Customizable Enclosure Air Dam Assembly for Side Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current side-to-side airflow management systems for electronic equipment enclosures are inadequate, particularly with exhaust ducts located at the top, as they lack versatility and customization, leading to inefficient heat removal and potential re-circulation of heated air within the enclosure.
Innovation Solution
A customizable side air dam kit and adjustable panel assembly system using extruded metal frame structures with longitudinal slots and clips, allowing for flexible installation and adjustment to control airflow effectively, including a framework of horizontal and vertical frame pieces that can be customized to fit specific enclosures, and a rear panel assembly with adjustable and fixed components to block air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed exhaust duct system is used at the top of the enclosure, then heat removal is achieved, but the system lacks versatility and cannot be customized for different equipment configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system is divided into separate modular components: fixed frame structures with longitudinal slots, adjustable panels, and clips. These segmented components can be independently configured and repositioned to suit different equipment layouts while maintaining effective heat removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamically adjustable panels that can be repositioned along the longitudinal slots of the extruded frame members. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the exhaust system to adapt to various equipment configurations without requiring a complete system redesign.
2Reliability
If traditional airflow management is used, then installation is simple, but heated air re-circulation occurs within the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable panels act as intermediaries between the fixed frame structure and the exhaust ducts. These panels can be positioned to optimize airflow patterns, preventing heated air re-circulation while maintaining a straightforward installation process through the clip-based attachment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded frame members with longitudinal slots serve multiple functions: providing structural support, guiding panel positioning, and enabling adjustable configuration. This multi-functionality ensures reliable heat removal without complicating the installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customizable frame structures with longitudinal slots and clips are used, then airflow control is flexible and adjustable, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extruded frame members are manufactured with standardized longitudinal slots at specific parameters (positions and dimensions). This standardization allows for flexible panel adjustment during installation while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple through extrusion technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal slots are pre-formed during the extrusion process, and the clip attachment mechanism is pre-designed into the system. This preliminary action during manufacturing enables easy adjustability during installation without adding significant manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic equipment enclosure includes a frame structure and a customizable side air dam kit. The frame structure includes a front frame, a rear frame, front-to-back frame members connecting corners of the front and rear frames together, reinforced bracket structures located near ends of the cross members, and extruded horizontal mounting rails parallel to, but inward from, the front-to-back frame members. The ends of the horizontal mounting rails are connected to the reinforced bracket structures. Panels are installed in longitudinal slots in the front-to-back frame members and horizontal mounting rails, each of which is extruded. The customizable side air dam kit includes a framework of horizontal and vertical frame pieces, adapted to connect to the frame structure, and a customizable air dam panel supported by the framework. A plurality of the frame pieces are provided to an installer for use in constructing the framework to fit the specific frame structure.