Power Management System for Electrical Disturbance Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices connected to power lines are vulnerable to electrical disturbances such as surges and outages, which can cause damage or render them inoperable, posing safety risks and challenges in monitoring and protecting them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the probability of electrical disturbances at a specified location and automatically isolates electronic devices from the power source based on pre-defined device protection profiles, optionally switching them to a wireless mode for continued functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic devices are connected to power lines for normal operation, then device functionality is maintained, but vulnerability to electrical disturbances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power management system as an intermediary between the power source and electronic devices. This system includes a controller that monitors disturbance probabilities and switching mechanisms that physically disconnect devices from power lines when threats are detected, thereby protecting devices while maintaining normal power connection during safe periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring disturbance probabilities and pre-disconnecting devices before actual electrical disturbances occur. The controller accesses disturbance probability data and proactively isolates devices based on predicted threats, preventing damage before it happens while maintaining functionality during normal operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electronic devices are isolated from power source to protect from disturbances, then safety is improved, but device functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of disturbance probabilities and periodically reassesses whether devices should remain isolated or be reconnected. The controller continuously accesses updated disturbance probability data and adjusts device isolation status accordingly, ensuring devices are protected only during actual threat periods while maintaining functionality when safe
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system dynamically adjusts device isolation status based on real-time disturbance probability assessments. The controller can switch devices between connected and isolated states as conditions change, providing adaptive protection that maintains functionality when safe while ensuring protection when threats are detected
3Reliability
If automated monitoring and isolation system is implemented, then protection effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system operates autonomously by automatically monitoring disturbance probabilities, assessing threats, and isolating devices without human intervention. The controller self-manages the entire protection process including accessing disturbance data, determining isolation needs, and executing switching operations, thereby providing effective protection while minimizing the need for complex user interaction or manual monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for monitoring electrical disturbance (e.g., surges, outages, etc.) possibilities, and then automatically isolating electronic devices (also referred to herein as electronics) for the duration of the disturbance (or threat thereof). In a typical embodiment, a probability of an electrical disturbance occurring at a specified location will be determined. Then, a set of device protection profiles will be accessed. The set of device protection profiles comprises a set of thresholds and a corresponding set of device topologies associated with a set of electronic devices positioned. The set of thresholds in the set of device protection profiles will then be compared to the probability to identify a matching device topology from the set of device topologies. According to the matching device topology, at least one electronic device will be isolated from an electrical power source.