Supercapacitor Dongle for Server Power Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for maintaining power to peripherals during temporary server power interruptions, such as using 120V AC outlets or Power over Ethernet (PoE), face challenges like high demand, cable management issues, and increased costs, especially in environments where infrastructure may not already support these solutions.
Innovation Solution
A backup power system incorporating a dongle with a controller, voltage measurement subsystem, and a power storage component, such as a supercapacitor, that detects power drops from a server's USB port and automatically supplies backup power to a peripheral, ensuring continuous operation without requiring modifications to the peripheral or additional processing burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 120V AC power outlet is used to provide alternate power to peripheral, then continuous power supply is achieved, but cable management complexity increases and infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power storage function from the peripheral device itself and places it in a separate dongle device. The supercapacitor is housed in the dongle, which connects to the server via USB, separating the power management complexity from the peripheral and simplifying cable management while ensuring continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The dongle acts as an intermediary device between the server and the peripheral. It receives power from the server's USB port and provides backup power to the peripheral when the server power is interrupted, mediating the power transfer and eliminating the need for direct AC power connections to each peripheral.
2Reliability
If 120V AC power outlet is used to provide alternate power to peripheral, then continuous power supply is achieved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a supercapacitor, which is a relatively inexpensive energy storage component compared to AC power infrastructure. The supercapacitor provides sufficient power for the brief interval during server reboot (typically a few seconds to 45 seconds), and can be charged repeatedly without degradation, making it a cost-effective solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power delivery parameters by using USB power (5V DC) instead of AC power (120V). This parameter change allows the use of lower-voltage, lower-cost components like supercapacitors and eliminates the need for AC power outlets and adapters at each peripheral location.
3Reliability
If Power over Ethernet (PoE) is used to provide power to device, then continuous power supply is achieved, but device complexity increases and infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dongle is designed to work with standard USB ports, which are universally present on modern servers and peripherals. This universal compatibility eliminates the need for specialized PoE infrastructure or custom power interfaces, reducing device complexity while providing the same continuous power supply benefit.
4Device complexity
If supercapacitor is used in dongle for backup power, then cable management complexity is reduced, but power storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing power for only the critical brief interval during server reboot (typically a few seconds to 45 seconds). The supercapacitor is sized to provide sufficient power for this specific duration, rather than attempting to provide extended power supply. This partial approach is sufficient for the intended use case and keeps the supercapacitor size and cost manageable.
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 dongle provides reliable and cost-effective emergency power to peripherals, maintaining functionality during server reboots or power outages, reducing infrastructure costs and cable management complexities, and operating transparently until power is restored.
Implementation Method 1
A rechargeable supercapacitor may be used as the power storage component in the backup power system.
Implementation Method 2
The system may further include a power storage component responsive to the controller for supplying power to the peripheral when the power being provided from the server's second port drops below the threshold level.
Data Source
AI summary
A backup power system is disclosed which has a first port in communication with a server. The server includes first and second ports, and the backup power system is in communication with the second port of the server and receives a first voltage signal from the second port of the server. A second communications port of the system is in communication with a peripheral. The peripheral is powered by a separate connection to the first port of the server. A controller of the system detects when power being provided by the server through the server's second port has dropped below a threshold level. A power storage component responsive to the controller supplies power to the peripheral when the power provided from the server's second port drops below the threshold level.