Remote Server Identifies Electrical Devices in Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power management systems face data loss and security issues when labeling electrical devices, as data is stored exclusively on the controller, and remote data entry is often insecure and requires additional network administration.

Innovation Solution

A method where a remote server identifies and correlates electrical devices with identifiers, storing data both on the server and controller, allowing secure remote data entry and reducing the need for manual reentry and complex network setups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is stored exclusively on the controller, then the system structure is simple, but data loss occurs when the controller malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data storage function by separating it from the controller and placing it on a remote server. The controller retains only operational functions while the server handles data storage, creating a distributed architecture that improves reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the controller and the ultimate data destination. This intermediary handles data storage and security, allowing the controller to focus on operational tasks while eliminating the single point of failure risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If remote connection is used for data entry, then manual reentry is reduced, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reentry timeVSAvoidsecurity risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the data storage and processing to a different dimensional level by using a remote server accessible via standard internet protocols. This allows secure remote access without requiring custom security wrappers, as the security can be implemented at the server level using established cryptographic protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If controller is placed on private network, then security is improved, but remote accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidremote accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data storage and remote interface functions from the controller and places them on a remote server. This allows the controller to remain on a secure private network while the server handles all remote communications, separating security concerns from accessibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8942854B2System and method for identifying electrical devices in a power management system
Publication Date: 2015.01.27 DISCOVERY ENERGY LLC
  • US8942854B2 patent drawing
  • US8942854B2 patent drawing
  • US8942854B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Some embodiments relate to a method of identifying electrical devices in a power management system. The method includes accessing a controller using a server that includes identifiers of the electrical devices. The controller is electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to the electrical devices. The method further includes exchanging data between the server and the controller to correlate the identifiers with the electrical devices. The potential identifiers that may be used to correlate the identifiers with the electrical devices may be stored in an identifier database on the server. In some embodiments, the identifiers of the electrical devices may also be stored in an identifier database on the controller.