Door module and uses thereof

In an embodiment, the present invention is an enclosure for housing electronic equipment, which includes a frame for mounting the electronic equipment, a gateway connected to the frame and in communication with a management application, a door removably mounted to the frame, the door including a plurality of door-mounted electronic devices, at least one of the door-mounted electronic devices requiring an interface that is different from at least one other of the door-mounted electronic devices, a door module attached to the door, the door module providing a plurality of interfaces wherein each of the plurality of door-mounted electronic devices is connected to one of the plurality of interfaces, and a communication link between the door module and the gateway, at least a portion of the communication link consisting of a single communication cable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

At least some embodiment of the present invention generally relate to the field of enclosure construction, and more specifically, to construction of enclosures that include removable walls (e.g., doors) with electronic devices attached thereto.

BACKGROUND

Environments such as data centers are becoming increasingly populated with electronic equipment that needs to be housed in particular enclosures. For example, thermal concerns or the need to enhance security with respect to network equipment often necessitates that this network equipment (e.g., servers, switches, patch panels, and so on) be placed in network cabinets that direct air flow in particular ways or restrict physical access by unauthorized personnel. A common approach to this is to provide network cabinets with operable doors that can be designed to affect internal air flow or to provide physical security to the equipment inside.

To enable these doors to operate accordingly, various sensors, motors, door locks, displays, or other electronic devices may need to be incorporated therein, and a communication link between the door-mounted electronic device and some management software/hardware needs to be provided. While in some cases each door-mounted device may be connected wirelessly to the gateway, this method of connectivity may not always be preferable due to reliability, security, and/or installation concerns. Furthermore, constant need for available power may pose challenges to implementing a wireless connection scheme. Conversely, a wired link may be provided between the door-mounted electronic devices and their control/management software/hardware. Such a wired connection typically includes a link between each individual door-mounted device and a gateway located inside the cabinet. However, such wired connections also have drawbacks.

To take one example, the installation of network equipment into or the removal of network equipment from the network cabinet may require a temporary removal and a subsequent reinstallation of the cabinet door. To achieve this task, essentially every door-mounted electronic device that is connected to a gateway inside of the network cabinet needs to be disconnected therefrom and later reconnected when the door is being reinstalled. With a typical network cabinet front door, this may require the disconnection and a subsequent reconnection of more than ten different electronic devises. With such a high number of disconnects and reconnects, the chances for connector damage, equipment damage due to forgetting to disconnect one of the devices, and/or incorrect reconnection, is significantly increased.

Thus, there exists a need for devices, systems, and methods for simplifying removals and/or installations of enclosure doors with electronic equipment mounted thereon.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, at least some embodiments of the present invention are directed towards devices, systems, and/or methods for simplifying removals and/or installations of enclosure doors with electronic equipment mounted thereon.

In an embodiment, the present invention is an enclosure for housing electronic equipment. The enclosure includes a frame for mounting the electronic equipment. The enclosure also includes a gateway connected to the frame and in communication with a management application. The enclosure also includes a door removably mounted to the frame, the door including a plurality of door-mounted electronic devices, at least one of the door-mounted electronic devices requiring an interface that is different from at least one other of the door-mounted electronic devices. The enclosure also includes a door module attached to the door, the door module providing a plurality of interfaces wherein each of the plurality of door-mounted electronic devices is connected to one of the plurality of interfaces. The enclosure also includes a communication link between the door module and the gateway, at least a portion of the communication link consisting of a single communication cable.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of monitoring environmental conditions inside of an enclosure having a frame and a removably mounted door, the enclosure housing electronic equipment. The method includes the steps of: (a) mounting a gateway to the frame, the gateway being in communication with a management application; (b) providing a plurality of door-mounted electronic devices, at least one of the door-mounted electronic devices requiring an interface that is different from at least one other of the door-mounted electronic devices; (c) attaching a door module to the door, the door module having a plurality of interfaces; (d) connecting each of the plurality of door-mounted electronic devices with one of the plurality of interfaces; (e) providing a communication link between the door module and the gateway, at least a portion of the communication link consisting of a single communication cable; and (f) communicating electronic data between at least some of the plurality of door-mounted electronic devices and the management application.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is an enclosure management system that includes a management application and an enclosure housing electronic equipment. The enclosure includes a frame for mounting the electronic equipment. The enclosure also includes a gateway connected to the frame and in communication with the management application. The enclosure also includes a door removably mounted to the frame, the door including a plurality of door-mounted electronic devices, at least one of the door-mounted electronic devices requiring an interface that is different from at least one other of the door-mounted electronic devices. The enclosure also includes a door module attached to the door, the door module providing a plurality of interfaces wherein each of the plurality of door-mounted electronic devices is connected to one of the plurality of interfaces. The enclosure also includes a communication link between the door module and the gateway, at least a portion of the communication link requiring only a single communication cable.

In still yet another embodiment, the present invention is an enclosure for housing electronic equipment. The enclosure includes a frame for mounting the electronic equipment. The enclosure also includes a gateway connected to the frame and in communication with a management application. The enclosure also includes a door removably mounted to the frame, the door including a plurality of door-mounted electronic devices, at least one of the door-mounted electronic devices requiring an interface that is different from at least one other of the door-mounted electronic devices. The enclosure also includes a door module attached to the door, the door module providing a plurality of interfaces wherein each of the plurality of door-mounted electronic devices is connected to one of the plurality of interfaces. The enclosure also includes a communication link between the door module and the gateway, at least a portion of the communication link consisting of a wireless connection.

In a variation of this embodiment, the door further includes a hinge having a post, the frame includes a bushing configured to receive the post therethrough and the frame further includes a post support configured to support the post, the hinge is switchable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, the engaged state causing the post to be received through the bushing and be supported by the post support, and the disengaged state causing the post to be free of the bushing and be unsupported by the post support, and electrical power for powering at least one of the door mounted electronic devices and/or the door module is passed through the post support and the post.

In another variation of this embodiment, the door is removably mounted to the frame along a portion of a first vertical frame edge and along a portion of a second vertical frame edge, the first vertical frame edge includes at least one first electrical frame contact and the second vertical frame edge includes at least one second electrical frame contact, the door further includes at least one first door contact for electrically connecting to the at least one first electrical frame contact and at least one second door contact for electrically connecting to the at least one second electrical frame contact, and electrical power for powering at least one of the door mounted electronic devices and/or the door module is passed through at least one of the at least one first door contact and the at least one second door contact.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better-understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and any claims that may follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention may be realized in accordance with the following teachings and it should be evident that various modifications and changes may be made in the following teachings without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase “door-mounted electronic device(s)” shall refer to any electronic device(s) that is mounted on a door with the exception of a door module170,470as described further in this specification.

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate an exemplary implementation of the present invention. Included therein is a network cabinet100which houses electronic equipment105and a gateway110. Gateway110can be connected to an asset management application112that can be executed on a remote system and can function as an enterprise-level application designed to monitor and manage a collection of network cabinets100. An example of an asset management application112can be found in, but is not limited to, U.S. Pat. No. 8,306,935 (Doorhy et al.) entitled “Physical Infrastructure Management System,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The network cabinet100also includes a front door115removably attached to the frame120of the cabinet100. To assist in the installation and/or removal of electronic equipment105, the front door115may be detached from the frame120enabling easier ingress/egress of the electronic equipment105.

To allow the front door115to serve as an integral part of the cabinet100, various electronic devices are mounted thereon. To restrict unauthorized access to the cabinet100, the door115includes an electronic door-lock mechanism125. The door-lock can be actuated via a remotely initiated lock/unlock command and/or authentication procedure performed by the user by direct interaction with the cabinet100. For example, the user may enter an access code on a key pad130or on a touch-screen display135, he may use a card/badge reader140to provide the necessary credentials to activate the door-lock mechanism125, or a multi-factor authentication scheme may be used where a user must submit their card/badge and, for example, enter a PIN code on the key pad to authenticate themselves to the system to gain access.

The front door115also includes a plurality of sensors which can be employed to manage environmental characteristics within the cabinet100and ensure the electronic equipment105is operating in safe conditions. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, three temperature sensors145along with a pressure sensor150and a humidity sensor155are deployed throughout various locations on the inside of the door115. The number/type/positioning of these sensors can be varied based on the design or implementation needs. In addition, any other suitable electronic devices may be deployed on the inside or outside of the door. These can include, but are not limited to, lights, illuminated logo(s), door lock(s)157, door contact sensor(s), and the like.

To enable full functionality of the various electronic devices that can be mounted on the door115, a communication link160is provided between those devices and some type of an asset/infrastructure management application executed at least partially on a computer165. The asset/infrastructure management application may be a stand-alone application or it may be a component of an enterprise-level management software such as that which would be used to manage a data center. The communication link160includes, as part thereof, the gateway110that consolidates data captured from the various electronic devices and facilitates overall communication between the door-mounted electronic devices and the asset management application, and the communication link(s) between the gateway and the door-mounted electronic devices.

To avoid individual wires between each of the door-mounted devices and the gateway, a door module170is provided on the door115. As shown in greater detail inFIG. 3, the door module170includes a plurality of input/output ports designed to be connected with the various door-mounted electronic devices. In addition, the door module170can have built-in sensors and switches for customizing certain aspects of its functionality. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the door module170includes an HID (Human Interface Device)/Keypad selector switch175, temperature sensor ports180, a standard sensor port185, a remote display port190, a door lock control port195, a card reader port200, an HID reader port205, a keypad port210, a door contact port215, an illumination assembly port220, and a gateway uplink/downlink port225. The use of the door module170allows all desired door-mounted electronic devices to be connected to a single door-mounted door module170, with a single cable230being provided between the gateway uplink/downlink port225of the door module170and the gateway110.

The advantage of this configuration becomes evident when the door115needs to be dismounted. In that event, rather than having to disconnect each door-mounted electronic device from the gateway110, only one cable230needs to be disconnected, leaving all connections between the door module170and the door-mounted electronic devices intact. A similar advantage is also present when the door115is being mounted onto the frame120. Rather than having to connect each of the door-mounted electronic devices with the gateway individually, only one cable needs to be installed. Limiting the number of connects/disconnects between the components mounted on the door115and the gateway110may reduce the amount of errors that can occur upon reconnection, increase the reliability of the communication link between the door-mounted devices and the gateway, and/or decrease the time that it takes to dismount and reinstall the door115if and when the need arises.

FIG. 4shows an exploded view of the door module170. In the currently described embodiment the door module's housing232is made up of two halves235which house a printed circuit board (PCB)240having thereon all necessary electronics and input/output ports. An exemplary set of electronic schematics employed in the design of the door module are shown inFIGS. 5A-5H. In particular,FIGS. 5AA-5AGillustrate the master schematic for the door module PCB with area245, which is shown in greater details inFIGS. 5BA-5BF, representing the schematic for the micro controller components; area250, which is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 5CA-5CF, representing the schematic for the sensor inputs; area255, which is shown in greater detail inFIG. 5D, representing the schematic for the RS485 interface; area260, which is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 5EA-5EB, representing the schematic for the RS232 display port; area265, which is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 5FA-5FG, representing the schematic for the HID interface; area270, which is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 5GA-5GB, represents the schematic for the power supply; and area273, which is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 5HA-5HE, represents the schematic for the matrix keypad connection.

FIG. 6illustrates a further modification to the embodiment described above wherein a second door module275is installed on a rear door280of the network cabinet100. The second door module275can be used and connected to the gateway110in the same way as the first door module170, allowing the rear door280to be dismounted and/or reinstalled without having to disconnect each of the door-mounted electronic devices from the gateway110individually.

FIG. 7illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this case, rather than providing a direct single-cable connection230from the door module170to the gateway, an intermediate device is positioned between the door module and the gateway. The intermediate device285is mounted on the frame120and can take a form of a patch panel, a PCB enclosed by a housing, or any other suitable design that is within the grasp of one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. To retain the feature of having only one communication cable extending between the door and the frame of the cabinet, the door module170is linked to the intermediate device285via a single cable290. While in the currently described embodiment the cable290is shown as an RJ45 cable, alternative embodiments (seeFIG. 9for an example) can use other types of communication cables. The embodiment ofFIG. 7may be more advantageous in situations where the gateway295is incapable of de-multiplexing the multiplexed signal generated by the door module170. To address this, the intermediate device285can include de-multiplexing hardware/firmware that can extract the originally multiplexed signals, and channel them to appropriate gateway inputs via its own set of interfaces300and respective cables303. The same can be said about signals that are being transmitted from the gateway295to the door module170. In situations where the gateway295is incapable of multiplexing multiple signals for transmission over a single cable, the intermediate device285handles the multiplexing before transmitting the multiplexed signal over the cable290.

FIG. 8illustrates how the embodiment ofFIG. 7can be used on both front and rear doors115,280when employing a first and a second door modules170,275in conjunction with a first and a second intermediate device285,305. Note that the second intermediate device305may be designed in the same/similar manner as the first intermediate device285and can be mounted at a convenient location on the cabinet frame120(e.g., rear of the cabinet frame).

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 9. Whereas in the previously described embodiment the door module170included hardware/firmware that would enable signals communicated between the door-mounted electronic devices and the gateway to be transmitted via a single twisted-pair communication cable for at least a portion of that distance, the embodiment shown inFIG. 9relies on a pass-through configuration. Rather than multiplexing and de-multiplexing signals, the door module310does not condition any of the signals transmitted between the connector315and the various ports that connect to the door-mounted electronic devices. The same may hold true for the intermediate device325, where the signals transmitted between the connector330and the various ports335are not conditioned. Connectors315,330may be D-type serial connectors and may be connected via a single D-type serial cable340. Reducing the amount of electronics and complexity may increase reliability and reduce costs.

In yet another configuration, door module310and the intermediate device325may combine the use of multiplexing/de-multiplexing for some door-mounted electronic devices with straight-through communication for some other door-mounted electronic devices.

Referring now toFIGS. 10 and 11, shown therein is a network cabinet400configured according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to cabinet100, cabinet400houses electronic equipment405along with a gateway410, and includes a door415removably mounted on the cabinet's frame420. The door415has a plurality of electronic devices mounted thereon, including, but not limited to, an electronic door-lock mechanism425, a key pad430, a touch-screen display435, a card/badge reader440, temperature sensors445, a pressure sensor450, and a humidity sensor455.

In addition, attached to the door415is a door module470. The construction of the door module470may be similar to that of the door module170. Likewise, the interaction between the door module470and the door-mounted electronic devices can be similar to that of the door module170in that a wired connection is provided between each of the door-mounted electronic devices and the door module470. However, unlike the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the door module's communication link to the gateway includes a wireless component430, essentially eliminating the need for the cable230.

The advantage of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 10 and 11is that the door415may be removed from/installed onto the cabinet frame420without having to manually disconnect/connect any communication cables while simultaneously maintaining a wired link between all the door-mounted electronic devices and the door module470. This configuration can be especially preferred where wired door-mounted electronic devices are favored, yet a relatively simple door removal/installation solution is desired.

In one configuration, a direct wireless communication link may be established between the door module470and the gateway410. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 12, an intermediate device485may be a part of that communication link. The intermediate device485may act as a wireless transceiver communicating wirelessly with the door module470and communicating via wired connection(s)490with the gateway410. The intermediate device485may be necessary in situations where the gateway lacks wireless communication capabilities. The wireless communication between the door module470and the corresponding hardware (e.g., gateway, intermediate device, etc.) may be implemented through, for example, 802.11 or Bluetooth compatible hardware.

While in the embodiment ofFIGS. 10 and 11the door-mounted electronic devices and the door module can rely on batteries for their required supply of power, other configurations may also be desired.FIGS. 13A-13Fshown an embodiment of the cabinet500where the door-mounted electronic devices and/or the door module are supplied with power via an electrical connection provided through one or more hinges505. As shown in greater detail inFIGS. 13B-13D, the door515is connected to the frame520of the cabinet500by a hinge505. More specifically, the hinge505, which is attached to the door515, includes an actuatable post525which is shown to be in an extended/engaged position. The post525extends through the bushing530and rests on a post support535, both of which are elements of the frame. As used herein, the term “bushing” refers to both any types of a sleeve (as is commonly understood by those skilled in the art) and any type of an aperture that may be adapted for the stated purpose (e.g., a hole in a portion of the frame). This configuration allows the door515to be supported (on the bottom portion thereof) and pivotally secured in every corner that a hinge is present.

To enable an electrical source to pass from the frame to the door, complementary conductors are provided in the post525and the post support535. In the currently described embodiment, the complementary conductors are shown as a male pin540positioned within the post525and a female socket545positioned within the post support535. Both the pin540and the socket545can be insulated from the respective post and post support housing components, and may conduct electricity at various voltages and amperages. In one example, the voltage is less than or equal to 48 volts DC and amperage is less than or equal to 1 Amp. The socket545can be connected to a power source via a wire547, and the pin540can be connected to any of the door-mounted electronic devices, the door module, and/or any power conditioning/distributing circuit mounted on the door that will then direct the power to any of the electronic components on the door (including the door module) via a wire548.

To ensure a robust electrical connection, the pin540can be biased toward the socket545via a spring549installed inside of the post525. Since in this configuration the pin can be pushed back into the post upon encountering an obstacle, the pin to be designed with a length that is longer than the socket's545depth. This will allow the pin to fully penetrate the socket and retract upon reaching the socket's end without causing damage to said pin. This may also prove advantageous if the door515is removed from the cabinet500and positioned in a location where the post525along with the pin540are rested on the floor. Allowing the pin540to retract into the post525may prevent damage that would be otherwise caused by the weight of the door515.

FIGS. 13E and 13Fillustrate the hinge505disengaged from the frame520. In this position, the post525along with the pin540are moved away from the post support535and the socket545. The post and the pin retract enough to clear the bushing530allowing the respective portion of the door515where the hinge505is attached to no longer be restrained by the frame520. Simultaneously, the electrical bond between the pin540and the socket545is broken.

The configuration shown inFIGS. 13A-13Fprovides an easily disconnectable wired power link between the door515and the frame520. The connection and disconnection of the power link is integrally linked with the locking/engaging and unlocking/disengaging of the hinge505, respectively. This allows a user to engage or disengage the power connectivity seamlessly with the actions required to open/close/mount/dismount the door515. As a result, when the power supply arrangement shown inFIGS. 13A-13Fis combined with a wireless door module570(seeFIG. 13A), the cabinet door may be removed from or installed onto the cabinet frame without having to manually disconnect or connect additional wires and/or cables. In other words, the door may be removed or installed solely by engaging or disengaging the door hinges.

The configuration ofFIGS. 13A-13Fmay also be advantageous when used with dual-hinge doors which can be opened from either side (seeFIG. 13A). These designs prevent one from running a cable between the door and the frame along one side of the cabinet because the door may be swung open from either the left or the right. Thus, a power link arranged within both the left and the right side hinge(s) can provide power to the door regardless of which side of said door is disengaged from the cabinet.

Alternative embodiments of conducting electricity from the cabinet frame to the cabinet door may include wireless power transmission elements positioned along the edges of the frame and corresponding edges of the door, permitting electrical energy to be wirelessly transferred from the frame to the door. In other embodiments, as shown inFIG. 14a complementary combination of pad contacts and/or wiping/brushing contacts605,610may be provided on the frame620and the door615of the cabinet600. This configuration enables electricity to flow from a source located in the frame620, through the contacts605,610, and into the door module670. Preferably these complementary contact are positioned along both vertical sides where the door615abuts the frame620. In this case, regardless of which side the cabinet door is opened from, at least one set of complementary contacts positioned on one of the sides remains in electrical contact. Furthermore, having either the wiping/brushing contacts of the corresponding contact pads wrap around the edge of the door can allow the complementary contacts to remain in electrical continuity while the door615pivots.

Note that while this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, these embodiments are non-limiting (regardless of whether they have been labeled as exemplary or not), and there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. Additionally, the described embodiments should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, and should instead be understood as potentially combinable if such combinations are permissive. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that claims that may follow be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.