Patent Publication Number: US-2022222388-A1

Title: Locking apparatus for securing a transceiver module

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates in general to information handling systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for securing a transceiver module, such as an optical transceiver module, from removal or theft with a locking apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. 
     An information handling system may have a network interface or other input/output (I/O) interface configured to receive an optical transceiver module (e.g., a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver or a quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) transceiver of any I/O speed). Such transceiver modules often plug into “cages” disposed on an I/O interface card, which often reside in the rear of the information handling system. Fiber optic cables (such as Multi-Fiber Push On or “MPO”) may couple to optical transceiver modules in order to facilitate networked communication. 
     When a transceiver module is inserted into a transceiver slot on a switch or other information handling system, a transceiver slot latch may hold the transceiver module firmly in the slot. A transceiver release latch on the transceiver may remain flush with a side of the transceiver module until a release lever of the transceiver release latch is activated (e.g., by a user). When the release lever is activated, a retention force that mechanically maintains the transceiver module within the transceiver slot may decrease, thus permitting removal of the transceiver module. 
     However, the ease of removal of such transceiver modules may render them easy targets of theft. A transceiver module may be removed from a switch within seconds, and their size (e.g., the size of a human finger or smaller) may allow a thief to hide multiple transceiver modules at once on his or her person. Such transceiver modules may also be costly, ranging from $2,000 to $30,000 at the time of filing of this application, making them attractive targets for theft and black market resale. 
     Accordingly, systems and methods to minimize the risk of theft of transceiver modules may be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with traditional transceiver modules may be reduced or eliminated. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclose, a transceiver lock insert may include a housing, a first connector housed at least partially within the housing and configured to communicatively and mechanically couple to a transceiver module, a second connector housed at least partially within the housing and configured to communicatively and mechanically couple to a cable, transmission media communicatively coupled between the first connector and the second connector and configured to communicatively couple the transceiver module to the cable, and a lock housed within the housing and configured to, when the transceiver lock insert is inserted into the transceiver module, secure the transceiver lock insert to the transceiver module to prevent access by a person to a release mechanism of the transceiver module. 
     In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclose, a method may include housing a first connector at least partially within a housing wherein the first connector is configured to communicatively and mechanically couple to a transceiver module, housing a second connector at least partially within the housing wherein the second connector is configured to communicatively and mechanically couple to a cable, communicatively coupling transmission media between the first connector and the second connector, wherein the transmission media is configured to communicatively couple the transceiver module to the cable, and housing a lock within the housing, wherein the lock is configured to, when a transceiver lock insert is inserted into the transceiver module, secure the transceiver lock insert to the transceiver module to prevent access by a person to a release mechanism of the transceiver module. 
     In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclose, an information handling system, may include a processor, a transceiver module communicatively coupled to the processor, and a transceiver lock insert, mechanically and communicatively coupled to the transceiver module. The transceiver lock insert may include a housing, a first connector housed at least partially within the housing and configured to communicatively and mechanically couple to a transceiver module, a second connector housed at least partially within the housing and configured to communicatively and mechanically couple to a cable, transmission media communicatively coupled between the first connector and the second connector and configured to communicatively couple the transceiver module to the cable, and a lock housed within the housing and configured to, when the transceiver lock insert is inserted into the transceiver module, secure the transceiver lock insert to the transceiver module to prevent access by a person to a release mechanism of the transceiver module. 
     Technical advantages of the present disclosure may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, description and claims included herein. The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory and are not restrictive of the claims set forth in this disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of selected components of an example information handling system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top plan view of selected components of an example information handling system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front elevation view of an example transceiver lock insert, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a side elevation view of an example transceiver lock insert, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a side elevation cut-away view of an example transceiver lock insert, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates insertion of an example transceiver lock insert into an optical transceiver module, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates insertion of a cable into a transceiver lock insert already inserted into an optical transceiver module, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 6A-6E  illustrate removal of an example transceiver lock insert from an optical transceiver module, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to  FIGS. 1 through 6E , wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (“CPU”) or hardware or software control logic. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more storage devices, one or more communications ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input/output (“I/O”) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communication between the various hardware components. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory; as well as communications media such as wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of the foregoing. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, information handling resources may broadly refer to any component system, device or apparatus of an information handling system, including without limitation processors, service processors, basic input/output systems (BIOSs), buses, memories, I/O devices and/or interfaces, storage resources, network interfaces, motherboards, and/or any other components and/or elements of an information handling system. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, circuit boards may broadly refer to printed circuit boards (PCBs), printed wiring boards (PWBs), printed wiring assemblies (PWAs) etched wiring boards, and/or any other board or similar physical structure operable to mechanically support and electrically couple electronic components (e.g., packaged integrated circuits, slot connectors, etc.). A circuit board may comprise a substrate of a plurality of conductive layers separated and supported by layers of insulating material laminated together, with conductive traces disposed on and/or in any of such conductive layers, with vias for coupling conductive traces of different layers together, and with pads for coupling electronic components (e.g., packaged integrated circuits, slot connectors, etc.) to conductive traces of the circuit board. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a functional block diagram of selected components of an example information handling system  102 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, information handling system  102  may be a personal computer (e.g., a desktop computer or a portable computer). In other embodiments, information handling system  102  may comprise a storage server for archiving data. In yet other embodiments, information handling system  102  may comprise a server. In further embodiments, information handling system  102  may comprise a network switch. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , information handling system  102  may include a processor  103 , a memory  104  communicatively coupled to processor  103 , an input/output interface  106  communicatively coupled to processor  103 , a user interface  110  communicatively coupled to processor  103 , and an optical port  112  communicatively coupled to I/O interface  106 . 
     Processor  103  may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data, and may include, without limitation, a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. In some embodiments, processor  103  may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored in memory  104 , and/or another component of information handling system  102 . 
     Memory  104  may be communicatively coupled to processor  103  and may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to retain program instructions and/or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media). Memory  104  may include random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage, or any suitable selection and/or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains data after power to its associated information handling system  102  is turned off. 
     I/O interface  106  may comprise any suitable system, apparatus, or device operable to serve as an interface between information handling system  102  and one or more other external devices. For example, in some embodiments, I/O interface  106  may comprise a network interface configured to serve as an interface between information handling system  102  and information handling systems via a network, in which case I/O interface  106  may comprise a network interface card, or “NIC.” 
     User interface  110  may comprise any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities by which a user may interact with information handling system  102 . For example, user interface  110  may permit a user to input data and/or instructions into information handling system  102 , and/or otherwise manipulate information handling system  102  and its associated components. User interface  110  may also permit information handling system  102  to communicate data to a user, e.g., by way of a display device. 
     Optical port  112  may comprise an electrical connector in the form of any suitable combination of a jack, a socket, and/or “cage” for receiving a corresponding connector of an optical transceiver module  114 . 
     Optical transceiver module  114  may include any system, device, or apparatus that houses and includes an optical transceiver configured to convert an incoming optical signal into an equivalent electrical signal, and communicate such equivalent electrical signal to I/O interface  106 , and also configured to receive an electrical signal from I/O interface  106 , convert such electrical signal into an equivalent optical signal, and communicate such optical signal as an outgoing optical signal (e.g., via an optical cable, which may be integral to the same assembly as optical transceiver module  114 ). Optical transceiver module  114  may include an SFP transceiver, a QSFP transceiver, or any other suitable form factor. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a transceiver lock insert  116  may be inserted into optical transceiver module  114 . As described in greater detail below, transceiver lock insert  116  may include a locking mechanism that may, when transceiver lock insert  116  is inserted into optical transceiver module  114 , prevent activation of a mechanical release latch securing optical transceiver module  114  to optical port  112 . Further, transceiver lock insert  116  may include connectors and an optical pass-through allowing for uninterrupted and unaltered transmission of data between a cable inserted into transceiver lock insert  116  and optical transceiver module  114 . 
     In addition to processor  103 , memory  104 , I/O interface  106 , user interface  110 , optical port  112 , optical transceiver module  114 , and transceiver lock insert  116 , information handling system  102  may include one or more other information handling resources. Such an information handling resource may include any component system, device or apparatus of an information handling system, including without limitation, a processor, bus, memory, I/O device and/or interface, storage resource (e.g., hard disk drives), network interface, electro-mechanical device (e.g., fan), display, power supply, and/or any portion thereof. An information handling resource may comprise any suitable package or form factor, including without limitation an integrated circuit package or a printed circuit board having mounted thereon one or more integrated circuits. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a top plan view of selected components of example information handling system  102 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 2  illustrates a portion of information handling system  102  having optical ports  112  each with an optical transceiver module  114  inserted therein. Each optical transceiver module  114  may include a release latch  210  that may mechanically secure an optical transceiver module  114  in a corresponding optical port  112  when such release latch is engaged.  FIG. 2  depicts the insertion of a cable  208  directly into an optical transceiver module  114 , as well as insertion of a male connector  204  of transceiver lock insert  116  into a female connector of optical transceiver module  114 , and in turn insertion of a cable  208  into a female connector  202  of transceiver lock insert  116 . As is at least somewhat shown in  FIG. 2 , presence of transceiver lock insert  116  may prevent physical access of a person to release latch  210 , thus securing optical transceiver module  114  within optical port  112 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a front elevation view of an example transceiver lock insert  116 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the front of transceiver lock insert  116  may include, in addition to female connector  202 , a lock  302  including a keyhole for insertion of a key. Using the key, a user may mechanically interact with lock  302  to translate lock  302  between a locked position in which lock  302  mechanically secures transceiver lock insert  116  to optical transceiver module  114  and an unlocked position which may allow removal of transceiver lock insert  116  from optical transceiver module  114 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a side elevation view of example transceiver lock insert  116 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 4B  illustrates a side elevation cut-away view of an example transceiver lock insert  116 , with a portion of its housing  402  removed to depict selected internal components of transceiver lock insert  116 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , transceiver lock insert  116  may include housing  402  to house various components, female connector  202 , male connector  204 , lock  302  (including lock plug  404  and lock plug hook  406 ), retention spring  408 , optical pass-through  412 , and release sleeve hoop  410  mechanically coupled to optical pass-through  412 . 
     Lock plug  404  may include a cylinder rotatably coupled to housing  402  such that lock plug  404  may be translated from the locked position to the unlocked position (and vice versa) when a key is inserted into lock  302 . In the locked position, lock plug hook  406  may engage with optical transceiver module  114  to mechanically secure transceiver lock insert  116  to optical transceiver module  114 . Further, in the unlocked position, lock plug hook  406  may mechanically engage with release sleeve hoop  410  to activate a release sleeve of transceiver lock insert  116  to release transceiver lock insert  116  from optical transceiver module  114 . 
     Retention spring  408  may comprise any suitable system, device, or apparatus mechanically coupled to lock plug  408  and configured to bias lock plug  404  to its locked position, such that lock plug  404  may be translated from the locked position to the unlocked position when a force is applied (e.g., by a user inserting a key into lock  302  and applying a suitable force) to overcome the spring force of retention spring that biases lock plug  404  into its locked position. 
     Release sleeve hoop  410  may be mechanically coupled to pass-through  412  or another structural component of transceiver lock insert  116  and may be arranged such that when lock plug hook  406  mechanically engages with release sleeve hoop  410 , a release sleeve of transceiver lock insert  116  releases transceiver lock insert  116  from optical transceiver module  114 . 
     Optical pass-through  412  may be communicatively coupled between female connector  402  and male connector  404  and may comprise optical transmission media configured to allow for uninterrupted and unaltered transmission of data between optical transceiver module  114  and a cable  208  inserted into transceiver lock insert  116 . 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates insertion of transceiver lock insert  116  into optical transceiver module  114 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5A , to insert transceiver lock insert  116  into optical transceiver module  114 , a person may engage male connector  204  to a counterpart female connector of optical transceiver module  114 , such that transceiver lock insert  116  covers and prevents access to release latch  210 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates insertion of a cable  208  into transceiver lock insert  116  already inserted into optical transceiver module  114 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5B , when transceiver lock insert  116  is inserted into optical transceiver module  114 , cable  208  may be readily inserted into transceiver lock insert  116  (e.g., by inserting a male connector of cable  208  into corresponding female connector  202  of transceiver lock insert  116 ), thus communicatively coupling cable  208  to optical transceiver module  114  via transceiver lock insert  116 , and may be readily removed from transceiver lock insert  116  when desired to decouple cable  208  from optical transceiver module  114 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6E  may chronologically illustrate removal of transceiver lock insert  116  from optical transceiver module  114 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Once transceiver lock insert  116  is locked to optical transceiver module  114 , a person may begin the process of removal of transceiver lock insert  116  from optical transceiver module  114  by inserting a key  602  associated with lock  302  into a keyhole of lock  302 , as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The person may then turn key  602 , causing rotation of lock plug  404  such that lock plug hook  406  moves from the locked position to the unlocked position and engages with release sleeve hoop  410 , as shown in  FIG. 6C . Once lock plug hook  406  engages with release sleeve hoop  410 , the person may pull outward on key  602  and/or transceiver lock insert  116  in order to remove transceiver lock insert  116  from optical transceiver module  114  as shown in  FIG. 6D . With transceiver lock insert  116  absent from optical transceiver module  114 , a person may interact with release latch  210  to disengage release latch  210 , as shown in  FIG. 6E . With release latch  210  disengaged, a person may readily remove optical transceiver module  114  from an optical port  112 . 
     Although the foregoing contemplates the use of the methods and systems disclosed herein in direct attached copper and active optical cable solutions, embodiments disclosed herein may be extended for use in unique form factors and constraints of pluggable optical transceivers. 
     Although the foregoing contemplates the use of the methods and systems disclosed herein with respect to cable-attached optical transceiver modules, the heat transfer techniques disclosed herein may be applied generally to any active device module having a heat-generating device coupled to a cable, including without limitation transceiver modules other than optical transceiver modules. 
     As used herein, when two or more elements are referred to as “coupled” to one another, such term indicates that such two or more elements are in electronic communication or mechanical communication, as applicable, whether connected indirectly or directly, with or without intervening elements. 
     This disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims encompass all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative. Accordingly, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. 
     Although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described above. 
     Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. Additionally, other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the foregoing figures and description. 
     To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.