Hinged Modular Blank Plate for Server Rack Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blank plates for filling spaces in server racks require multiple sizes and are cumbersome to install and remove, leading to wasteful operations and inefficient storage, as they need to be constantly replaced and adjusted to accommodate different rack sizes and electronic device configurations.
Innovation Solution
The design of a modular blank plate system with hinged and lockable components that can be folded and rearranged to fit different rack sizes, allowing for flexible attachment to support columns and eliminating the need for multiple plates by adjusting the length of the plate members and flange portions to match various space sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blank plates of different sizes are prepared to support various rack spaces, then all space sizes can be accommodated, but storage space is consumed and replacement operations become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The blank plate is divided into multiple detachable plate members that can be independently removed and reconfigured. This segmentation allows a single blank plate to adapt to various rack spaces by removing appropriate plate members, eliminating the need to store multiple different-sized blank plates while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blank plate transitions from a static, fixed-size structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Plate members can be detached and reattached in different configurations to match various rack space requirements, enabling one blank plate to perform the function of multiple different-sized plates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If blank plates are constantly replaced and adjusted to accommodate different electronic device configurations, then proper rack filling is maintained, but labor and time are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the blank plate into removable plate members, the system allows selective removal of only the necessary portions rather than replacing entire blank plates. This reduces the time and labor required for reconfiguration when electronic devices are added or removed from the rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate members are pre-configured in a standardized manner, allowing them to be quickly detached and reattached without requiring complex adjustments or measurements during the reconfiguration process, thereby reducing operational time.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single blank plate design is used for all rack spaces, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot properly fit various space sizes from 1 U to 3 U
Solution Approach 1:
The blank plate is designed as an assembly of standardized plate members that can be configured in different combinations. This segmentation allows a single manufacturing process to produce universal components that can be assembled to fit various rack space sizes (1 U to 3 U), maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate members are designed with universal attachment mechanisms and standardized dimensions, allowing them to function in multiple configurations and positions. This universality enables a single blank plate design to properly fit various space sizes from 1 U to 3 U through different arrangement patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A blank plate has flange portions capable of performing hinge movement around a direction of a shorter side. A blank plate has flange portions capable of performing hinge movement at positions different from the hinge positions of the flange portions, and a side of the blank plate is connected to the flange portions so as to be capable of performing hinge movement. A blank plate has flange portions capable of performing hinge movement at positions different from the hinge positions of the flange portions, and a side of the blank plate is connected to the flange portions so as to be capable of performing hinge movement. First lock mechanisms fix the blank plate and the blank plate perpendicularly to each other. Second lock mechanisms fix the blank plate and the blank plate perpendicularly to each other.