Blind Fastener Assembly for Single-Side Rack Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing equipment density in data centers leads to smaller product footprints, complicating the installation and servicing of equipment due to limited access, especially when traditional mechanisms require access to both sides.
Innovation Solution
A fastening member with a hook-shaped end and dual bores (guide and fastener) allows secure attachment from a single side, using a flexible material for the guide bore and a rigid material for the fastener bore, enabling installation and access from a restricted space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but access to both sides is required which complicates installation in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a fastening member with a guide bore and fastener bore, a fastening component, and a hook-shaped member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling single-sided access while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide bore acts as an intermediary element that directs the fastener through the fastening member and into the second component. This intermediary structure enables the fastening action to occur from a single side by providing a predefined path for the fastener, eliminating the need for direct access to both sides of the joint.
2Area of stationary object
If product footprint is reduced to increase equipment density, then space efficiency is improved, but installation and servicing access becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism transitions from a two-sided access requirement to a single-sided access solution by utilizing the depth dimension. The guide bore and fastener bore extend through the fastening member, allowing the fastening action to occur along the depth axis from one side, effectively using dimensional reconfiguration to overcome spatial constraints.
3Ease of repair
If single-sided fastening is implemented, then serviceability in tight spaces is enhanced, but precise alignment and secure attachment become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bore is pre-formed in the fastening member with precise dimensions and orientation. This preliminary preparation of the guiding structure ensures that when the fastener is inserted from the single accessible side, it automatically follows the predetermined path, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment adjustments and ensuring precise fastener placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening member features localized functional zones: the guide bore provides precise directional guidance, the fastener bore provides structural support and fastener retention, and the hook-shaped member provides engagement with the second component. Each local region is optimized for its specific function, ensuring both ease of serviceability and precise alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for installing data center components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fastening member having first and second surfaces opposite one another. A guide bore is attached to the first surface and configured to mate with a guide of a first component. The fastening member includes a fastener bore that extends from the first surface to the second surface. A hook-shaped member of the fastening member extends from the first end, away from the first surface and may engage with a portion of a second component to retain the fastening member for fastening the first component to the second component. The fastener bore may receive a fastening component adapted to mate with fastener such that the fastening member retains the first component to the second component. The fastener is secured to the fastening component by a torque applied to a portion of the fastener proximate the first surface.