Adjustable Rack Mounting Structure for Direct Equipment Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server racks face difficulties in accommodating equipment of varying sizes due to fixed dimensions, leading to instability and inefficient space utilization when equipment depths differ from the rack's capacity.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure with an adjustable depth feature, incorporating a plate with fins and a positioning structure that includes a guiding slot and locking member, allowing for flexible adjustment of equipment placement and connection via connectors, along with horizontal and vertical calibration devices for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size rack is used to mount equipment, then the rack structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate equipment of varying sizes and leads to unstable mounting when equipment depth exceeds rack depth
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure employs adjustable positioning structures that can be moved along the support arm to different locations, transforming the fixed mounting approach into a dynamic, adaptable system. This allows the same mounting structure to accommodate equipment of varying sizes by repositioning the mounting components along the support arm's length.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is divided into separable components including the support arm, positioning structure, and mounting components. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component's position and function, enabling the structure to adapt to different equipment sizes while maintaining overall stability.
2Productivity
If equipment of varying depths is mounted in a fixed-size rack, then space utilization is inefficient, but adding adjustable mechanisms increases structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm and positioning structure serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable position adjustment, and facilitate secure mounting of equipment with different depth requirements. This multi-functionality maximizes space utilization without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each adjustment task.
3Length of stationary object
If the rack depth is increased to accommodate larger equipment, then larger equipment can be mounted, but smaller equipment cannot be properly connected due to excessive depth space
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a fixed increased depth, the positioning structure can be dynamically adjusted along the support arm to match the actual equipment depth. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal connection stability for both smaller and larger equipment without requiring the rack to accommodate the maximum possible depth.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting structure for mounting two pieces of equipment to a U shaped support arm structure of an equipment rack. The mounting structure includes an affixing structure supported by the support arm structure and a positioning structure affixed to the affixing structure at an adjustable position to define an adjustable size of the mounting structure. The first piece of equipment (e.g. a monitor) is mounted on the support arm structure, and is fixedly connected to one end of the mounting structure. The second piece of equipment (e.g. a KVM switch) is supported by the affixing structure. The positioning structure is fixedly connecting to the second piece of equipment near the other end of the mounting structure. Horizontal and vertical calibration devices help align the two pieces of equipment to enable two connectors of the two pieces of equipment to directly connect with each other without using a cable.