Power Supply Remote Management via Detection Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power supply systems for data-processing systems lack effective remote power management and protection mechanisms, particularly against arc flash caused by high electric currents, leading to potential damage and unsafe power interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system incorporating a first power connector, a power conversion circuit, a control unit, and a detection circuit that enables remote power management and arc flash protection by controlling the output voltage based on the connection status of the power terminals, preventing electric arcs and unintended power disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power cord latching or retaining structure is employed to anchor the power cord, then the plug is prevented from loosening and dropping, but arc flash damage can still occur due to high electric current flowing through the contacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower connection stabilityVSAvoidarc flash damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection circuit detects the connection status of the power cord plug before power is supplied to the load. If the plug is not properly connected, the control unit prevents the power conversion circuit from operating, thereby avoiding arc flash damage before it can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit continuously monitors the connection status of the power cord plug and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the power supply state based on this feedback, ensuring safe operation and preventing arc flash when the plug is improperly connected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If manual power management by connecting power supply output plug to server is used, then power can be managed and distributed, but the process is laboring and inconvenient and cannot achieve best power management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management convenienceVSAvoidpower management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the connection status of the power cord plug and autonomously controls the power supply state without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism improves operational convenience and management efficiency simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical connection and power management with an automated detection and control system that uses electrical signals to monitor plug connection status and control power supply, eliminating labor-intensive operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system effectively manages and distributes power remotely, preventing arc flash and ensuring the safety of data-processing equipment by controlling the power supply based on connection status, thus enhancing power protection and management.

Implementation Method 1

a detection circuit coupled to the control unit and the first detecting terminal of the first power connector for detecting whether the first detecting terminal is connected or disconnected with a predetermined voltage terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

The power conversion circuit is coupled to the power terminals of the first power connector for receiving an input voltage and converting the input voltage into an output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8896157B2Power supply and power supplying system with remote power management function

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)

AI summary

The power supply includes a first power connector, a power conversion circuit, a control unit and a detection circuit. The first power connector includes a plurality of power terminals and a first detecting terminal. The power conversion circuit is coupled to the power terminals of the first power connector for converting an input voltage into an output voltage. The control unit is coupled to the power conversion circuit for controlling an operation of the power conversion circuit. The detection circuit is coupled to the control unit and the first detecting terminal of the first power connector for detecting if the first detecting terminal is connected or disconnected with a predetermined voltage terminal and correspondingly generating a power transmission status signal to the control unit. When the detection circuit detects the first detecting terminal is disconnected with the predetermined voltage terminal, the power transmission status signal is under a disabled status and the control unit controls the power conversion circuit not to generate or output the output voltage to the load according to the power transmission status signal.