Adjustable UPS Interface Module for Ergonomic Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) often have user interfaces that are not adjustable, making it difficult for users to conveniently view and access information and input commands, especially when the UPS is not positioned at eye level.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable user interface module for UPSs that can tilt within its housing, allowing the front face to be positioned at various angles relative to the housing, ensuring visibility and accessibility of the screen and input buttons from different vantage points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user interface is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the interface is not accessible when the UPS is not positioned at eye level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface accessibilityVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface module is made tiltable relative to the housing, transforming from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable one. The module can be tilted to various angles within a range, allowing users to access the interface regardless of the UPS placement height, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interface accessibility problem is solved by adding a rotational degree of freedom in the vertical dimension. Instead of only horizontal placement adjustments, the interface module can now be tilted vertically to change its angle, providing accessibility from different viewing positions without significantly complicating the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display unit is tilted at a fixed angle, then the interface is accessible from certain angles, but the interface cannot be adjusted to different viewing positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface angle adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface module transitions from a fixed tilted position to a dynamically adjustable position. Users can tilt the module to different angles within a specified range and lock it at the desired position, providing adaptability to various viewing preferences while using a simple hinge-based mechanism rather than complex motorized adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface is segmented into a separate tiltable module that can be independently adjusted relative to the main housing. This modular approach allows angle adjustment functionality to be added without complicating the overall device structure, as the adjustment mechanism is contained within the interface module itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2859637B1Uninterruptible power supply having adjustable interface
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP
  • EP2859637B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2859637B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP2859637B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A UPS with an adjustable user interface module comprises a housing having a front plane and a module configured to fit inside and secured by the housing. The module includes a body having a front face, and the module is configured to tilt within the housing such that the front face of the module can be positioned at various angles relative to the front plane of the housing.