Redundant Power Cable With Selectable Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems, particularly rack-mounted servers, rely on a single power supply configuration that is not economical or redundant, leading to inefficiencies and potential power failures.
Innovation Solution
A redundant power delivery system featuring a power cable with independently connected power lines and a selectable redundant power module that includes switches to ensure continuous power supply by switching between multiple power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single power supply configuration is used for each server, then the system is simpler and more economical in terms of components, but the system lacks redundancy and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is segmented into multiple independent power lines (e.g., Line 1, Line 2) within a single cable assembly. Each power line contains separate hot, neutral, and ground conductors that can be independently connected to different power sources, enabling redundancy without requiring separate cables for each power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly is designed with universal compatibility to support multiple power source configurations. The same cable structure can deliver power from a single source or multiple sources depending on the configuration of plugs and connectors, making the system adaptable to various redundancy requirements without changing the fundamental cable design.
2Reliability
If one PDU and one power cord are used for each server, then the configuration is simpler, but it is not economical and cannot provide redundant power delivery
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power lines that would traditionally require separate power cords and PDU connections are merged into a single integrated cable assembly. This consolidation allows the cable to carry multiple independent power pathways simultaneously, reducing the total number of discrete components while maintaining redundancy capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a one-to-one mapping (one cord per power source) to a many-to-many relationship within a single cable. Multiple hot, neutral, and ground conductors are bundled together, adding dimensional complexity internally while presenting a simplified external interface with fewer plugs and connectors.
3Reliability
If multiple power lines are included in a single cable, then redundancy is achieved, but the cable structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable's internal structure is segmented into distinct power lines, each with its own hot, neutral, and ground conductors. This segmentation allows independent routing and connection of each power line to different sources, enabling failover capability while maintaining organized, manageable internal structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Redundant power delivery including a power cable comprising a first plug including contacts for hot, neutral, and ground and a plurality of power lines, each power line electrically connected independently to the hot, neutral, and ground contacts of the first plug at a first end and each power line having a second plug at a second end providing contacts for hot, neutral, and ground; a selectable redundant power module, the selectable redundant power module comprising a plurality of input connectors, each input connector comprising a hot, neutral, and ground contacts and adapted to engage each second plug of each power line; and a switch to select one or more of the input connectors of the selectable redundant power module for receiving power.