Power distribution module form factor

• US 8,737,076 B2
• Filed: 03/26/2010
• Issued: 05/27/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Amphenol Network Solutions, Inc. (Amphenol Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Telect Incorporated (Amphenol Corporation)
• Inventors: Wright, Randolph Stanton, Reeder, Larry O'Neal
• Primary Examiner(s): HAUGHTON, ANTHONY MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US12/748,174
• Publication Number:
  US 20100290605A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,523 Days
• Field of Search: 361/643, 361/652, 361/724, 361/725, 361/726, 361/727
• US Class Current: 361/724
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/189 Power distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H02B 1/26 Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/03 Power distribution arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/04 Frames or mounting racks for selector switches; Accessories therefor, e.g. frame cover
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/155 characterised by connection features
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/00 Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or adjusting assemblages of electric components
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0004 comprising several parts forming a closed casing
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1461 Slidable card holders; Card stiffeners; Control or display means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/18 Construction of rack or frame
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/20945 Thermal management, e.g. inverter temperature control
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49117 Conductor or circuit manufacturing

Abstract

A modular form factor power module system with monitoring and control functions is disclosed. The power module system is configured to power, monitor and/or control telecommunications equipment at the circuit level.

Claims

1. A telecommunications equipment power module system comprising:

a rack unit with a connection interface configured to couple to a power source and a unit of telecommunications equipment; and

a power module configured to mount in the rack unit, the power module comprising;

a wired connection configured to selectively couple with the connection interface;

a switch configured to couple with the wired connection and controllably connect and disconnect power between the power source and the unit of telecommunication equipment; and

a monitor configured to monitor power that the unit of telecommunications equipment consumes from the power source.

2. The module system of claim 1, wherein the connection interface is further coupled to a controller which is in connection with the switch.

3. The module system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to direct the switch to control connection of power from the power source to the unit of telecommunications equipment based on detection of a trip event.

4. The module system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to direct the switch to disconnect power from the power source to the unit of telecommunications equipment based on detection of a predetermined number of times a circuit breaker is tripped.

5. The module system of claim 2, wherein the power module further houses the controller.

6. The module system of claim 1, the power module further comprising a power distribution block.

7. The module system of claim 1, wherein the rack unit has dimensions of two rack units (2 U).

8. The module system of claim 1, wherein the power module system is enclosed within a telecommunications equipment enclosure.

9. The module system of claim 8, wherein the telecommunications equipment enclosure comprises:

an internal divider configured to substantially separate a first area of the enclosure from a second area of the enclosure;

an access panel configured to allow access to the first area and the second area, the access panel comprising a sub-panel configured to allow access to the first area while preventing access to the second area;

a first lock configured to secure the access panel; and

a second lock different than the first lock, the second lock configured to secure the sub-panel.

10. The module system of claim 1, wherein the monitor comprises a shunt.

11. The module system of claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a circuit contactor.

12. A telecommunications equipment power module comprising:

a modular enclosure configured to mount in a space of one rack unit (RU) to five rack units (RU) of a rack, the modular enclosure comprising;

a wired connection configured to selectively couple with a connection interface attached to the rack, the connection interface configured to couple with a unit of telecommunications equipment and a power source;

a controllable switch configured to couple with the wired connection; and

a monitor configured to monitor power that the unit of telecommunications equipment consumes from the power source.

13. The module of claim 12, wherein the wired connection is also coupled to a controller which is in connection with the switch.

14. The module of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to direct the switch to control connection of power from the power source to the unit of telecommunications equipment based on detection of a trip event.

15. The module of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to direct the switch to disconnect power from the power source to the unit of telecommunications equipment based on detection of a predetermined number of times a circuit breaker is tripped.

16. The module of claim 12, wherein the modular enclosure is enclosed within a telecommunications equipment enclosure.

17. The module of claim 12, the modular enclosure further comprising a power distribution block.

18. The module of claim 12, wherein the monitor comprises a shunt.

19. The module of claim 12, wherein the switch comprises a circuit contactor.

20. The module of claim 12, wherein the modular enclosure is sized to fit in a one rack unit (1 U) space.

21. The module of claim 12, wherein the modular enclosure is sized to fit in a two rack unit (2 U) space.

22. A telecommunications equipment power module system comprising:

a rack unit with a connection interface configured to couple to a power source and a unit of telecommunications equipment;

a power module configured to mount in the rack unit, the power module comprising;

a wired connection configured to selectively couple with the connection interface;

a switch configured to couple with the wired connection; and

a monitor configured to monitor power that the unit of telecommunications equipment consumes from the power source, and

a weather proof enclosure enclosing the rack unit and the power module, and having a door configured to cover and seal an opening of the weather proof enclosure with a sealing material.