Intelligent Power Distribution Unit Automatic Device Association
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current intelligent power distribution devices require manual association of equipment with outlets, which is inconvenient, prone to errors, and requires frequent updates during configuration changes, lacking an efficient method for automatic or semi-automatic identification of target devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatic or semi-automatic identity association between an intelligent power distribution unit and a target device using a specialized power cable with additional data conductors for transmitting identification information, incorporating an identification device and transceivers to enable communication between the power distribution unit and the target device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual association process is used to determine equipment at outlets, then the process is simple to implement, but it is inconvenient, subject to error and requires additional manual updates during configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-association through Power Line Communication. The intelligent power distribution unit automatically detects and identifies target devices connected to its outlets by transmitting and receiving identification signals through the power cable, eliminating the need for manual association input and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of entering association information with an automated electronic communication system. Power Line Communication technology substitutes the manual input mechanism with automatic signal transmission through existing power infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If manual association process is used, then the system structure is simple, but it requires additional manual updates any time a configuration change takes place
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and detects changes in device connections through automatic Power Line Communication. When a configuration change occurs, the system automatically detects the new device, retrieves its identification information, and updates the association without interruption or manual intervention, ensuring continuous accurate tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent power distribution unit receives feedback signals from connected devices through the power cable. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically detect when devices are added, removed, or changed, and subsequently update associations in real-time without manual input.
3Productivity
If automatic sensing is implemented to determine power requirements, then the association efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing power cable infrastructure to serve dual functions: delivering electrical power and transmitting identification data. This multi-functionality approach allows automatic association without adding separate communication cables or significant additional hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power cable acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates both power delivery and data communication. By using the power infrastructure as a mediator for identification signal transmission, the system achieves automatic association while minimizing additional hardware requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method for providing automatic or semi-automatic identity association between an outlet of an intelligent power distribution unit and a target device, such as a computer server, which is powered by that outlet. The association is accomplished by enabling identification information to be transmitted between a memory device near or within the target device and the intelligent power distribution unit via a power cable. The power cable may include a specialized interface for mating with the power distribution unit and/or providing the identification information.