Network Chassis Support Brackets for Single-Hand Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of network element chassis in racks often requires multiple personnel due to the weight and size of the chassis, especially in environments where mounting rails are not supported, making single-person installation inefficient and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising 'L' brackets, support mounting brackets, and rack mount brackets that allow for tool-less connection and adjustment to various rack types, enabling a single person to install and support the chassis without tools, and can be configured to fit different rack sizes and hole spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chassis are made smaller to reduce installation complexity, then single-person installation becomes feasible, but chassis become too heavy and deep to be supported by one hand during mounting
Solution Approach 1:
A support bracket system acts as an intermediary between the installer and the heavy chassis. The brackets are first mounted to the rack uprights, providing a stable support structure that allows the installer to rest the chassis on the brackets during fastening operations, eliminating the need to support the chassis entirely by hand
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets are installed on the rack uprights before the chassis is mounted. This preliminary action creates the support structure in advance, allowing the chassis to be rested on the brackets during installation rather than requiring the installer to hold the chassis throughout the entire mounting process
2Reliability
If multiple installation personnel are used to support heavy chassis, then chassis can be properly mounted, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket system serves as a mechanical intermediary that transfers the load-bearing function from human installers to the rack-mounted brackets. This allows a single installer to perform fastening operations while the brackets support the chassis weight, maintaining mounting stability without requiring multiple personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets are designed to be self-supporting once mounted to the rack uprights. They automatically provide the necessary support structure without requiring continuous human intervention or assistance, enabling single-person installation while maintaining proper mounting stability
3Ease of manufacture
If chassis are factory-mounted in racks, then installation is simplified, but chassis size must be larger and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation system is segmented into separate components: support brackets that mount to the rack uprights, and chassis that can be independently shipped and then attached to the pre-installed brackets. This segmentation allows the chassis to be shipped separately in smaller packages while the support structure is installed beforehand at the destination
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets are installed on the rack uprights in advance, before the chassis arrives at the installation site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for factory-mounted chassis, allowing standard-sized chassis to be shipped cost-effectively and then quickly installed using the pre-positioned support structure
4Adaptability or versatility
If support brackets are made adjustable to fit different rack types, then versatility increases, but bracket complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support brackets incorporate adjustable parameters such as movable mounting positions and configurable attachment mechanisms that can accommodate different rack upright configurations. These parameter adjustments allow the same bracket design to work with various rack types without requiring completely different bracket designs for each rack standard
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket design incorporates universal features that enable it to function with multiple rack types and configurations. By designing the brackets with adjustable and adaptable characteristics, a single bracket model can serve multiple purposes across different rack standards, reducing the need for specialized brackets for each rack type
Data Source
AI summary
A support system for a single person installation of a network element chassis in a rack with a plurality of posts includes a plurality of supporting “L” brackets each including a horizontal side adapted to support the network element chassis and a vertical side; a plurality of support mounting brackets each including two ends and each slidably connectable to the vertical side of a supporting “L” bracket based on positioning of the plurality of posts in the rack; and a plurality of rack mount brackets each connectable to one of the two ends and adapted to connect to holes in a post on the rack.