Wireless Transmitter for Electrical Equipment Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large data centers, the frequent relocation of electrical equipment without updated location logs leads to significant time and effort in tracking down specific equipment, resulting in potential downtime during server crashes or hardware failures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing detachable power cords with integrated transmitters and a remotely-controllable power distribution unit (PDU) that communicates with wireless transmitters and receivers, sending high-frequency encoded signals to determine the unique ID and location of electrical equipment within a rack using ultrasonic or infrared signals, with a wireless reflector to overcome signal blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual tracking methods are used to monitor electrical equipment locations, then the system complexity remains low, but the time required to locate equipment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical equipment performs self-identification by automatically transmitting its unique ID and location information through the power cord to the PDU when powered on or moved, eliminating the need for manual tracking and reducing location time without requiring complex external tracking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electrical signal-based identification system, where electrical signals transmitted through the power cord carry equipment identification data, substituting human labor with automated electronic detection
2Extent of automation
If electrical signals are transmitted through power cords to identify equipment, then equipment location tracking becomes automated, but signal interference and blocking may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless signal as an intermediary medium to transmit equipment identification data from the PDU to remote devices, avoiding the need for electrical signals to travel through the power cord and eliminating signal blocking issues while maintaining automated tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a wireless copy of the equipment identification signal that was originally transmitted through the power cord, allowing the same identification function to be performed through a different medium (radio waves) that is not susceptible to electrical interference or blocking
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
Enables efficient and accurate tracking of electrical equipment, reducing downtime by quickly identifying the location and status of equipment connected to the power distribution unit, allowing for timely maintenance and minimizing server downtime.
Implementation Method 1
sending high-frequency encoded signals to determine the unique ID and location of electrical equipment within a rack using ultrasonic or infrared signals
Implementation Method 2
with a wireless reflector to overcome signal blocking
Data Source
AI summary
By utilizing a transmitter that plugs into a power socket of a piece of electrical equipment, that equipment may be locatable using a specialized power source that interacts with the transmitter. The specialized power source sends a command signal across a power cable and causes the transmitter to send a response signal. The response signal is received by one or more receivers, and the position of the equipment within its corresponding cabinet/rack can be determined. The response signal can be sent using a number of different techniques, such as ultrasonic or infrared.