Removable Lithium Battery UPS with Rotatable AC Sockets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) have fixed batteries that are not portable, making it difficult to provide backup power to mobile devices and Internet gateway equipment, and are often bulky due to the use of lead-acid batteries and AC power sockets that do not accommodate various adapter plugs.

Innovation Solution

A compact UPS with a removable lithium battery that can be docked for charging and provides both AC and DC power, featuring rotatable AC sockets for adaptability and built-in surge protection, allowing it to power Internet gateway equipment and charge mobile devices via USB ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed battery is used in conventional UPS, then the UPS can provide backup power to equipment, but the battery is not portable and cannot charge mobile devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery portabilityVSAvoidbattery configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is divided into a removable battery pack that can be separated from the main UPS unit. The battery pack includes battery cells, a circuit board, and a housing that can be independently handled and portably used to charge mobile devices, while the main unit retains the AC input/output functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If lead-acid batteries are used, then the UPS can provide sufficient power, but the device becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup power capacityVSAvoidUPS size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from lead-acid battery chemistry to lithium-ion battery chemistry, changing the physical and chemical parameters of the battery system. Lithium-ion batteries provide higher energy density, delivering sufficient power capacity in a more compact form factor, thus reducing the overall UPS volume while maintaining power capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed AC power sockets are used, then the UPS can provide AC power output, but it does not accommodate various adapter plugs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter compatibilityVSAvoidsocket configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The AC power socket is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change orientation to accommodate various adapter plug configurations. The socket can rotate to different angles to receive plugs with different orientations, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed sockets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the battery is integrated into the UPS housing, then the UPS structure is simplified, but the battery cannot be removed for portable use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery removalVSAvoidbattery housing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into a removable battery pack with its own housing and a main UPS housing. The battery pack can be easily removed from the UPS unit through a simple interface, enabling portable use while the UPS structure remains relatively simple with a battery compartment designed for easy access and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides a convenient, portable, and compact backup power source that adapts to various adapter forms, ensuring continuous power to mobile devices and Internet gateway equipment while minimizing bulk and enhancing surge protection.

Implementation Method 1

a battery having at least one battery module and configured to provide battery power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

an AC power source and a battery contained within a battery compartment of a housing of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAC power source:

Data Source

PatentEP3243118B1Uninterruptible power supply having removable battery
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP
  • EP3243118B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3243118B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3243118B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A UPS includes a battery contained within a battery housing. The battery housing has a first connector mounted on the battery housing. The UPS further includes a housing having a battery compartment for removably containing the battery housing of the battery. The housing has a second connector mounted within the battery compartment. The second connector is configured to mate with the first connector. The UPS further includes a first input configured to receive input power from an AC power source and at least one output configured to provide output AC power derived from the input power in a first mode of operation and configured to provide output power derived from the at least one battery module in a second mode of operation. The battery housing has a third connector configured to be coupled to a mobile device to provide power to the mobile device.