Hinged Gate Panel for Rear Equipment Rack Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard equipment racks are inefficient in utilizing space as they require full 1 U shelf locations for all components, leaving no alternative for smaller data center components like IPUs, power bricks, and adapter modules, which do not occupy the full space, leading to suboptimal use of rack space.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental component mounting platform is introduced, featuring a gate panel with hinges and toolless snap latches that can be pivoted to support external devices at the rear of the equipment rack without obstructing internal mounting locations, allowing for vertical orientation and easy access to internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smaller data center components are mounted in 1 U shelf locations, then the rack structure is simple and standardized, but the rack space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting platform is divided into a fixed portion attached to the rack shelf and a movable gate panel portion. This segmentation allows the gate panel to be independently manipulated to provide access to smaller components mounted on the platform, enabling efficient space utilization without requiring full 1U shelf consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to open and close to provide access to components mounted on the platform. This dynamic element enables the system to adapt between providing access to smaller components and maintaining a compact profile, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and access requirements.
2Productivity
If a supplemental mounting platform is added to support external devices, then space utilization improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting platform is designed to accommodate various types of smaller data center components on its surface, providing a universal mounting solution for different device types. The gate panel serves multiple functions including providing access to components, maintaining structural integrity, and allowing the platform to be integrated into standard rack configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting platform is nested within the existing rack structure, utilizing the vertical space and frame elements already present. The platform attaches to the rack shelf and uses the rack's structural elements for support, effectively nesting the additional mounting capability within the existing system without requiring a completely new structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gate panel is positioned to support external devices at the rear area, then space utilization improves, but access to internal mounting locations may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The gate panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to open and close to provide access to components mounted on the platform. This dynamic element enables the system to adapt between providing access to smaller components and maintaining a compact profile, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and access requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a mounting platform for use in an equipment rack having a frame with a pair of spaced apart vertical frame elements. The mounting platform supports at least one external device adjacent a rear area of the equipment rack without interfering with use of internal device mounting locations within the equipment rack. The mounting platform makes use of a gate panel which is configured to support the external device thereon. At least one hinge is used to support the gate panel in a vertical orientation from one of the vertical frame elements. The gate panel is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the gate panel is positioned parallel to a line extending between the vertical frame elements and supports the external device adjacent to the rear area of the equipment rack. In the open position the gate panel is positioned substantially perpendicular to the line extending between the vertical frame elements, and does not impede access to the internal device mounting locations within the equipment rack.