Flip Rail Rack Mount Frame for Fast Equipment Reinstallation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack mount cases do not allow for easy removal and reinstallation of electronic equipment into a standard rack, which is a challenge for transporting and protecting precision instruments, especially in military applications where quick and secure deployment is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A flip rail apparatus within a rack mount case that includes a rack mount frame with pivotally coupled vertical rails, allowing full-width electronic equipment to be slide-mounted and easily removed for transportation and reinstallation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronics are permanently mounted into the rack mount case, then the equipment is securely protected during transportation, but the equipment cannot be easily removed and reinstalled in a standard rack
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: the rack mount case with permanently attached electronics, and a detachable frame with flip rails. This segmentation allows the electronics to remain securely mounted in the case while the frame can be independently removed and reinstalled in standard racks, resolving the contradiction between secure protection and ease of reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flip rails are designed to be dynamically adjustable - they can flip between a locked position that secures the frame to the case and an unlocked position that allows removal. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to transition between secure transport mode and easy reinstallation mode, addressing both requirements simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bulky packaging is used to insulate instruments from shock or vibration, then the instruments are protected during transportation, but the packaging increases the size and weight of the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The rack mount case is constructed from composite materials that combine structural strength with shock and vibration resistance. This allows the case itself to provide protection without requiring additional bulky packaging, reducing the overall volume while maintaining protection from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock mount system is pre-installed within the case structure, providing cushioning protection before any shock or vibration occurs. This beforehand cushioning eliminates the need for external protective packaging, as the protection is integrated into the case design itself.
3Loss of time
If instruments are quickly readied for transportation by removing from rack, then the reconfiguration time is reduced, but the instruments lack protection during temporary operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rack mount case is pre-configured with the shock mount system and flip rail apparatus, so that when instruments need to be moved, they can be quickly transferred to the case without requiring additional setup or protection measures. This preliminary preparation reduces reconfiguration time while ensuring protection is already in place.
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
Enables secure and efficient transportation and quick reconfiguration of electronic equipment, providing shock and vibration protection while allowing for easy installation and removal from a standard rack, meeting military field use requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second vertical flip rails selectively rotate outward away from the electronic equipment in order to allow electronic equipment to be removed.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for a flip rail in a rack mount are disclosed herein. A flip rail apparatus for allowing full width electronic equipment to be slide mounted in a rack mount case includes a rack mount frame coupled to a rack mount case. The rack mount frame is configured to hold standard rack mountable electronic equipment. The frame has a first front vertical rail and a second front vertical rail. The first vertical flip rail is attached to the first vertical rail and the second vertical flip rail is attached to the second vertical rail. The first and second vertical flip rails selectively rotate outward away from the electronic equipment in order to allow electronic equipment to be removed.