Access Floor Panel with Angled Air Passageways for Rack Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access floor systems in data centers lack efficient directional air distribution to cool IT racks effectively, as traditional grated panels are not suitable for all applications and existing directional solutions do not provide uniform cooling throughout the height of the racks.
Innovation Solution
A directional air access floor panel with a top plate featuring intermingled non-directional and directional air passageways, where directional passageways are angled at approximately 65° to direct air flow effectively across the entire height of IT racks, utilizing tabs and slots to control airflow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional grated access floor panels are used to direct air toward IT racks, then air directionality is improved, but applicability is limited and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific directional air passageways with angled tabs only in the regions where air directionality is needed, while other regions maintain simple circular openings. This allows the panel to provide directional cooling where required while maintaining simplicity and broad applicability in other areas, resolving the contradiction between directionality and versatility.
2Temperature
If air is directed only at specific areas of IT racks, then localized cooling is improved, but cooling uniformity across the entire height deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air passageways into multiple types: circular openings for general air distribution and directional openings with angled tabs for targeted cooling. By interspersing these different types of openings throughout the panel, the system achieves both localized cooling effectiveness and uniform cooling distribution across the entire height of IT racks.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the panel have different opening configurations - some areas have directional openings with 45-degree angled tabs for targeted cooling, while other areas have circular openings for omnidirectional flow. This local differentiation enables the panel to simultaneously provide focused cooling where needed and uniform cooling across the entire rack height.
3Ease of operation
If directional tabs are added to create angled air passageways, then air flow direction is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire panel complex with directional features everywhere, the patent applies directional tabs only in specific locations where air directionality is required. The majority of openings remain simple circular holes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing directional cooling functionality where needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures consistent and efficient cooling of IT racks by directing air flow evenly throughout their height, reducing air bypass and enhancing cooling efficiency while being adaptable to various structural configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of directional air passageways may be configured to direct air through the top plate at an angle of other than 90° to the top plate
Data Source
AI summary
An access floor panel is disclosed that has a top plate with a plurality of non-directional air passageways intermingled with a plurality of directional air passageways. The directional air passageways are configured to direct airflow through them at an angle to the upper surface of the top plate of other than 90°. The directional air passageways include an opening in the top plate and a tab adjacent to each opening that is at an angle with respect to top surface of the top plate of other than 90°. Due to the intermingling of the non-directional air passageways and the directional air passageways, the composite air flow direction through the non-directional air passageways and the directional air passageways is at an angle with the top plate of other than 90°.