Equipment rack having mounting brackets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment racks require customized cabinetry to accommodate various equipment configurations, leading to high costs and inefficient use of space in data centers, as they often need to adhere to industry standards like the EIA-310-D standard for nineteen-inch racks, which can result in underutilization due to the need for specialized and expensive cabinets.
Innovation Solution
The equipment rack features a frame assembly with adjustable mounting rails and brackets that use a snap-fit connector system, allowing for tool-free assembly and reconfiguration to accommodate different equipment sizes and configurations, enabling flexible mounting and efficient use of space without the need for custom cabinets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized cabinetry is used to accommodate various equipment configurations, then equipment can be properly mounted and organized, but costs increase and space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with multiple mounting holes arranged in different patterns, allowing a single bracket design to accommodate various equipment configurations and rack standards. This universal design eliminates the need for customized cabinetry for different equipment types, reducing costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is divided into separate components including the mounting bracket itself, snap-fit connectors, and mounting holes. This segmentation allows for easy reconfiguration and adaptation to different equipment sizes and configurations without requiring custom-built cabinets, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized cabinetry is used to accommodate various equipment configurations, then equipment can be properly mounted and organized, but space utilization in data centers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal mounting bracket design allows a single rack structure to accommodate various equipment configurations through adjustable mounting patterns. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized cabinets, maximizing space utilization in data centers while maintaining the ability to adapt to different equipment types.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit connector system allows for dynamic reconfiguration of equipment positions on the rack. Mounting brackets can be easily moved between different locations and configurations without permanent installation, enabling flexible adaptation to changing equipment requirements and optimizing space utilization over time.
3Ease of operation
If snap-fit connectors are used for bracket assembly, then assembly becomes tool-free and easier, but connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple snap-fit connectors distributed at different locations on the bracket. While each individual connector provides moderate strength, the cumulative effect of multiple connectors distributed across the mounting interface achieves sufficient overall connection strength while maintaining tool-free assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit connector combines multiple functions into a single element: it provides both the easy tool-free connection mechanism and contributes to the overall structural strength. By merging the connection and strengthening functions into the same component, the design achieves both ease of operation and adequate connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment rack, mounting break thereof, and associated methods. The bracket is secured to a frame assembly of the equipment rack by a releasable snap-fit connection. The snap-fit connection can maintain engagement of the bracket with abutments of the frame assembly and/or maintain mated connections of the bracket with the frame assembly. The brackets can be used to mount electrical power distribution units, cable baskets, or other equipment.