signaling system that reduces time to locate outlets without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
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 quick and accurate identification of plug-in positions, preventing unintended power disruptions and simplifying maintenance tasks in complex server room environments by providing an intuitive user interface and adjustable indication options.
Implementation Method 1
each outlet (21) has an outlet indicator light (211)
Data Source
AI summary
A power apparatus with outlet identification capability and outlet identification method of power apparatus, the outlet identification method uses an identification requirement to enable a power apparatus to identify a plug-in position of at least one powered device, the identification requirement has an internet protocol address and an outlet code of at least one powered device; the power apparatus includes a power distribution equipment, the power distribution equipment has a plurality of outlets, when the power distribution equipment receives an identification requirement, at least one indicator light can be driven to radiate according to the identification requirement, or at least one PDE display can be driven to show an outlet code of the identification requirement.