Integrated Transfer-Switch Power Strip for Server Cabinet Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Server cabinets face inefficiencies in device density and air-cooling due to the space-consuming automatic transfer switches required for devices with single power supplies, which are not always necessary and can lead to power failures if not dual-sourced.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an automatic transfer switch within a power strip that can switch between two power sources, allowing single power supply devices to receive power from either source in case of failure, eliminating the need for separate automatic transfer devices and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate automatic transfer switches are provided for each single power supply device, then power reliability is improved, but device density and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple automatic transfer switch functions into a single shared unit that serves multiple devices. This single transfer switch has multiple inputs from different power sources and multiple outputs to various devices, consolidating what would otherwise require individual transfer switches for each device, thereby saving cabinet space while maintaining power reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic transfer switch is designed as a universal device that can handle power distribution for multiple devices simultaneously. It accepts inputs from multiple power sources and can switch between them to supply power to various devices, making one device perform the function of what would traditionally require multiple separate transfer switches
2Reliability
If conventional separate automatic transfer switches are used, then power failure protection is improved, but air-cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple transfer switch functions into a single unit, the patent reduces the total volume of equipment in the cabinet. This creates additional space for air circulation and cooling pathways, allowing cooling fans to move air more effectively across devices without obstruction from scattered transfer switch units
3Reliability
If dual power supplies are provided to all devices, then power reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic transfer switch acts as an intermediary device that provides dual power source capability to devices without requiring the devices themselves to have dual power supply configurations. The transfer switch handles the complexity of switching between power sources, while devices simply connect to a single output, maintaining simplicity at the device level while achieving reliability through the intermediary transfer switch
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to relates to a power strip in a server cabinet that can accommodate a plurality of devices and distribute power to the accommodated devices. The power strip includes an inlet connectable to the first power source for receiving the first power, one or more first outputs, one or more second outputs, and an automatic transfer switch integrated into the power strip. The automatic transfer switch is provided with a first input and a second input. The one or more second outputs are connected to the inlet for receiving and outputting the first power. The first input of the automatic transfer switch is connected to the inlet for receiving the first power. The second input of the automatic transfer switch is connectable to a second power source for receiving a second power. The automatic transfer switch automatically switches between the first input and the second input to connect one of the first input and the second inputs to the one or more first outputs of the power strip.