Adapter Blocks for Rack-Mounted Equipment Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equipment modules designed for standard racks often lack space for mounting bracket slides, making it difficult and inconvenient to install multiple modules, especially in space-restricted carrier packs.
Innovation Solution
The use of adapter blocks mounted to the rack rails, which allow equipment modules with spring-loaded latches to be securely attached without traditional mounting slides, enabling easy installation of carrier packs with multiple modules into standard racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting bracket slides are used to attach equipment modules to racks, then the modules can be securely mounted, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming, especially in space-restricted carrier packs where there is no room for mounting slides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional mounting bracket slides from the equipment module design and extracts the mounting function to a separate adapter block that attaches to the rack. This allows the module itself to remain simple while the mounting capability is provided by the adapter block with posts that receive spring-loaded latches.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter block serves as an intermediary component between the rack and the equipment module. It provides the mounting interface with posts and receives spring-loaded latches from the module, enabling secure attachment without requiring mounting slides on the module itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If equipment modules are designed with mounting bracket slides, then they can be attached to standard racks, but the modules require more space that is not available in dense carrier pack configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting functionality is extracted from the equipment module and placed in a separate adapter block. This allows the module to be compact without mounting slides while the adapter block provides the necessary attachment interface to standard racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter block provides universal mounting capability by attaching to standard rack rails and providing a standardized interface with posts that accept spring-loaded latches. This single adapter block design can be used with various equipment modules to enable rack mounting.
3Productivity
If multiple equipment modules are installed in a carrier pack with space restrictions, then the rack density increases, but the installation process becomes difficult without mounting slides
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latches on the equipment modules automatically engage with the posts on the adapter blocks during insertion. This self-servicing mechanism allows modules to be quickly attached without requiring manual manipulation of mounting slides or complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter block with posts serves as an intermediary that simplifies the installation process. The posts provide clear engagement points for the spring-loaded latches, enabling quick and easy attachment of multiple modules to the rack through the carrier pack.
Data Source
AI summary
Equipment racks, methods of installing equipment modules into equipment racks, and adaptor blocks for installing equipment modules into equipment racks are disclosed. In some examples, an equipment rack includes first and second rack rails and a carrier pack mounted to the first and second rack rails. The carrier pack includes first and second pack rails, each pack rail having a plurality of spaced apart mounting holes. The carrier pack includes first and second adapter blocks mounted to the first and second pack rails using the spaced apart mounting holes. Each of the first and second adapter blocks includes at least one post. The carrier pack includes an equipment module mounted to the first and second adapter blocks. The equipment module includes first and second spring loaded latches attached to the posts of the first and second adapter blocks.