Cabinet Air Dam Enclosure for Vertical RU Space Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in maximizing the utilization of available space within cabinets due to limited rack unit (RU) capacity, necessitating alternative and often unsuitable installation methods like mounting equipment above cabinets.
Innovation Solution
A cabinet frame with vertically oriented equipment rails and air dam enclosures that create additional RU space by aligning holes between equipment rails, allowing for the installation of enclosures and accessories like laptop trays and storage trays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If equipment is mounted above cabinets to maximize floor space utilization, then floor space utilization is improved, but installation suitability and operational accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional horizontal rack unit orientation into a vertical orientation by installing equipment rails vertically on cabinet sides and positioning rack units in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows additional equipment to be mounted within the cabinet's vertical space rather than requiring horizontal floor space or unsafe aerial mounting, thereby resolving the contradiction between space utilization and operational suitability
2Area of stationary object
If all rack units within a cabinet are exhausted to maximize space utilization, then space utilization is improved, but the need for additional cabinets increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates additional rack units by utilizing the vertical dimension within the existing cabinet structure. By mounting equipment rails vertically on cabinet sides and installing rack units in the vertical space between top and bottom beams, the system effectively adds new rack units without requiring additional horizontal cabinets, thus avoiding increased device complexity while maintaining high space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests additional rack units within the existing cabinet structure by utilizing the vertical space between structural beams and the horizontal space between front and back beams. The air dam enclosures are nested within the cabinet frame, and equipment rails are mounted on existing vertical posts, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space without adding external complexity
3Quantity of substance
If equipment rails are installed to create vertical pathways for additional rack units, then rack unit capacity is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment rails serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for mounting equipment, create vertical pathways for additional rack units, and integrate with the existing cabinet frame structure. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to simultaneously increase rack unit capacity while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the equipment rail structure with the existing cabinet vertical posts and beams. The equipment rails are secured to the frame's vertical posts, and air dam enclosures connect front and back equipment rails, creating an integrated structure that combines support, routing, and enclosure functions into a unified system rather than separate components
4Quantity of substance
If air dam enclosures are installed in vertical pathways between equipment rails, then additional RU space is created, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air dam enclosure system is segmented into modular components: front equipment rails, back equipment rails, vertical equipment rails, and air dam enclosures. Each component can be manufactured independently and then assembled by securing them to the cabinet frame and connecting them through the vertical pathways, simplifying the manufacturing process while creating additional RU space
Data Source
AI summary
A cabinet defined by a frame with front vertical posts, back vertical posts, and front to back beams extending from the front vertical posts to the back vertical posts. Equipment rails are secured to the frame at the front and the back of the cabinet. The equipment rails include vertically orientated holes extending there through. The vertically orientated hole in one of the front equipment rails is aligned with the vertically orientated hole in one of the back equipment rails to create a pathway between the vertically orientated holes. An enclosure is installed in the pathway between the aligned vertically orientated holes thereby connecting the front equipment rail to the back equipment rail.