Adjustable Modular Rack for Flexible Server Footprint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing equipment racks are inflexible and require modification to accommodate different server sizes, leading to inefficiencies in deployment and reconfiguration.

Innovation Solution

A modular rack design that allows for adjustable size structures, enabling reconfiguration between different sizes and accommodating various server depths without the need for re-racking or re-cabling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed-size rack structure is used, then manufacturing and deployment are simplified, but adaptability to different server sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different server sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rack structure is divided into modular components including adjustable horizontal rails, vertical rails with multiple mounting positions, and interchangeable backplates. These segmented elements can be reconfigured to accommodate different server depths and rack sizes without requiring complete rack replacement or complex modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rack structure is made adjustable for different sizes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack size adaptabilityVSAvoidrack structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable rails and mounting structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable position adjustment for different server depths, and accommodate various rack configurations (19-inch, 23-inch, custom sizes). This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized rack types while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rack incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable horizontal rails, adjustable vertical positions, and interchangeable backplates that can be modified during deployment. These dynamic features allow the rack to adapt to changing requirements without requiring complete restructuring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing rack deployments are modified to accommodate new server sizes, then compatibility improves, but loss of time for re-racking and re-cabling occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing deploymentsVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is pre-configured with adjustable rails, multiple mounting positions, and interchangeable backplates during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for quick reconfiguration in the field without requiring time-consuming modifications, re-racking, or re-cabling operations when server sizes need to change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250120035A1Modular rack with adjustable size structures

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 ORTENZI MARK DAVID

AI summary

An equipment rack, is formed to be adjustable in width. The left side of the rack is movable relative to a right side of the rack, to increase the distance between the left side of the rack in the right side of the rack. A guide plate is tightened to hold the rack in position, thereby allowing the rack to be adjusted between different widths and held in position at those different widths. A blanking plate can be located on the top of the rack to maintain the opening in the top of the rack being the same size even when the rack is adjusted in width.