Protective cabinet with angled deflection bracket for uninterruptible power supplies and the like

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cabinet structures for electronic devices and, in the preferred embodiments to an improved cabinet for an uninterruptible power supply that provides power to, e.g., critical equipment.

[0002] The following description sets forth the inventor's knowledge of related art and problems therein and should not be construed as an admission of knowledge in the prior art.

[0003] Protective cabinets can be used in a variety of applications, and are typically used to house sensitive components that could be damaged if exposed to the outside environment. For example, protective cabinets can house uninterruptible power supplies, audio/video equipment, computing devices, mechanical equipment, biological equipment, etc.

[0004] In the context of, e.g., an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), the device typically provides power to critical equipment that cannot experience any interruption in service. A UPS is typically used in circumstances where even a short duration brownout or blackout is unacceptable. Examples of such critical equipment include, e.g., computer servers, computer networks, telecommunication electronics, medical devices, security networks, and the like. An uninterruptable power supply makes regulated power available to the critical equipment regardless of the status of the power supply from the power grid.

[0005] In a conventional uninterruptible power supply, the components of the UPS are housed in a protective cabinet (typically, comprising a metallic material). The metal cabinet protects the circuitry and other components of the UPS from damage or debris.

[0006] The UPS, including its protective cabinet, can be positioned in a power sub-station in a building to receive uninterruptible power. The UPS is usually connected to a battery bank, generator, AC power line, etc. In order to connect the UPS to the respective input/output lines, knockout plates, located in the protective cabinet can be used to gain access to the UPS. The knockout plates can be located at the top of the protective cabinet. These knockout plates are created and removed so as to allow the installation of cables to the UPS through the knocked out holes.

[0007] However, when these knockout plates are created and removed, debris can be generated, such as metal shavings, which can fall below into the sensitive UPS electronic components (or other electrical or mechanical components) underneath the knockout plates. If any of the falling debris lands on the UPS componentry, there is a risk that the debris will cause a short circuit, potentially causing serious damage and harm to the UPS and it surrounding environment. As a large amount of current can be flowing through the UPS, any short circuit in the UPS can be very dangerous.

[0008] According to some preferred embodiments, in order to prevent debris from entering the protective cabinet and the critical equipment housed within the cabinet, an angled deflection bracket can be placed within the protective cabinet, over the equipment to be protected.

[0009] In some embodiments, the protective cabinet can have an angled deflection bracket, the angled deflection bracket can include a first surface for catching falling debris, wherein said first surface is attached to an uninterruptible power supply, wherein said first surface is positioned at such an angle so as to make the debris impacting it, slide downward along its surface and reach a second surface configured to stop said sliding debris, wherein said second surface is attached to said first surface by a first corner.

[0010] Further, the protective cabinet with an angled deflection bracket can further include a third surface attached to the first surface by a second corner. In some embodiments, the angled deflection bracket can have an angle between about 5° and 75°. However, in more preferred embodiments, the angled deflection bracket can have an angle between about 10° and 55°. And, in more preferred embodiments, the angled deflection bracket can have an angle between about 15° and 35°. And, in more preferred embodiments, the angled deflection bracket can have an angle between about 20° and 30°. In an illustrative embodiment, the angled deflection bracket can have an angle of about 25°.

[0011] In some embodiments, the protective cabinet and the angled deflection bracket can be made from plastic or metal or any other suitable material.

[0012] The angled deflection bracket can be used in a protective cabinet by removing knock out plates on the protective cabinet, collecting any fallen debris that is caught by the angled deflection bracket and removing said debris.

[0013] The above and/or other aspects, features and/or advantages of various embodiments will be further appreciated in view of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Various embodiments can include and/or exclude different aspects, features and/or advantages where applicable. In addition, various embodiments can combine one or more aspect or feature of other embodiments where applicable. The descriptions of aspects, features and/or advantages of particular embodiments should not be construed as limiting other embodiments or the claims.

[0023] While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, the illustrative embodiments are described herein with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as providing examples of the principles of the invention and that such examples are not intended to limit the invention to preferred embodiments described herein and/or illustrated herein.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a protective cabinet 20 with an angled deflection bracket 10 located below openings 2. Angled deflection bracket 10 has a first surface 10a which is designed to catch any debris falling into the protective cabinet 20, and prevent it from reaching the circuitry or critical components within protective cabinet 20. For example, when openings 2 are created by punching or cutting holes through the top surface of protective cabinet 20, in order to install connection cables to the equipment located in protective cabinet 20 for example, debris can fall into protective cabinet 20 during this procedure. Further, during the installation of cables through the knocked out openings, the cable and its shielding can rub against the top surface of protective cabinet 20, creating further debris. These pieces of debris, such as small metallic shavings, can disrupt or even short-circuit any circuitry located in protective cabinet 20.

[0025] In order to prevent any debris from falling into protective cabinet 20, angled deflection bracket 10 can be installed below the openings 2. Angled deflection bracket 10 acts as a physical barrier to catch and prevent any debris from falling into the lower part 6 of protective cabinet 20. Angled deflection bracket 10 can be installed in the upper part 4 of protective cabinet 20, or lower part 6. Angled deflection bracket 10 can be installed at an angle so that when debris impacts first surface 10a, it slides down the surface. The contact friction force of the debris particles and the first surface 10a is less than the gravitational force exerted on the particle or debris. Thus, the particles slide down first surface 10a.

[0026] The first surface 10a is designed to facilitate the movement of debris particles downward and into debris collection portion 10d. Debris collection portion 10d is formed where a second surface 10b joins first surface 10a. Second surface 10b acts as a stop for any debris sliding down first surface 10a.

[0027] Second surface 10b may be aligned vertically with respect to the front of protective cabinet 20, or at any angle which stops debris from continuing to slide down angled deflection bracket 10.

[0028] Third surface 10c, is located at the back of angled deflection bracket 10 and can attach to the back of protective cabinet 20. Third surface 10c can be vertical in order to be aligned with the outside surface of protective cabinet 20.

[0029] Angled deflection bracket 10 can be mounted at an angle such that when debris impacts it, the debris slides down the first surface 10a and comes to rest at collection portion 10d. Angle 12, as shown in FIG. 1, is the angle at which the angled deflection bracket is positioned with respective to a horizontal plane in the protective cabinet 20. Angle 12 can be any angle which promotes the debris sliding to the collection area 10d of the angled deflection bracket 10. For example, angle 12 can be between 5° and 75°. More preferably, angle 12 can be between 10° and 55°. More preferably, angle 12 can be between 15° and 35°. More preferably, angle 12 can be between 20° and 30°. More preferably, angle 12 can be 25°.

[0030] Angled deflection bracket 10 can be made from any rigid material, particularly metal or plastic. Preferably, angled deflection bracket 10 can be made from Lexan®, or any other suitable polycarbonate polymer. Further, protective cabinet 20 can be made from any rigid material including plastic or metal.

[0031] Angled deflection bracket 10 can be positioned within protective cabinet 20 in a variety of ways. For example, angled deflection bracket 10 could be positioned using screws or bolts to fasten it to protective cabinet 20. Further, angled deflection bracket 10 could also be held in place with pegs or notches. Still further, angled deflection bracket 10 could also be positioned with glue, epoxy or welding, or any other way known to those of skill in the art.

[0032] Angled deflection bracket 10 can be installed within the protective cabinet 20, in the upper part 4 or lower part 6, before openings 2 are created. Once protective cabinet 20 is positioned in the appropriate location, (i.e. where a UPS or other device can be connected to incoming AC power, battery power, etc.) openings 2 can be created, allowing the installation of cables through the openings created by the knocked out plates in protective cabinet 20.

[0033] Openings 2 are usually not created up until this point in order to keep the inside of protective cabinet 20 as clean and contaminate free as possible.

[0034] When openings 2 are created and cables are installed to the protective cabinet 20, this can lead to debris falling into the lower part 6 of protective cabinet 20, potentially causing damage to any sensitive components located within. However, with the installation of angled deflection bracket 10 in the upper part 4 of protective cabinet 20, debris can be collected at the collection portion 10d of angled deflection bracket 10. Debris can be physically removed, for example with a vacuum device or by hand.

[0035] Once the debris is removed from collection portion 10, angled deflection bracket 10 may be left in the protective cabinet 20, or may itself be removed from protective cabinet 20 if desired.

[0036] FIG. 2A shows a plan view of angled deflection bracket 10. First surface 10a is shown. FIG. 2B shows an elevation view of angled deflection bracket 10, with second surface 10b located at the top of the figure. FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of angled deflection bracket 10. As shown in FIG. 2C, first surface 10a is connected to second surface 10b and third surface 10c.

[0037] FIG. 2D shows a side view of angled deflection bracket 10. As shown in FIG. 2D, first surface 10a is connected to second surface 10b and third surface 10c. Collection portion 10d is shown where first surface 10a and second surface 10b meet. Angle 12 is shown adjacent to collection portion 10d.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2D, second surface 10b and third surface 10c are parallel to each, in this embodiment. This is so that the second surface 10b and third surface 10c line up and are parallel with the outside of protective cabinet 20. However, these surfaces do not have to be parallel with each other or with protective cabinet 20.

[0039] Angled deflection bracket 10 can have any dimensions which allow the bracket to fit within protective cabinet 20.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a protective cabinet 20 which houses an uninterruptible power supply 1. Angled deflection bracket 10 is positioned in upper part 4 of protective cabinet 20. (See also, FIG. 1.) Openings 2 are also shown. Further, FIG. 3 also shows knockout plate 5. Knockout plate 5 can be removed and openings 2 can be cut into knockout plate 5. As indicated earlier, angled deflection bracket 10 catches any debris, falling through openings 2.

[0041] The caught falling debris then slides down first surface 10a and comes to rest at debris collection portion 10d (as shown in FIG. 1), located at the front of protective cabinet 20. The collected debris can then easily be removed by a user without having to reach into the protective cabinet 20. Furthermore, angled deflection bracket 10 can be removed if desired, once the fallen debris has been collected, or can remain in the protective cabinet 20 to catch any additional debris which might fall into the unit.

[0042] FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of the protective cabinet 20 with an opening 2 for a fan exhaust and a knockout plate 5. The knockout plate 5 can be removed in order to make it easier to punch out openings 2. As shown in FIB. 4B, openings 2 have been created in knockout plate 5.

[0043] While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the present invention is not limited to the various preferred embodiments described herein, but includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the present disclosure. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term “preferably” is non-exclusive and means “preferably, but not limited to.” In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; b) a corresponding function is expressly recited; and c) structure, material or acts that support that structure are not recited. In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, the terminology “present invention” or “invention” may be used as a reference to one or more aspect within the present disclosure. The language present invention or invention should not be improperly interpreted as an identification of criticality, should not be improperly interpreted as applying across all aspects or embodiments (i.e., it should be understood that the present invention has a number of aspects and embodiments), and should not be improperly interpreted as limiting the scope of the application or claims. In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, the terminology “embodiment” can be used to describe any aspect, feature, process or step, any combination thereof, and/or any portion thereof, etc. In some examples, various embodiments may include overlapping features. In this disclosure, the following abbreviated terminology may be employed: “e.g.” which means “for example.”