Ground Bracket for Rack Power Distribution Unit Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rack power distribution units face challenges with wire congestion and difficulty in bending thick wires due to increased power requirements, leading to complex and error-prone installation processes, especially when trying to connect outlets to the chassis for grounding.
Innovation Solution
A stamped, form-fitted brass ground bracket that replaces individual ground wires, conforming to the chassis contour and allowing multiple outlets to be grounded efficiently, reducing congestion and improving installation ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual ground wires are used to connect each outlet to the chassis, then each outlet can be grounded according to safety regulations, but wire congestion occurs and routing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual ground wires into a single ground bracket structure that provides grounding for multiple outlets simultaneously. The bracket integrates several ground connection points into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate wire routing to the chassis for each outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground bracket serves multiple functions: it provides grounding connections for multiple outlets, acts as a structural support element, and serves as a mounting feature for outlets. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If heavy gauge wires are used for grounding, then safety requirements are met, but bending and routing these wires becomes excessively difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire bending and routing process with a pre-formed bracket structure. Instead of manually bending heavy gauge wires to fit the chassis contours, the ground bracket is manufactured in the final shape, eliminating the need for difficult field bending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground bracket is pre-formed and pre-assembled before installation into the chassis. All the grounding connections and structural features are prepared in advance, so that during final assembly, the bracket simply needs to be positioned and secured, rather than having wires routed and bent on-site.
3Reliability
If long ground harnesses are created to access grounded terminals, then all outlets can be connected to ground, but installation becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ground bracket combines multiple short connection segments into one integrated structure, eliminating the need for long harnesses that would result from connecting each outlet individually to the chassis ground terminal. The bracket provides all necessary grounding connections through its compact, multi-point design.
4Reliability
If the chassis interior is used for wire routing, then grounding connections can be made, but congestion makes it difficult to route normal ground bond wires
Solution Approach 1:
The ground bracket extracts the grounding function from the congested wire routing space and provides it through a separate, dedicated structural element. By using the bracket as the primary grounding pathway, the patent removes the need for additional ground wires to navigate through the crowded interior routing channels.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a chassis, a first outlet provided in the chassis, and a power source coupled to the first outlet. The first outlet has a first ground terminal. The device further includes a ground bracket configured to connect first ground terminal of the first outlet to the chassis to ground the first outlet. The electronic device further may include a second outlet provided in the chassis and spaced from the first outlet. The second outlet is coupled to the power source, and has a second ground terminal. The ground bracket is configured to connect the first ground terminal of the first outlet to the second ground terminal of the second outlet and to the chassis. A method of grounding outlets of the electronic device is further disclosed.