Dual-Sided Module Holder Frame for Subrack Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional racks for subracks are limited in height, restricting the number of subracks that can be easily accessed for maintenance, as they typically accommodate only 12 to 14 subracks, making it difficult to attach more without compromising accessibility.

Innovation Solution

The addition of two mirror-image U-shaped brackets and fastening strips to the rear of the frame, along with an additional cable routing trough, allows for doubling the number of subracks that can be attached without duplicating existing frame components, ensuring easy access and minimal structural changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the frame height is increased to accommodate more subracks, then the number of subracks that can be attached is improved, but the accessibility for working on subassemblies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of subracksVSAvoidaccessibility for working on subassemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-sided rack configuration to a dual-sided configuration by adding U-shaped brackets to both the front and rear of the frame. This dimensional change allows subracks to be mounted on both sides of the frame, effectively doubling the storage capacity without increasing the vertical height, thereby maintaining accessibility while increasing the quantity of subracks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If more subracks are attached to the frame, then the storage capacity is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of subracksVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped brackets are designed as universal components that can be attached to both the front and rear of the frame using the same mounting mechanism. These brackets serve multiple functions: providing attachment points for subracks, maintaining structural integrity, and enabling dual-sided mounting. This universality allows the system to double its capacity without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If the frame is modified to accommodate more subracks, then the storage capacity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of subracksVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system is segmented into modular components: the frame, U-shaped brackets, fastening strips, and cable routing troughs. The U-shaped brackets are designed as separate, identical modules that can be produced independently and attached to the frame. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of the brackets, reducing tooling costs and enabling economies of scale, thereby minimizing the increase in manufacturing cost while doubling the storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3258702B1Frame for module holder
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 LIC LANGMATZ
  • EP3258702B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3258702B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3258702B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The frame for sub-carriers, comprising an elongated rectangular frame to which a U-shaped bracket with its parallel webs is attached at both the lower and upper ends, wherein the upper and lower cross webs of the frame are connected by two mounting strips to which the sub-carriers are to be attached one above the other between the U-shaped brackets, wherein a perforated plate is preferably attached on both sides between a mounting strip and the associated vertical web of the frame, to which cables of the sub-carriers or supply hoses are to be attached, and wherein a cable tray is attached to the lower bracket, is characterized in that two further U-shaped brackets and two further mounting strips are attached to the rear of the frame in a mirror image to the U-shaped brackets and the mounting strips of the front.with another cable tray attached to the lower U-shaped bracket.