Low down seismic shock rack design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional earthquake-resistant frames for electronic equipment are ineffective in upper stories of buildings during strong earthquakes due to increased horizontal acceleration levels, as they are designed for lower natural vibrational frequencies and are not adequately secured to counter seismic forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber apparatus comprising an upper rack frame, a middle plate, and a lower rack frame with rail assemblies, spring or air cushion modules, and dampers to restrict movement along specific axes, and a levering feet device for secure floor attachment, which absorbs seismic energy and dissipates vibrations across all frequency ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional frames are made rigid with massive section structures to withstand severe earthquakes, then the frame can protect electronic equipment from damage, but the frame becomes extremely heavy and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple story levels, each equipped with independent seismic protection mechanisms. The seismic protection device includes a first story frame with a first electronic device and a second story frame with a second electronic device, allowing each level to be protected independently rather than requiring a single massive rigid structure for the entire frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the natural vibrational frequency parameter of the frame by introducing seismic protection devices that adjust the dynamic characteristics of each story. This allows the frame to respond differently to seismic forces at different frequencies, reducing the need for excessive rigidity and mass while maintaining earthquake resistance.
2Reliability
If conventional frames are mounted securely upon a concrete floor to achieve a natural vibrational frequency of approximately 6.5 Hz, then telecommunications equipment can be protected from damage, but the frames become ineffective when mounted upon above ground floors where horizontal acceleration levels increase from floor-to-floor upwardly
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic protection device is configured to provide different protection characteristics at different story levels. Each story frame has its own seismic protection mechanism tailored to the specific seismic forces experienced at that level, with the first story frame having different protection characteristics than the second story frame, allowing effective protection regardless of mounting location.
Solution Approach 2:
The seismic protection device introduces dynamic elements that can adapt to different mounting conditions. The device includes movable components and energy dissipation mechanisms that adjust their behavior based on the seismic forces experienced, making the frame effective whether mounted on ground level or upper floors where acceleration levels differ.
3Reliability
If frames are designed with high natural vibrational frequency to resist earthquake damage, then electronic equipment can be protected during seismic activity, but the frame requires massive section structures with large section bracing and stiffening members
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic protection device acts as an intermediary between the frame structure and the seismic forces. It includes energy dissipation elements and isolation mechanisms that mediate the transmission of earthquake forces to the electronic equipment, allowing the frame itself to be simpler while still achieving high seismic resistance through the intermediary protection device.
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
The shock absorber apparatus effectively minimizes damage to electronic equipment by absorbing seismic energy and maintaining stability during earthquakes, ensuring operational telecommunications equipment even in upper stories by dissipating vibrations and securing the rack system to the floor.
Implementation Method 1
The middle plate includes a first set of spring modules for the first axis and a second set of spring modules for the second axis
Implementation Method 2
The lower rack frame includes a set of dampers preventing movement of the rack server in a third axis
Implementation Method 3
the middle plate includes a first set of air cushion modules for the first axis and a second set of air cushion modules for the second axis
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A shock absorber apparatus is provided that includes an upper rack frame, a middle plate, and a lower rack frame. The upper rack frame is configured to secure a bottom frame of a rack server. The upper rack frame includes a first set of rail assemblies. The middle plate includes a second set of rail assemblies and a first set of carriers corresponding with the first set of rail assemblies of the upper rack frame. The first set of rail assemblies is configured to restrict movement of the first plurality of carriers to a first axis. The lower rack frame includes a second set of carriers corresponding with the second set of rail assemblies of the middle plate. The second set of rail assemblies is configured to restrict movement of the second plurality of carriers to a second axis.