Wireless UPS Configuration via RF Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are difficult to configure based on customer orders, especially when they are not easily accessible, leading to inefficiencies in stock management and manufacturing, as distributors and manufacturers need to predict and stock multiple types of UPS systems with different operational capabilities under a single product number.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless configuration system for UPS operational parameters using a radio-frequency circuit, processor, and memory, allowing configuration via radio-frequency signals, enabling the use of a single type of UPS to be stocked and manufactured under a single product number, with encryption for security, and allowing configuration while the UPS is in its original packaging or installed in a difficult-to-access location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple UPS systems with different operational capabilities are stocked under a single product number, then stock management complexity is reduced, but configuration difficulty increases when systems are not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual configuration methods (physical access required) with wireless radio-frequency configuration. The radio-frequency circuit receives configuration data wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical access to configuration ports or interfaces, thereby solving the contradiction between simplified stock management and configuration accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radio-frequency circuit as an intermediary between the configuration source and the UPS system. This intermediary enables configuration data to be transmitted wirelessly to the UPS, resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining the benefit of unified product number management.
2Productivity
If UPS systems are configured manually with physical access, then configuration security is maintained, but configuration efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes wireless radio-frequency communication for manual physical configuration. This increases productivity by allowing configuration without physical access, while security is maintained through encrypted configuration data transmission and authentication protocols in the radio-frequency communication system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers produce UPS systems with highest operational level, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables operational parameter changes after manufacturing through wireless configuration. Manufacturers can produce UPS systems with standardized high-capacity components, then use radio-frequency configuration to adjust operational parameters (such as maximum power output, current limits, or operational modes) to match specific customer requirements, thereby avoiding the cost of manufacturing multiple hardware variants while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system includes a processor, an input coupled to an AC power source to receive input AC power, a converter circuit coupled to the input and configured to convert an input AC voltage to a DC voltage, an energy-storage component, a load output configured to provide output power derived from the DC voltage, and a radio-frequency circuit configured to receive a radio-frequency signal. The radio-frequency circuit includes an antenna and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive configuration data including a first UPS identifier from a component of the radio-frequency circuit. The instructions further cause the processor to compare the first UPS identifier to a second UPS identifier stored on a memory of the UPS system. The instructions further cause the processor to configure operation of the UPS system based on the configuration data.