Multifunction Camming Shelf for Server Rack Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in safely and efficiently handling heavy server components within server racks, which are often above comfortable reach and require significant force to install or remove, posing a risk of injury and damage due to their weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction camming support shelf with rotatably coupled lever arms and camming features that apply force to disconnect and reconnect sub-chassis components within the server rack, reducing the effort needed for installation and removal while providing support and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user manually lifts and positions heavy server components (over 100 pounds) into rack positions above comfortable reach, then the computing device can be installed in the rack, but the user faces difficulty simultaneously lifting, positioning, and applying force to connect the device, creating safety risks and operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The server component is divided into a main chassis and a separable sub-chassis. The sub-chassis can be removed and reattached using the camming mechanism, allowing the heavy lifting portion to be separated from the connection mechanism. This enables the user to lift the main chassis while the sub-chassis remains attached to the rack, and then reattach the sub-chassis using the camming lever without requiring simultaneous heavy lifting and connection force.
Solution Approach 2:
The camming mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the sub-chassis connection. By operating the camming lever, the user can apply controlled force to disconnect or connect the sub-chassis without directly handling the heavy weight. The camming mechanism translates small lever movements into significant connection force, eliminating the need for the user to simultaneously support the weight and apply connection force.
2Ease of operation
If a user applies high force to disconnect heavy server components from the rack, then the computing device can be removed, but the user must also support the weight of the device, creating dangerous conditions that could result in injury or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into the main chassis and sub-chassis with a dedicated connection interface. The sub-chassis connection can be independently manipulated via the camming mechanism without requiring the user to support the entire weight of the server component. This separation allows force application for disconnection to be independent from weight support.
Solution Approach 2:
The camming mechanism serves as an intermediary that handles the force-intensive disconnection operation. When the camming lever is operated, it progressively disconnects the sub-chassis from the main chassis through controlled force application. The user only needs to operate the lever, while the mechanism handles the force requirements, and the user can simultaneously support the weight without direct force application to the connection points.
3Reliability
If traditional connection mechanisms are used for heavy server components, then secure connection is achieved, but significant force is required to connect and disconnect parts, making the operation difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The camming mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through lever operation. As the camming lever is rotated, the camming surface automatically applies increasing force to the connection interface, utilizing the mechanical advantage of the lever and cam geometry. The mechanism self-regulates the force application, requiring minimal user force while achieving secure connection or complete disconnection through the progressive camming action.
Solution Approach 2:
The camming mechanism changes the force parameter through mechanical advantage. By rotating the lever through a small angular displacement, the camming surface translates this motion into large linear force at the connection interface. The force parameter is amplified by the lever arm ratio and cam geometry, allowing secure connection with minimal user effort while maintaining reliable connection security.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables safer and more efficient handling of heavy server components by distributing the force required for installation and removal, reducing the risk of injury and damage, and facilitating easier alignment and connection within the rack.
Implementation Method 1
Rotating the one or more first lever arms away from the chassis applies a force through each corresponding second lever arm and camming feature to the sub-chassis to disconnect the sub-chassis from the chassis
Implementation Method 2
The multifunction shelf also includes one or more camming features. Each camming feature is coupled to a second lever arm and the sub-chassis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a multifunction shelf rotatably coupled to a chassis at one or more pivot points. The chassis includes a sub-chassis mounted in a first end of the chassis and connected to one or more connectors within the chassis. The multifunction shelf includes one or more first lever arms extending away from a pivot point. The multifunction shelf also includes one or more second lever arms, each second lever arm connecting to a first lever arm and extends in a direction at a first angle to the connected first lever arm. The multifunction shelf also includes one or more camming features each coupled to a second lever arm and the sub-chassis. Rotating the one or more first lever arms away from the chassis applies a force through each corresponding camming feature to the sub-chassis to disconnect the sub-chassis from the chassis.