Integrated UPS Docking Station for Selective Power Shedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current docking stations and UPS systems are not integrated, leading to inefficiencies in power management during emergencies, increased wear and tear on UPS components, and delayed software awareness of power loss situations.
Innovation Solution
A docking station system with integrated UPS circuitry and lithium-ion battery modules, allowing for smart shutdown, load shedding, and remote management capabilities through coordinated power control of multiple power rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a docking station is plugged into a wall outlet to obtain AC power, then the docking station can convert AC power to DC voltages to power mobile computing devices and peripherals, but when the wall mains cease providing power, the docking station can no longer provide power, requiring a separate UPS system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the docking station and UPS system into a single integrated device. The docking station circuitry and UPS circuitry are housed together with shared components including battery modules, control logic, and communication interfaces. This integration eliminates the need for separate devices while maintaining both docking functionality and uninterrupted power supply capability.
2Reliability
If a UPS system powers a docking station and all peripherals plugged into it, then power is provided to all devices, but this increases wear and tear on UPS components, reduces run time, and prevents software logic from being aware of emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmented power distribution through separate power rails within the integrated system. The UPS circuitry can selectively power different portions of the system via distinct power rails, allowing prioritization of critical components during emergency situations. This enables the system to extend runtime by powering only essential devices when battery capacity is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic power management through integrated control logic that can adjust power distribution in real-time based on battery status and system needs. The software logic is immediately aware of emergency situations and can dynamically reconfigure power allocation, enabling load shedding and prioritization of critical devices to maximize runtime during power outages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a docking station and UPS system are used as separate devices, then each device can perform its dedicated function, but the solution is inelegant and necessitates the UPS to power all peripherals in every situation, increasing wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the docking station and UPS system into a single integrated device with shared housing and common control architecture. This integration provides elegant unity while maintaining the adaptability of separate devices, as the integrated system can selectively power different components based on needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides multi-functionality by combining docking station capabilities with UPS functionality in a single device. The system can operate in multiple modes: normal AC-powered docking mode, battery-backed UPS mode, and selective power distribution mode, making it universally applicable to various power scenarios.
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 power management efficiency by prioritizing power distribution, extending UPS runtime, and enabling seamless integration with IT management software for emergency scenarios and remote device control.
Implementation Method 1
one or more battery modules disposed in the second compartment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a docking station system. The docking station system includes a housing that is constructed from outer walls. The housing defines a first compartment, a second compartment, and a third compartment. The docking station system further includes docking station circuitry disposed in the first compartment, one or more battery modules disposed in the second compartment, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) circuitry disposed in the third compartment. The aforementioned UPS circuitry and docking station circuitry cooperate to enable certain functionalities. The certain functionalities can be one or more of smart shutdown, load shedding, or remote management functions.