Integrated Bus Plug for Flush IT Rack Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional IT rack power distribution using busways with receptacles and cords is cumbersome, costly, and difficult to install, as it requires multiple connections and takes up significant space.

Innovation Solution

Integration of plug-in stabs within the IT rack that directly connect to a busway without external cords or receptacles, allowing the rack to be flush-mounted and secured with clamps, with the option for mobile racks and accessible breaker/switches for power disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If receptacles and cords are used to connect busway to equipment in IT racks, then power distribution is achieved, but space is consumed and installation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidspace occupied by cords and receptacles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bus plug is integrated directly into the IT rack structure, merging the power connection function with the rack itself. This eliminates the need for separate receptacles and cords, reducing space consumption while simplifying installation. The busway connects directly to the integrated bus plug through a streamlined interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If receptacles and cords are used for power connection, then power distribution is achieved, but installation difficulty increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidnumber of connections required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple power connection functions are merged into a single integrated bus plug structure. The bus plug incorporates all necessary electrical connections and mounting features directly into the rack, eliminating the need for multiple separate receptacles and cords, thereby reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated bus plug serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power distribution, structural mounting, and cable management. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If bus plugs are integrated with IT rack, then space is reduced and installation is simplified, but power disconnection accessibility may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidaccessibility of breaker/switch

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The breaker or switch component is segmented from the main bus plug body and positioned in an accessible location on the rack. This allows the power disconnection mechanism to be easily accessed by technicians while the main bus plug remains integrated into the rack structure for space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of hiding the breaker/switch within the integrated bus plug structure, the design inverts the approach by positioning the breaker/switch externally on the rack surface. This makes the power disconnection mechanism more accessible while maintaining the compact integrated design of the bus plug itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9972468B2Information technology racks having integrated bus plugs and related systems and busways

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

Busways and Information technology enclosures and related systems are provided. A busway for power distribution to equipment positioned in an information technology (IT) rack is provided, the busway including a plurality of openings on a first surface of the busway configured to receive a plurality of plug-in stabs associated with a plurality of bus plugs integrated with the IT rack, such that when the plurality of plug-in stabs are positioned in the plurality of openings in the busway, the IT rack is substantially flush with the first surface of the busway.