Biometric reader enclosure

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of modular data center technology, more specifically to the structural area of data centers, such as biometric reader enclosures that are embedded in the walls of modular data center system structures. The present document proposes the development of a biometric reader enclosure capable of being installed under adverse weather conditions and providing protection against external environmental factors, while ensuring the security and full operational functionality of the biometric reader. Among the principal advantages of the biometric reader enclosure are its mechanical resistance and structural rigidity, which, in addition to ensuring sealing against the ingress of water, dust, and other environmental conditions, prevent unauthorized access to the interior of the modular data center system and provide resistance to forced-entry attempts and vandalism.

Description

Biometric reader box FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This innovation belongs to the field of Mechanical Engineering, specifically in its modular infrastructure technology aspect, more specifically, in a biometric reader box developed to be installed in modular data center system structures, but the invention is not limited to this single field, since this product can be applied in the most diverse technological areas of Engineering. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The demand for data storage and control has become increasingly important for all segments of industries, companies, offices, shopping malls, businesses, and even leisure environments; all the technology applied in these solutions relies on a data center to operate.

[0003] Data centers are installed in environments with very specific characteristics in order to guarantee their performance and avoid failures that could jeopardize the operation of the modular data center system. These characteristics include access control to each of the rooms that make up the modular data center system.

[0004] In addition to security features for accessing the rooms, in order to guarantee the internal security of the modular data center system, it is necessary to ensure the robustness of the developed solution. That is, the structure used in the biometric reader box of the rooms, within the modular data center system, needs to be protected against various weather conditions, such as dust, rain, sun, and other elements. Furthermore, this solution must be secure enough to prevent the possibility of forced entry or intrusion by unauthorized individuals.

[0005] Aiming to obtain a solution that resolves the technical problem listed above with all its adversities, this document developed the biometric reader box, with sufficient security to protect each room of the modular data center system against the most adverse weather conditions, in addition to being a secure solution against any type of break-in or attempted entry by unauthorized persons. The solution was designed to allow the use of the biometric reader box in outdoor areas, directly exposed to the elements, such as sun, rain, dust, and strong winds, without risk of causing any damage to the biometric reader or the internal parts of the modular data center system.

[0006] Several solutions have been developed seeking to optimize and improve data centers, given the extensive use of this equipment.

[0007] Aiming at a solution for an identifier, in 2022, patent application BR 202022026354-5 proposed a multifunctional device with facial biometrics functions, among others. This solution uses an ABS plastic housing, which is not weather-resistant, and has all cables exposed, which also does not meet the security scope. The solution in this document differs from the scope of the patent application described above, since it requires protection against weathering and use in outdoor environments exposed to the elements, in order to keep the biometric reader, used in the modular data center system rooms, isolated from contact with the outside area and without wiring exposed to the outside area.

[0008] The patent family FR3103942, with a priority date of 03.12.2019, includes patent application BR 10 2020 024422-1, entitled “BIOMETRIC INSPECTION DEVICE WITH INTEGRITY VERIFICATION, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD”, which proposes a biometric inspection device with a housing and an acquisition interface. This solution differs from the scope developed in this document, which aims to guarantee the protection and security of the biometric reader, ensuring the safety of the room where the biometric reader box is installed. Furthermore, this solution is weather-resistant.

[0009] In 2015, patent application BR 20 2015 009677-7 proposed a constructive arrangement applied to a biometric lock, which is used in furniture. Although it has a biometric reader, the solution described in the patent application differs from the developed solution, since it does not have weather protection, so that it can be installed in outdoor environments.

[0010] In short, none of the documents available in the state of the art proposed the development of a biometric reader housing capable of guaranteeing security, protection against water, dust or contaminants, through a robust and meticulously developed housing to ensure all these requirements.

[0011] To develop the biometric reader housing for the modular data center system rooms, it was necessary to develop specific components, which will be detailed in this document. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present innovation aims to develop a biometric reader housing capable of protecting the biometric reader from any adverse weather conditions.

[0013] The solution also aims to ensure the safety and integrity of the environment in which the biometric reader box is installed.

[0014] Furthermore, another objective of the developed innovation is to ensure the robust insulation of the biometric reader housing from the external environment.

[0015] The developed biometric reader housing is a modular solution, therefore it has the versatility to be installed in a wide variety of structures, used in diverse fields of application, as long as they have the demand for protection, security, impermeability, weather resistance and other characteristics of the developed biometric reader housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] In order to facilitate understanding of the biometric reader housing developed in the present invention, and its application in a modular data center system, this patent includes the following figures:

[0017] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the modular system.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the first configurable variant of the modular system.

[0019] Figure 3 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the electrical room of the modular system, shown in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 4 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the data room assembled with the cooling room of the modular system, shown in Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 5 shows an enlarged front view of the data room assembled with the cooling room of the modular system, shown in Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 6 shows an enlarged right side view of the data room assembled with the cooling room of the modular system, shown in Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 7 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the biometric reader box isolated from the assembly in the rooms, of the modular system.

[0024] Figure 8 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the biometric reader box isolated from the assembly in the rooms, of the modular system.

[0025] Figure 9 shows an enlarged front view of the biometric reader box, isolated from the assembly in the rooms, of the modular system.

[0026] Figure 10 shows an enlarged front view of the biometric reader box, isolated from the assembly in the rooms, of the modular system.

[0027] Figure 11 shows an enlarged rear view of the biometric reader box, isolated from the modular system's mounting in the rooms.

[0028] Figure 12 shows an enlarged right side view of the biometric reader box, isolated from the modular system's mounting in the rooms.

[0029] Figure 13 shows an enlarged left side view of the biometric reader box, isolated from the modular system's mounting in the rooms.

[0030] Figure 14 shows an enlarged top view of the biometric reader box, isolated from the modular system's mounting in the rooms.

[0031] Figure 15 shows an enlarged bottom view of the biometric reader box isolated from the assembly in the rooms, of the modular system.

[0032] Figure 16 illustrates an enlarged front perspective view of the biometric reader box isolated from the assembly in the rooms, of the modular system. In Figure 16, the components of the biometric reader box are shown in exploded view.

[0033] Figure 17 illustrates an enlarged, front perspective view of the isolated box of the biometric reader assembly.

[0034] Figure 18 illustrates an enlarged front view of the isolated box of the biometric reader assembly.

[0035] Figure 19 illustrates an enlarged rear view of the isolated housing of the biometric reader assembly.

[0036] Figure 20 illustrates an enlarged top view of the isolated box of the biometric reader assembly.

[0037] Figure 21 illustrates an enlarged left side view of the isolated box of the biometric reader assembly.

[0038] Figure 22 illustrates an enlarged front perspective view of the isolated cover of the biometric reader housing assembly.

[0039] Figure 23 illustrates an enlarged front view of the isolated cover of the biometric reader housing assembly.

[0040] Figure 24 illustrates an enlarged rear view of the isolated cover of the biometric reader housing assembly.

[0041] Figure 25 illustrates an enlarged left side view of the isolated cover of the biometric reader housing assembly.

[0042] Figure 26 illustrates an enlarged, front perspective view of the isolated, closed assembly of the biometric reader housing.

[0043] Figure 27 illustrates an enlarged front view of the isolated closure of the biometric reader housing assembly.

[0044] Figure 28 illustrates an enlarged front perspective view of the isolated magnetic closure of the biometric reader housing assembly.

[0045] Figure 29 illustrates an enlarged front perspective view of the isolated hinge of the biometric reader housing assembly.

[0046] Figure 30 illustrates an enlarged front perspective view of the isolated support for the biometric reader housing assembly.

[0047] Figure 31 illustrates an enlarged front view of the isolated support for mounting the biometric reader housing.

[0048] Figure 32 illustrates an enlarged front perspective view of the isolated mounting bracket for the biometric reader housing.

[0049] Figure 33 illustrates an enlarged front view of the isolated mounting bracket for the biometric reader housing. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The biometric reader housing developed in the present invention aims to solve the technical problem of access control solutions that are deteriorated by the elements and that do not provide the security and protection required by the modular data center system, in order to guarantee the protection and integrity of the rooms.

[0051] Another problem with the current state of the art concerns the physical security of the solution. Because the equipment is expensive and stores customer data on computer equipment, it is extremely important that the biometric reader enclosure addresses the technical problem of lack of protection against break-ins and unauthorized access to the environment. In other words, the solution must be robust enough to prevent break-ins or theft attempts, among other problems related to the security of the environment.

[0052] In order to show how the solution is used in the structure of a modular data center system, Figure 1 presents a front perspective view of the modular data center system. In this view, it is possible to visualize the data room, the cooling room, the electrical room, and the redundant electrical rooms. Figure 1 also indicates the orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z. The X-axis indicates the longitudinal direction of the structures, a dimension also known as the length of the structures; the Z-axis indicates the transverse direction of the structures, a dimension also known as the width of the structures; and finally, the Y-axis indicates the direction parallel to the height of the structures.

[0053] The previous perspective view, illustrated in Figure 2, shows another configuration for a modular data center system, which consists of two data rooms, two cooling rooms, one electrical room and two redundant electrical rooms, and a telecommunications room, which is not visible in this figure. Other alternative configurations can be used, since one electrical room and two redundant electrical rooms can accommodate different numbers of data rooms, potentially up to 12 data rooms, depending on the total capacity required by the modular data center system.

[0054] The previous perspective view, shown in Figure 3, depicts the electrical room, preferably used in a modular data center system, with the biometric reader box mounted in the room. Figure 3 shows how the biometric reader box is mounted on the room's structure and comes into contact with the external area.

[0055] Figure 4 shows a front perspective view of another data room configuration assembled with a cooling room, in which the developed biometric reader box is also used, and in this case, the biometric reader box is also in contact with the external area.

[0056] Figure 5 shows an enlarged front view of the data room configuration assembled with the electrical room, which was shown in Figure 4. Also in Figure 5, the biometric reader box, mounted on the wall next to the access door of the cooling room, of the modular system shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, is identified with its respective numerical reference.

[0057] The enlarged right side view, illustrated in Figure 6, shows the data room assembled with the cooling room of the modular system, presented in Figure 1. Figure 5 identifies, with its respective numerical reference, the biometric reader box, which is mounted on the wall next to the access door of the data room, of the modular data center system. In this view, it is possible to visualize the face of the biometric reader box that is in contact with the external environment of the room where the biometric reader box is installed. This is why there are no exposed mounting points or wiring on this face, so as not to allow access to such mounting points and wiring from the outside environment, in order to guarantee the security and protection of the room, of the modular data center system.

[0058] Figure 7 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the biometric reader housing isolated from the modular system's mounting in the rooms. Figure 7 shows how the cover and closure protect and isolate the biometric reader from contact with the external environment.

[0059] The enlarged, previous perspective view illustrated in Figure 8 shows the biometric reader box isolated from the modular system's room mounting. Figure 8 is projected diagonally opposite to that of Figure 7 to allow visualization of the details. Also in Figure 8, the lid and closure are in the open position, in which the biometric reader is accessible. In this view, it is possible to see the hinges that allow articulation of the opening and closing movement of the lid and the closure. Figure 8 also shows the magnetic latch, which is responsible for keeping the biometric reader box closed through magnetic contact with the mounting bracket, which acts as a magnetic lock for the biometric reader box.

[0060] The enlarged front view, illustrated in Figure 9, shows the biometric reader housing, isolated from the modular system assembly in the room. Also in Figure 9, the door and lock are in the closed position, meaning the biometric reader is protected from contact with the external environment.

[0061] The enlarged front view, illustrated in Figure 10, shows the biometric reader box, isolated from the assembly in the modular system room. Also in Figure 10, the door and lock are in the open position, that is, when the biometric reader is available for the user to register their access to the room of the modular data center system.

[0062] The enlarged rear view, illustrated in Figure 11, shows the biometric reader box, isolated from the assembly in the modular system room. Figure 11 shows the openings through which the cables are passed to the interior of the room where the biometric reader box is mounted. Figure 11 also shows the fastening elements used to mount the support inside the box.

[0063] The enlarged right side view shown in Figure 12 depicts the biometric reader housing, isolated from the modular system assembly in the room. On the left side of Figure 12, the two sets of fasteners used to secure the hinges at the top and bottom of the housing can be seen, and at the far left of Figure 12, the side of the handle can be seen.

[0064] The enlarged left side view shown in Figure 13 depicts the biometric reader housing, isolated from the modular system assembly in the room. On the left side of Figure 13, the set of fasteners used to mount the mounting bracket on the housing can be seen.

[0065] The enlarged top view shown in Figure 14 and the enlarged bottom view shown in Figure 15 show the isolated biometric reader box from the modular system assembly in the room.

[0066] The enlarged front perspective view, illustrated in Figure 16, shows the biometric reader box, isolated from the assembly in the modular system room. In Figure 16, the components of the biometric reader box are shown in exploded view to allow visualization of the mounting interfaces between each component. Also in Figure 16, all components have been identified with their respective numerical references.

[0067] The enlarged front perspective view, illustrated in Figure 17, shows the isolated box of the biometric reader assembly, which is used in the modular system rooms. On the left of this view, it is possible to see the two holes used for mounting the fixing bracket on the box. In the center of the view, it is possible to partially see the opening used for passing the cables and wiring from the biometric reader into the room of the modular data center system.

[0068] The enlarged front view, illustrated in Figure 18, and the enlarged rear view, illustrated in Figure 19, show the isolated box of the biometric reader assembly used in the rooms of the modular system. In the center of the view, it is possible to see the opening used for passing the cables and wiring from the biometric reader into the room of the modular data center system.

[0069] The enlarged top view illustrated in Figure 20 and the enlarged left side view illustrated in Figure 21 show the isolated enclosure of the biometric reader housing, which is used in the modular system rooms. Figures 20 and 21 show the profile of the housing geometry, designed to protect the biometric reader.

[0070] The enlarged front perspective view, illustrated in Figure 22, shows the isolated cover of the biometric reader housing assembly, which is used in the modular system rooms. On the left of this view, the two holes used for mounting the handle on the outer face of the cover can be seen. On the right of this view, the openings used for mounting the hinges can be seen.

[0071] The enlarged front view, illustrated in Figure 23, and the enlarged rear view, illustrated in Figure 24, show the isolated cover of the biometric reader housing assembly, which is used in the modular system rooms.

[0072] The enlarged left side view shown in Figure 25 depicts the isolated cover of the biometric reader housing assembly, which is used in the modular system rooms. In the center of Figure 25 are the two holes used for mounting the magnetic closure on the cover.

[0073] The enlarged front perspective view, illustrated in Figure 26, shows the isolated closure of the biometric reader housing assembly, which is used in the modular system rooms. On the left of this view, in the central part, it is possible to see the stepped opening, which is the geometry for housing the magnetic lock. On the right of this view, it is possible to see the openings used in the hinge assembly.

[0074] The enlarged front view, illustrated in Figure 27, shows the isolated closure of the biometric reader box assembly, which is used in the modular system rooms. The holes shown in both the upper and lower parts of Figure 27 are the openings used for assembly between the closure and the cover. This assembly can be done with various types of fasteners, such as screws with nuts and washers, pins with locks, rivets, and other elements.

[0075] The enlarged front perspective view illustrated in Figure 28 shows the isolated magnetic latch of the biometric reader housing assembly, which is used in the modular system rooms. The magnetic latch is mounted on the lid to keep it closed through magnetic contact with the mounting bracket, which is installed on the housing structure.

[0076] The enlarged front perspective view, illustrated in Figure 29, shows the isolated hinge of the biometric reader housing assembly, which is used in the modular system rooms. The hinge is the element responsible for the opening and closing movement of the lid.

[0077] The enlarged front perspective view, illustrated in Figure 30, shows the isolated support for mounting the biometric reader box, which is used in the modular system rooms.

[0078] The enlarged front view, illustrated in Figure 31, shows the isolated support for mounting the biometric reader box, which is used in the modular system rooms. The support is the component that provides the mounting interface between the biometric reader and the box structure.

[0079] The enlarged front perspective view, illustrated in Figure 32, shows the isolated mounting bracket for the biometric reader box, which is used in the modular system rooms.

[0080] The enlarged front view, illustrated in Figure 33, shows the isolated mounting bracket for the biometric reader box, which is used in modular system rooms. The mounting bracket is mounted on one side of the front face of the box structure and, along with the magnetic closure, is responsible for the magnetic locking mechanism of the biometric reader box.

[0081] The biometric reader enclosure solution was developed to store the biometric reader and / or access controls in a way that makes them imperceptible, as the enclosure is recessed into the wall. This mounting method protects the equipment installed inside the enclosure from weather and vandalism, and the recessed installation also improves the structural layout of the equipment, so as not to interfere as an adjacent obstacle in the corridor, since it does not occupy space outside the module.

[0082] The innovation was developed due to the need to protect electronic equipment related to access control in data centers, which, when installed outdoors, suffer deterioration from sun and rain. The biometric reader housing has a support that can be adapted according to the installed access control model. This support, along with the housing structure, also provides security for the communication and power cables of the electronic device, since it exits from the back, inside the data center wall, protecting and eliminating external access to these cables.

[0083] The biometric access control box is secured by an electromagnetic lock, providing simple and efficient opening and closing.

[0084] The solution of using a recessed biometric reader enclosure protects the electronic components, provides a structural solution, and increases security by embedding the system's communication and power cables in the wall.

[0085] The construction of the biometric reader housing in steel also solves the issue of the integrity and security of the environment, thus hindering acts of vandalism and attempted intrusions by unauthorized individuals.

[0086] The biometric reader housing is constructed from a structural frame typically built from bent profiles or stamped sheets to form the rigid structure shown in the images. The cover and closure protect the biometric reader from direct contact with the exterior of the rooms, as the external environment of the rooms is usually exposed to the elements. If the reader were installed directly on the wall without the housing, its lifespan would be drastically reduced, as it would be in direct contact with the elements and protrude from the wall, potentially suffering damage during lifting and unloading operations.

[0087] The versatility of the biometric reader housing allows it to be mounted on panels or built directly into the room's structure, within the modular data center system.

[0088] Therefore, the biometric reader box solution contributes to protection against inclement weather, protection against vandalism, and improves the transportability of the room, since the biometric reader box is embedded within the walls of the rooms, in the modular data center system, and thus does not interfere with the lifting and unloading operations of each room.

[0089] The modular data center system (1) is preferably developed using the following components: data room (2), cooling room (3), electrical room (4), redundant electrical rooms (5) and telecommunications room (6).

[0090] The biometric reader box (10) can be used in any of the rooms of the modular data center system (1).

[0091] The biometric reader box (10) consists of the box (10.1), the cover (10.2), the closure (10.3), the handle (10.4), the magnetic closure (10.5), the screw (10.6), the washer (10.7), the nut (10.8), the screw 2 (10.9), the support (10.10), the biometric reader (10.11), the fixing support (10.12), the screw 3 (10.13), the screw 4 (10.14), the nut 2 (10.15), the washer 2 (10.16), the screw 5 (10.17), the nut 3 (10.18), the washer 3 (10.19), the hinge (10.20).

[0092] The lid (10.2) and the closure (10.3) are mounted with the hinges (10.20) on the box (10.1) using the screws 4 (10.14), the washers 3 (10.19) and the nuts 2 (10.15).

[0093] The cover (10.2) is fitted into the closure (10.3) so that this assembly is rigid, such assembly can be carried out in different ways, by welding, by applying riveting, by gluing, by using fasteners, or by any other alternative solution that guarantees the rigidity of the assembly.

[0094] The handle (10.4) is mounted on the outer face of the lid (10.2) with screw 2 (10.9).

[0095] The mounting bracket (10.12) is mounted with the screw (10.6), with the washer (10.7) and with the nut (10.8), on the box structure (10.1).

[0096] The magnetic closure (10.5) is mounted on the side of the lid (10.2) with the screw (10.6), with the washer (10.7) and with the nut (10.8).

[0097] The front face of the support (10.10) is mounted on the back face of the biometric reader (10.11) with screw 3 (10.13) and the back face of the support (10.10) is mounted on the housing structure (10.1) with screw 5 (10.17), washer 2 (10.16) and nut 3 (10.18).

[0098] The magnetic closure (10.5) is coupled to the fixing support (10.12) by magnetic contact.

[0099] The biometric reader box (10) is embedded in the wall of the modular data center system room (1), preferably, this assembly is carried out by welding the box (10.1) to the wall of the room. Alternatively, this assembly can be carried out by other processes such as using glue or adhesive, or by using fastening elements such as screws, nuts, washers, pins, rivets, or any other element that ensures the rigidity of the assembly and does not allow the solution to be disassembled from the outside of the solution, i.e., from the side that interfaces with the area outside the modular data center system room.

[0100] Alternatively, the biometric reader box (10) can be installed in any other structure or environment that requires the requirements developed for the biometric reader box (10) solution.

[0101] Alternatively, in order to increase the weather protection of the biometric reader housing solution (10), the housing (10.1), the cover (10.2) and the closure (10.3) are given an external coating to protect against corrosion and oxidation.

[0102] Alternatively, in order to increase the protection of the biometric reader housing solution (10), the housing (10.1), the cover (10.2) and the closure (10.3) are applied with an intumescent fire protection coating.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. BIOMETRIC READER BOX characterized in that the biometric reader box (10) is formed by the box (10.1), the cover (10.2), the closure (10.3), the handle (10.4), the magnetic closure (10.5), the screw (10.6), the washer (10.7), the nut (10.8), the screw 2 (10.9), the support (10.10), the biometric reader (10.11), the fixing support (10.12), the screw 3 (10.13), the screw 4 (10.14), the nut 2 (10.15), the washer 2 (10.16), the screw 5 (10.17), the nut 3 (10.18), the washer 3 (10.19), the hinge (10.20); the lid (10.2) and the closure (10.3) are mounted with the hinges (10.20) on the box (10.1) using the screws 4 (10.14), the washers 3 (10.19) and the nuts 2 (10.15); the lid (10.2) is fitted into the closure (10.3); the handle (10.4) is mounted on the outer face of the lid (10.2) with the screw 2 (10.9); the fixing bracket (10.12) is mounted with the screw (10.6), with the washer (10.7) and with the nut (10.8), in the box structure (10.1); wherein the magnetic closure (10.5) is mounted on the side of the cover (10.2) with the screw (10.6), with the washer (10.7) and with the nut (10.8); wherein the front face of the support (10.10) is mounted on the back face of the biometric reader (10.11) with screw 3 (10.13) and the back face of the support (10.10) is mounted on the box structure (10.1) with screw 5 (10.17), with washer 2 (10.16) and with nut 3 (10.18); wherein the magnetic closure (10.5) is coupled to the fixing support (10.12) by magnetic contact.

2. BIOMETRIC READER BOX, according to claim 1, characterized in that the biometric reader box (10) is embedded in the wall of the modular data center system (1); wherein the box (10.1) is welded to the wall of the modular data center system (1).

3. BIOMETRIC READER BOX, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, alternatively, the box (10.1) can be glued, or mounted with fasteners on the wall of the modular data center system (1).

4. BIOMETRIC READER BOX, according to claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, the box (10.1), the cover (10.2) and the closure (10.3) receive an external coating for protection against corrosion and oxidation.

5. BIOMETRIC READER BOX, according to claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, the box (10.1) can be manufactured with stamped sheets or bent profiles.

6. BIOMETRIC READER BOX, according to claim 1, characterized by, alternatively, an intumescent coating being applied to the internal and external surfaces of the box (10.1), the lid (10.2) and the closure (10.3), of the biometric reader box (10).

7. BIOMETRIC READER BOX, according to claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, the biometric reader box (10) can be installed in any other structure or environment.

Images