Patent Description:
These telecommunications devices may include and/or provide power connection points to which high-power connecters are installed and/or removed. For example, an administrator may install and/or attach a high-power Direct Current (DC) connector to a connection point on a telecommunications device. Later, the administrator may remove and/or detach the high-power DC connector from the connection point while electric current is flowing. Unfortunately, by removing and/or detaching the high-power DC connector while electric current is flowing, the administrator may create a situation that results in electrical arcing between the high-power DC connector and the connection point on the telecommunications device.

Such arcing may pose and/or present a risk of damage to the telecommunications device, a risk of fire, a risk of electrocution and/or burns to the administrator, and/or a risk of damage to the reputation and/or brand of the manufacturer of the telecommunications device. The instant disclosure, therefore, identifies and addresses a need for apparatuses, systems, and methods for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. Document <CIT> discloses a connector including a housing, a terminal housed in the housing and configured to contact a terminal of another connector, a pivoting part pivotably housed in the housing, wherein a contact part configured to contact the housing of the other connector is formed at a first end of the pivoting part and a pressing part configured to press the terminal of the connector is formed at a second end of the pivoting part, and a spring that urges the pivoting part. In connecting the connector to the other connector, the housing of the other connector contacts the contact part to pivot the pivoting part in a first direction to have the pressing part press the terminal of the connector toward the terminal of the other connector. Document <CIT> discloses an interface system, which may be used to connect an electrical device to an electrical bus. The interface system may include a first end and a second end in electrical communication with the first end. Where the interface system is used to connect an electrical device to an electrical bus, the first end may be connected to the electrical bus and the second end may be connected to the electrical device. The interface system may also include a reverse current blocking circuit configured to block current from flowing from the second end to the first end. Additionally, the interface system may include a discharge circuit electrically connected between the first end and the second end for discharging the blocked current. Document <CIT> discloses an inserting connector connected to a receiving connector, the receiving connector being configured to electrically connect an electric power source and an electric apparatus receiving an electric power supply from the electric power source, the inserting connector being connected to the electric apparatus, the inserting connector includes two electric power plug terminals made of a conductor, the conductor being configured to receive the electric power supply; and a control plug terminal configured to be extended and retracted in an inserting direction. Document <CIT> discloses a power distribution device including a power outlet comprising a receptacle including an internal conductor configured to be coupled to a power source and to an external conductor inserted into the receptacle, a switch configured to provide an indication of whether the external conductor has been sufficiently inserted within the receptacle, a relay configured to form a first connection between the external conductor and the power source, a transistor configured to be coupled in parallel with the relay, to form a second connection between the external conductor and the power source, and a controller configured to determine, based on the switch, that the external conductor is being removed, in response to the external conductor being removed, control the relay to sever the first connection, and in response to opening the relay, control the transistor to sever the second connection after a predetermined delay. Document <CIT> discloses a connector provided with: a relay having a contact point where contact is established upon insertion of a plug and a DC current is fed to a plug; and a lock mechanism for joining to the relay through a magnetic force generated when the DC current is supplied to the plug, and locking the plug. The connector is able to cut off the DC current when DC power is being supplied by allowing the plug to be removed only when an arc is not generated. Document <CIT> discloses a solenoid coil connected to a DC power supply, a movable locking member driven by the solenoid coil, and a locking notch formed at a position facing the movable locking member on the blade of an insertion plug. The movable locking member is inserted into the locking notch portion when a current exceeding a specified value flows through the solenoid coil. Document <CIT> discloses a DVI circuit for generating a digital video signal in accordance with a display standard of a personal computer, etc. provided for a processor device to which an electronic endoscope is connected. On the output side of the DVI circuit, a high vision system converter which is an adapter unit is connected as arbitrarily attached and removed using a connector. In the processor device, when the fixed state of a fixing screw is detected by a detection switch, and it is determined that the power supply line connected using a connector to the high vision system converter is in the energized state, a live line processing circuit activates a signal line of the connector. Thus, the adapter unit can be attached and removed without turning off the processor device. Document <CIT> discloses an EMR containment system coupling an EMR contained computer chassis and a wide band video monitor includes three plastic fiber optic cables terminated in a plug at each end. The computer chassis includes a socket having an electrically conductive surface in which three cylindrical fiber optic wave guides are positioned, each having at least a <NUM>/<NUM> ratio of length to diameter. Optical diodes are positioned at the end of each wave guide for coupling wide band R, G and B video and sync signals to and from the fiber cables when the plugs are seated within the sockets. A microswitch communicates with the rear of one of the sockets and is physically operable by a removable actuator carried by the mating plug for selecting between monochrome and color monitors.

Various optional embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the example embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the example embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The present disclosure describes various apparatuses, systems, and methods for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As will be explained in greater detail below, embodiments of the instant disclosure may prevent and/or eliminate dangerous situations in which arcing occurs between high-power DC connectors and connection points on telecommunications devices. By doing so, these embodiments may mitigate various risks that result from such arching, including fire, electrocution or burns, damage to equipment, and/or damage to the reputation and/or brand of the equipment manufacturer.

The following will provide, with reference to <FIG>, detailed descriptions of example components, apparatuses, systems, configurations, and/or implementations for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. In addition, the discussion corresponding to <FIG> will provide a detailed description of an example method for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing.

<FIG> illustrates an example apparatus <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG>, apparatus <NUM> may include and/or represent a power enclosure <NUM>, a power connector <NUM>, a power switch <NUM>, a power cable <NUM>, and/or a power supply module <NUM>. In some examples, power enclosure <NUM> may be electrically coupled to power supply module <NUM>. In such examples, power connector <NUM> may be electrically coupled to power cable <NUM>, which facilitates carrying electric current to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, power connector <NUM> may be dimensioned to mate with power enclosure <NUM>.

In some examples, power switch <NUM> may be electrically coupled to power enclosure <NUM>. In such examples, power switch <NUM> may be configured and/or designed to be engaged by a feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM> while power connector <NUM> is fully mated with and/or to power enclosure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, when engaged by feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM> may enable electric current to flow from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>.

In some examples, power enclosure <NUM> and/or power connector <NUM> may include and/or represent a female power receptacle and/or housing designed to accept and/or interface with a male power connector. Additionally or alternatively, power enclosure <NUM> and/or power connector <NUM> may include and/or represent a male power connector designed to accept and/or interface with a female power connector. In one example, power enclosure <NUM> and/or power connector <NUM> may be designed and/or fitted to mate and/or interface with one another.

In some examples, power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or power supply module <NUM> may each include and/or contain certain electrically conductive layers and/or traces. Such conductive layers and/or traces may include and/or represent electrically conductive materials. Examples of such electrically conductive materials include, without limitation, copper, aluminum, silver, gold, metals, alloys of one or more of the same, combinations or variations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable materials.

In some examples, power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or power supply module <NUM> may each also include and/or contain certain non-conductive and/or insulative materials. Examples of such non-conductive and/or insulative materials include, without limitation, plastics, ceramics, polymers, composites, rubbers, dielectrics, combinations or variations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable materials.

In some examples, power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or power supply module <NUM> may include and/or contain electrically conductive materials designed and/or intended to carry, transfer, and/or deliver electric current from power cable <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM>. In such examples, the electric current carried, transferred, and/or delivered by those conductive materials may be direct current or alternating current. In one example, the electric current may be guided and/or directed toward power supply module <NUM> by certain non-conductive and/or insulative materials included and/or contained in power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or power supply module <NUM>.

Power switch <NUM> includes a plate and may include an electronic switch, an electronic plate, and/or a button. In such examples, when engaged by feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM> may cause power enclosure <NUM> to allow and/or enable the flow of electric current carried by power cable <NUM> to reach power supply module <NUM> via power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, when engaged by feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM> may effectively close a circuit that enables the flow of electric current from power cable <NUM> to reach power supply module <NUM> via power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM>. By doing so, power switch <NUM> may prevent and/or protect against electrical arcing as power connector <NUM> is inserted and/or installed into power enclosure <NUM>.

In contrast, when not engaged by feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM> may cause power enclosure <NUM> to disallow, disable, and/or prevent electric current from flowing from power cable <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power connector <NUM> and/or power enclosure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, when not engaged by feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM> may effectively open a circuit that disables the flow of electric current from power cable <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power connector <NUM> and/or power enclosure <NUM>. By doing so, power switch <NUM> may prevent and/or protect against electrical arcing as power connector <NUM> is removed and/or uninstalled from power enclosure <NUM>.

Feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM> includes and/or represents at least one screw that interfaces and/or makes contact with power switch <NUM>, thereby engaging power switch <NUM> to facilitate the flow of electric current across power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or power supply module <NUM>. For example, feature <NUM> may include and/or represent a thumb screw whose tip engages power switch <NUM> once power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM> are fully and/or properly mated together. Additional examples of feature <NUM> include, without limitation, latches, members, pegs, pins, arms, bolts, screws, fasteners, combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable features.

In some examples, a full and/or proper mating between power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM> may involve and/or entail securely fastening one to the other and/or limiting any gaps and/or space between the conductive features incorporated into power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM>. Accordingly, such a full and/or proper mating between power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM> may mitigate, eliminate, and/or prevent the possibility of high-power arcing.

Continuing with this example, the thumb screw may be dimensioned such that its tip is unable to reach and/or engage power switch <NUM> unless power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM> are fully and/or properly mated together. Only then, in this example, may the thumb screw engage power switch <NUM> for the purpose of activating the flow of electric current across power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or power supply module <NUM>. As a result, this configuration and/or design may mitigate various risks that result from high-power arching, including fire, electrocution or burns, damage to equipment, and/or damage to the reputation and/or brand of the equipment manufacturer.

Power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM>, feature <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or power supply module <NUM> may each include and/or form any suitable shape. In addition, power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM>, feature <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or power supply module <NUM> may be of any suitable sizes and/or dimensions.

<FIG> illustrates an example apparatus <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. Like apparatus <NUM> in <FIG>, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may include and/or represent power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or power supply module <NUM>. In some examples, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with apparatus <NUM> in <FIG>.

In some examples, power enclosure <NUM> may include and/or represent one or more electrical contacts. In such examples, power connector <NUM> may include and/or represent one or more electrical contacts that electrically couple with and/or to the electrical contacts of power enclosure <NUM>. This electrical coupling may enable electric current to flow from power cable <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM>.

In some examples, power switch <NUM> may change from an "off" state in which feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM> is not engaged to an "on" state in which feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM> is engaged. This change from the "off" state to the "on" state may occur only after power connector <NUM> has been fully and/or properly mated with and/or installed to power enclosure <NUM>. Upon changing to the "on" state, power switch <NUM> may enable, activate, and/or initiate the flow of electric current from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>. By doing so, power switch <NUM> may facilitate powering, activating, and/or energizing power supply module <NUM> safely without the possibility of electrical arcing.

In other examples, power switch <NUM> may change from an "on" state in which feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM> is engaged to an "off" state in which feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM> is not engaged. Upon changing to the "off" state, power switch <NUM> may interrupt, disable, and/or stop the flow of electric current from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM> to prevent electrical arcing as power connector <NUM> is removed and/or uninstalled from power enclosure <NUM>.

In some examples, power enclosure <NUM> may include and/or form one or more holes fitted to accept one or more features <NUM> of power connector <NUM>. For example, power enclosure <NUM> may include and/or form one or more holes fitted to accept one or more thumb screws of power connector <NUM>. In one example, power switch <NUM> may include and/or represent a plate positioned to facilitate contact with a screw of power connector <NUM> once fully mated with power enclosure <NUM>.

In some examples, the contact between the screw and the plate may cause a signal to propagate to power enclosure <NUM>. In such examples, the signal may be indicative of power connector <NUM> being fully mated with power enclosure <NUM>. In response to the signal, power enclosure <NUM> may enable electric current to flow from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>.

In some examples, the screw may effectively close a circuit via the plate while power connector <NUM> is fully mated with power enclosure <NUM>. In such examples, the closed circuit may cause power enclosure <NUM> to enable electric current to flow from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>.

In one example, power switch <NUM> may include and/or represent an electronic switch and/or button positioned to facilitate contact with a screw of power connector <NUM> once fully mated with power enclosure <NUM>. For example, the screw of power connector <NUM> may compress the electronic switch and/or button when power connector <NUM> is fully and/or properly mated with power enclosure <NUM>. In this example, the compression of the switch and/or button may cause a signal to propagate to power enclosure <NUM>. The signal may be indicative of power connector <NUM> being fully mated with power enclosure <NUM>. In response to the signal, power enclosure <NUM> may enable electric current to flow from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example apparatus <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. Like apparatus <NUM> in <FIG>, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may include and/or represent power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power switch <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or power supply module <NUM>. In some examples, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In some examples, power switch <NUM> may include, involve, and/or represent a solenoid <NUM> that locks and/or retains a screw <NUM> in place while electric current is flowing from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>. In one example, when screw <NUM> is fully locked and/or retained by solenoid <NUM>, power switch <NUM> may enable and/or activate the flow of electrical current from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, when screw <NUM> is not fully locked and/or retained by solenoid <NUM>, power switch <NUM> may disable and/or deactivate the flow of electrical current from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example apparatus <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG>, apparatus <NUM> may include and/or represent power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power supply module <NUM>, screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>), and/or solenoids <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>). In some examples, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate example apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> may include and/or represent power connector <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>). In some examples, apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate example systems <NUM> and <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, systems <NUM> and <NUM> may include and/or represent power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, power supply module <NUM>, and/or screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>). In some examples, systems <NUM> and <NUM> may also include and/or represent a computing device <NUM> that houses certain features, including power supply module <NUM> and/or power enclosure <NUM>. Systems <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>. In one example, computing device <NUM> may include and/or represent the chassis of a telecommunications device (such as a router or switch).

In one example, system <NUM> in <FIG> may demonstrate and/or represent a situation in which power connector <NUM> is currently in the processing of being installed into and/or mated with power enclosure <NUM>. In another example, system <NUM> in <FIG> may demonstrate and/or represent a situation in which power connector <NUM> is currently in the processing of being uninstalled and/or removed from power enclosure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, system <NUM> in <FIG> may demonstrate and/or represent a situation in which power connector <NUM> is fully installed into and/or mated with power enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example apparatus <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG>, apparatus <NUM> may include and/or represent power connector <NUM> electrically coupled to power cable <NUM>, which facilitates carrying electric current to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>. In some examples, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an example mechanical handle <NUM> dimensioned to couple to and/or partially cover power connector <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, mechanical handle <NUM> may be equipped with screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>). In some examples, mechanical handle <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

In some examples, mechanical handle <NUM> may facilitate retrofitting apparatus <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, and/or power cable <NUM> for protecting against high-power arcing. In one example, mechanical handle <NUM> may attach and/or couple to power connector <NUM> via one or more screws, fasteners, and/or adhesives.

Mechanical handle <NUM> may include and/or form any suitable shape to facilitate and/or achieve the desired retrofitting. In addition, mechanical handle <NUM> may be of any suitable sizes and/or dimensions to facilitate and/or achieve the desired retrofitting.

Mechanical handle <NUM> may include and/or contain any of a variety of materials. Examples of such materials include, without limitation, plastics, ceramics, polymers, composites, rubbers, metals, combinations or variations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable materials.

<FIG> illustrates an example apparatus <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG>, apparatus <NUM> may include and/or represent power connector <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, mechanical handle <NUM>, and/or screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>). In some examples, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>. In one example, mechanical handle <NUM> may be coupled and/or attached to power connector <NUM>. In this example, screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>) may secure power connector <NUM> to power enclosure <NUM> and/or engage one or more power switches electrically coupled to power enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example apparatus <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG>, apparatus <NUM> may include and/or represent power enclosure <NUM> coupled to and/or incorporated in power supply module <NUM>. In some examples, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>. In one example, power supply module <NUM> may include and/or contain electronic plates <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>) positioned to facilitate contact with screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>), respectively, of power connector <NUM> once fully mated with power enclosure <NUM>.

In some examples, the contact between screw <NUM>(<NUM>) and electronic plate <NUM>(<NUM>) may cause a signal to propagate to power enclosure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the contact between screw <NUM>(<NUM>) and electronic plate <NUM>(<NUM>) may cause a signal to propagate to power enclosure <NUM>. In one example, the signal may be indicative of power connector <NUM> being fully mated with power enclosure <NUM>. In response to the signal, power enclosure <NUM> may enable electric current to flow from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example apparatus <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG>, apparatus <NUM> may include and/or represent power enclosure <NUM> coupled to and/or incorporated in power supply module <NUM> of computing device <NUM>. In some examples, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>. In one example, computing device <NUM>, power supply module <NUM>, and/or power enclosure <NUM> may include and/or form holes <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>) fitted to accept screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>) to secure power connector <NUM> to power enclosure <NUM> and/or to enable the flow of electric current from power connector <NUM> to power supply <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example locking assembly <NUM> designed and/or configured to lock power connector <NUM> in place when fully and/or properly mated to power enclosure <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, locking assembly <NUM> may include and/or incorporate locking solenoids <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>). In some examples, locking assembly <NUM> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

In some examples, locking assembly <NUM> may secure and/or lock power connector <NUM> in place by latching onto screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>) via locking solenoids <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>), respectively. In one example, locking assembly <NUM> may facilitate retrofitting all or portions of apparatus <NUM> or <NUM> for protecting against high-power arcing. In this example, locking assembly <NUM> may be attached and/or coupled to power supply module <NUM> atop power enclosure <NUM> via one or more screws, fasteners, and/or adhesives. In this position, locking assembly <NUM> may be able to use locking solenoids <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>) to secure screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>), respectively, to ensure a full and/or proper mating between power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM>.

Locking assembly <NUM> may include and/or form any suitable shape to facilitate and/or achieve the desired retrofitting. In addition, locking assembly <NUM> may be of any suitable sizes and/or dimensions to facilitate and/or achieve the desired retrofitting.

Locking assembly <NUM> may include and/or contain any of a variety of materials. Examples of such materials include, without limitation, plastics, ceramics, polymers, composites, rubbers, metals, combinations or variations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable materials.

<FIG> illustrates an example apparatus <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG>, apparatus <NUM> may include and/or represent power enclosure <NUM> coupled to and/or incorporated in power supply module <NUM> of computing device <NUM>. In some examples, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate example systems <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG>, systems <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include and/or represent power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power supply module <NUM>, screws <NUM>(<NUM>) and <NUM>(<NUM>), and/or locking assembly <NUM>. In some examples, systems <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

In one example, system <NUM> may demonstrate and/or represent a situation in which screw <NUM>(<NUM>) of power connector <NUM> has yet to be tightened and/or secured to power enclosure <NUM>. In another example, system <NUM> may demonstrate and/or a situation in which screw <NUM>(<NUM>) of power connector <NUM> is currently in the processing of being tightened and/or rotated with respect to power enclosure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, system <NUM> may demonstrate and/or represent a situation in which screw <NUM>(<NUM>) of power connector <NUM> has been fully tightened and/or secured to power enclosure <NUM>. As a result, power connector <NUM> may be been fully and/or properly installed and/or mated to power enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example mechanical handle <NUM> dimensioned to couples to and/or partially cover power connector <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, mechanical handle <NUM> may be equipped with a latch <NUM>. In some examples, mechanical handle <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrates example apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> may include and/or represent power connector <NUM>, power cable <NUM>, and/or mechanical handle <NUM> with latch <NUM>. In some examples, apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>. In one example, mechanical handle <NUM> may be coupled and/or attached to power connector <NUM>. In this example, latch <NUM> may secure power connector <NUM> to power enclosure <NUM> and/or engage one or more power switches electrically coupled to power enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example apparatus <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG>, apparatus <NUM> may include and/or represent power enclosure <NUM> coupled to and/or incorporated in power supply module <NUM>. In some examples, apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an example locking assembly <NUM> designed and/or configured to lock power connector <NUM> in place when fully and/or properly mated to power enclosure <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, locking assembly <NUM> may include and/or incorporate a locking solenoid <NUM>. In some examples, locking assembly <NUM> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

In some examples, locking assembly <NUM> may secure and/or lock power connector <NUM> in place by way of latch <NUM> of mechanical handle <NUM>. In one example, locking assembly <NUM> may facilitate retrofitting all or portions of apparatus <NUM> for protecting against high-power arcing. In this example, locking assembly <NUM> may be attached and/or coupled to power supply module <NUM> atop power enclosure <NUM> via one or more screws, fasteners, and/or adhesives. In this position, locking assembly <NUM> may be able to use locking solenoid <NUM> to secure latch <NUM> to ensure a full and/or proper mating between power connector <NUM> and power enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate example systems <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, systems <NUM> and <NUM> may include and/or represent power enclosure <NUM>, power connector <NUM>, power supply module <NUM>, mechanical handle <NUM>, and/or locking assembly <NUM>. In some examples, systems <NUM> and <NUM> may implement and/or incorporate any of the technologies, configurations, designs, components, and/or features described above in connection with the apparatuses illustrated in <FIG>.

In one example, system <NUM> may demonstrate and/or represent a situation in which latch <NUM> of mechanical handle <NUM> has yet to reach locking solenoid <NUM> as power connector <NUM> is installed into and/or mated with power enclosure <NUM>. In another example, system <NUM> may demonstrate and/or represent a situation in which latch <NUM> of mechanical handle <NUM> has left locking solenoid <NUM> as power connector <NUM> is uninstalled and/or mated from power enclosure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, system <NUM> may demonstrate and/or represent a situation in which latch <NUM> of mechanical handle <NUM> is fully engaged with locking solenoid <NUM> and power connector <NUM> is fully and/or properly mated with power enclosure <NUM>.

The various apparatuses and/or systems disclosed herein may include and/or represent circuitry and/or processing devices that are not expressly illustrated and/or labelled in <FIG>. For example, any of the apparatuses and/or systems disclosed herein may include and/or represent a physical processing device that detects and/or determines whether or not power switch <NUM> is engaged by feature <NUM> of power connector <NUM>. In one example, if the processing device detects that power switch <NUM> is so engaged, the processing device may cause and/or direct power enclosure <NUM> to close a circuit that enables the flow of electric current from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, if the processing device detects that power switch <NUM> is not so engaged, the processing device may cause and/or direct power enclosure <NUM> to open the circuit to disable the flow of electric current from power connector <NUM> to power supply module <NUM> via power enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of an example method <NUM> for protecting power connectors against high-power arcing. Method <NUM> may include the step of electrically coupling a power enclosure to a power supply module of a computing device (<NUM>). Step <NUM> may be performed in a variety of ways, including any of those described above in connection with <FIG>. For example, a computing equipment manufacturer or subcontractor may manufacture a power supply module for a network device (such as a router or switch). In this example, as part of the manufacturing process, the computing equipment manufacturer or subcontractor may electrically couple a power enclosure to the power supply module of the network device.

Method <NUM> may also include the step of electrically coupling at least one power switch to the power enclosure, the power switch being configured for engagement by at least one feature of the power connector while the power connector is fully mated with the power enclosure (<NUM>). Step <NUM> may be performed in a variety of ways, including any of those described above in connection with <FIG>. For example, as part of the manufacturing process, the computing equipment manufacturer or subcontractor may electrically couple at least one power switch to the power enclosure. In this example, the power switch may be configured for engagement by at least one feature of the power connector while the power connector is fully mated with the power enclosure.

As a result, when engaged by the feature of the power connector, the power switch may enable electric current to flow from the power connector to the power supply module via the power enclosure (<NUM>(A)). In contrast, when not engaged by the feature of the power connector, the power switch may prevent electric current from flowing to the power supply module via the power enclosure (<NUM>(B)).

Therefore, from one perspective, there has been described an apparatus that includes a power enclosure electrically coupled to a power supply module of a computing device, a power connector that is electrically coupled to a power cable that facilitates carrying electric current to the power supply module via the power enclosure and is dimensioned to mate with the power enclosure, and at least one power switch that is electrically coupled to the power enclosure, is configured to be engaged by at least one feature of the power connector while the power connector is fully mated with the power enclosure, and when engaged by the feature of the power connector, enables electric current to flow from the power connector to the power supply module via the power enclosure.

While the foregoing disclosure sets forth various embodiments using specific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples, each block diagram component, flowchart step, operation, and/or component described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented, individually and/or collectively, using a wide range of hardware, software, or firmware (or any combination thereof) configurations. In addition, any disclosure of components contained within other components should be considered as being by way of example in nature since many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality.

The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired.

The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the example embodiments disclosed herein. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of invention as defined in the appended claims. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims in determining the scope of the instant disclosure.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a power enclosure (<NUM>) electrically coupled to a power supply module (<NUM>) of a computing device;
a power connector (<NUM>) that:
is electrically coupled to a power cable (<NUM>) configured to carry electric current to the power supply module via the power enclosure; and is dimensioned to mate with the power enclosure; and
at least one power switch (<NUM>) that:
is electrically coupled to the power enclosure;
is configured to be engaged by at least one feature (<NUM>) of the power connector while the power connector is fully mated with the power enclosure; and
when engaged by the feature of the power connector, enables electric current to flow from the power connector to the power supply module via the power enclosure; characterised in that:
the feature of the power connector includes at least one screw (<NUM>);
the power enclosure includes at least one screw hole fitted to accept the screw;
the power switch comprises a plate (<NUM>(<NUM>), <NUM>(<NUM>)) positioned to contact the screw of the power connector when the power connector is fully mated with the power enclosure;
the contact between the screw and the plate causes a signal indicative of the power connector being fully mated with the power enclosure to propagate to the power enclosure; and
in response to the signal, the power enclosure enables the electric current to flow from the power connector to the power supply module via the power enclosure.