Expandable Rack Mover for Loaded Telecom Rack Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of safely and effectively moving telecommunications racks with pre-loaded fiber optic equipment due to increased weight, which makes maneuvering difficult in data centers or other facilities.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications rack mover with an expandable frame that engages with and lifts the rack, allowing it to be moved while in engagement, and then disengages and is removed once in place, utilizing pivot points and lifting bolts to transition between compressed and expanded configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telecommunications racks are pre-loaded with fiber optic equipment, then the rack functionality is improved, but the weight increases making maneuvering difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A movable platform is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the telecommunications rack. The platform includes a base plate that contacts the rack base and a handle assembly that extends outward for operator grip. This intermediary mechanism distributes the weight and provides mechanical advantage, enabling safe maneuvering of fully loaded racks without requiring direct manual lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed with movable components including a base plate that can slide or roll under the rack, and a handle assembly that can be positioned and locked in various orientations. The platform transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system that adapts to the lifting and moving process, providing continuous support and control throughout the maneuvering operation.
2Ease of operation
If telecommunications racks are made movable within the environment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability during transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform serves as a stable intermediary carrier that isolates the rack from direct manual handling. The base plate provides a broad contact area with the rack base, distributing loads and ensuring stability during transport. The platform's design allows it to maintain the rack in a controlled, stable position while being easily maneuvered by the operator through the handle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is pre-configured with a base plate that matches the rack base geometry and a handle assembly positioned for optimal ergonomics. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the platform is engaged with the rack, stability is immediately established without requiring additional adjustment or stabilization steps during the moving process.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the present disclosure relates to a telecommunications rack mover that enables safe lifting and transport of telecommunications racks. The telecommunications rack mover is movable such that the telecommunications rack mover can be positioned within the telecommunications rack. In particular, the telecommunications rack mover is expandable such that the telecommunications rack mover engages with and lifts the telecommunications rack off the floor. In this configuration, the telecommunications rack is movable while in engagement with the telecommunications rack mover. Once moved to the desired location, the telecommunications rack mover lowers the telecommunications rack and disengages with the telecommunications rack. Then, the telecommunications rack mover is compressed and removed from below the telecommunications rack.