Clamping Bracket Support Structure for Fast Ground-Level Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center construction systems fail to provide efficient, sustainable, and easily assembled structures for hot aisle containment, particularly those that can be shipped in a deconstructed state and quickly erected on-site, and lack securement mechanisms for supporting elements that can be translated and secured to vertical positions.
Innovation Solution
The use of clamping brackets with angled surfaces and biasing members allows for securement to vertical supports, enabling temporary or permanent attachment and translation, while utilizing sustainable timber elements for improved insulation and structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional construction systems are used for data centers, then structural strength is ensured, but assembly efficiency is reduced and construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components including vertical support members, horizontal support members, and connecting brackets that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables efficient on-site assembly while maintaining structural integrity, directly addressing the contradiction between assembly efficiency and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-assembled into modular units with integrated connection mechanisms before shipping to the site. The brackets are pre-configured with securing features, and vertical support members are prepared with attachment points, allowing for rapid on-site assembly without complex field operations.
2Temperature
If sustainable timber elements are used, then thermal insulation is improved and sustainability is enhanced, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structure combines timber elements with metal connecting brackets and fastening mechanisms. The timber provides thermal insulation and sustainability benefits, while the metal connectors ensure adequate structural strength and connection reliability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between thermal performance and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are used in different locations: timber for vertical and horizontal support members where thermal insulation is beneficial, and metal for connecting brackets and fastening elements where high strength is required. This localized material selection optimizes both thermal performance and structural integrity.
3Loss of substance
If structures are shipped in deconstructed state, then transportation efficiency is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into standardized modular components that can be efficiently packed during shipping and quickly reassembled on-site. The vertical support members, horizontal support members, and brackets are separate units with standardized connection interfaces that simplify both transportation and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized connection mechanisms and universal bracket designs are used throughout the structure, allowing the same components and fastening methods to be used in multiple locations. This universality reduces assembly complexity despite the deconstructed shipping state, as workers need to master only a limited set of assembly procedures.
4Reliability
If clamping brackets with biasing members are used, then securement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member (spring) automatically applies clamping force to secure the bracket to the vertical support member without requiring additional fasteners or complex locking mechanisms. The spring-loaded design provides self-securing functionality that improves reliability while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary that translates simple bracket installation into reliable securement. The spring provides continuous contact force and accommodates minor dimensional variations, ensuring dependable attachment without requiring precision manufacturing or complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
This solution enables efficient assembly and securement of data center structures, reducing overhead risks and enhancing thermal insulation, with sustainable materials that can be easily transported and erected, providing versatile and customizable solutions for data centers and server rooms.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member provided in communication with the displaceable member and operable to apply force to and displace the displaceable member
Implementation Method 2
at least portions of the structure(s) are formed using sustainable timber elements
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for structural assemblies are provided. More specifically, brackets and securing members are provided that are operable to communicate with and secure structural members. The brackets, securing members, and related methods of assembly include the ability to translate a bracket or member with relative ease and quickly and efficiently secure the bracket and any elements connected to the bracket with at least one support member. Embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for use in applications that require ground level assembly of items or features that are subsequently raised to a final height.