Server Power Connector Sequencing to Prevent Plug-In Arcing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing server power supply systems face issues of electric sparks and increased contact resistance due to voltage differences during plugging and unplugging, leading to safety and reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a first contact that precedes a second contact during insertion, gradually raising the voltage of the second contact to eliminate spark risks, and incorporating a current limiting circuit, filter energy storage, and logic control circuits to manage current and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If direct connection between power supply end and server is used, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but electric sparks and contact resistance increase during plugging and unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The first contact is designed to make contact with the conductive interface before the second contact, performing preliminary voltage equalization. This preliminary action raises the voltage of the second contact in advance, preventing electric sparks when the second contact connects to the conductive interface, thus resolving the contradiction between direct connection efficiency and safety during plugging/unplugging operations.
2Reliability
If first contact is made before second contact, then electric sparks are prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device uses asymmetric contact length design where the first contact is longer than the second contact. This asymmetric structure naturally ensures the first contact engages first during insertion and disengages last during removal, achieving voltage equalization and spark prevention without complex control mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If current limiting circuit and filter energy storage are added, then power stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a filter energy storage circuit as an intermediary between the power supply end and the server. This intermediary circuit smooths voltage fluctuations and stabilizes power delivery, while the current limiting circuit acts as another intermediary to control inrush current. These intermediary components resolve the contradiction by providing power stability through controlled energy management rather than direct connection.
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
Enhances safety and reliability by preventing sparks and maintaining consistent power delivery, while improving power conversion efficiency and deployment flexibility without modifying server interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the first contact is configured for electrically connecting a conductive interface of a power supply end and the second contact; and the second contact is configured for electrically connecting the conductive interface of the power supply end and a power interface of a server
Implementation Method 2
the filter energy storage circuit comprises a filter capacitor for storing and filtering a current transmitted to the second contact via the current limiting circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of servers, and more particularly, to a power supply device and a computer system. The above-mentioned power supply device includes a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first contact is configured for electrically connecting a conductive interface of a power supply end and the second contact; and the second contact is configured for electrically connecting the conductive interface of the power supply end and a power interface of a server. Herein, a length of the first contact is greater than a length of the second contact, so that, during the insertion of the power supply device into the power supply end, the first contact makes contact with the conductive interface first to raise a voltage of the second contact in advance, and then the second contact starts to connect with the conductive interface to supply power to the server. The above-mentioned power supply device may avoid an electric spark caused by a voltage difference in the instant when the power supply device conducts a circuit with the power supply end, and improve the safety and reliability of the power supply to the server.