Mobile Electronic Rack With Multi-Axis Suspension and Environmental Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electronic mobility solutions fail to meet the demands of modern electronic mobility requirements, particularly in terms of shock absorption, environmental control, security, power conditioning, and wireless data access, especially in dynamic and harsh environments.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electronic component transport system with directional self-propulsion, multi-axis suspension, biometric security, wireless data interfacing, on-board power conditioning, and environmental control, which includes a suspension system to isolate electronic components from kinetic energy, a power conditioner to filter and condition power, and an environment control unit to maintain temperature and humidity within a controlled range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mobile electronic solutions are used, then basic mobility is provided, but shock absorption and environmental control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorptionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: suspension system with multiple axes, environmental control unit, power conditioning unit, and security system. Each module independently addresses specific requirements, allowing complex functionality to be managed through modular components rather than a monolithic design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nested enclosures where an inner enclosure containing electronic components is positioned within an outer enclosure. The suspension system operates between these enclosures to isolate kinetic energy, creating a nested structure that provides both protection and shock absorption without requiring a completely separate system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic equipment is made mobile for dynamic operations, then adaptability to different locations is improved, but protection from environmental stresses deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidenvironmental stresses
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is designed to absorb and dissipate kinetic energy before it can reach the electronic components. By positioning the suspension mechanism between the outer enclosure (exposed to environmental stresses) and the inner enclosure (housing sensitive electronics), the system provides preemptive protection against shocks and vibrations during mobile operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The environmental control unit maintains a controlled internal environment within the enclosures, creating a protected atmosphere that isolates electronic components from external environmental stresses such as temperature extremes, humidity, and dust, while the system remains mobile and adaptable to different operational locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If basic mobility is provided without advanced features, then device complexity is reduced, but security and power conditioning are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conditioningVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power conditioning unit is integrated into the mobile electronic system to provide multiple functions: voltage regulation, surge protection, and power management. This multi-functional approach delivers comprehensive power protection without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity through consolidation of related capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-contained security and power conditioning capabilities that operate autonomously. The security system provides biometric authentication and access control without external intervention, while the power conditioning unit automatically regulates and protects power supply, reducing the need for external management and simplifying operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides reliable, secure, and efficient mobility of electronic equipment, protecting components from environmental stresses and ensuring continuous operation in diverse conditions, while enabling secure and high-speed data access.

Implementation Method 1

a weight bearing device that is coupled to the second rack and is adapted to maintain a position of the second rack within a first range of distance in a first direction relative to the first rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight bearing: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a dampening device that is coupled to the second rack. The dampening device is adaptively programmed to dampen movement of the second rack within the first range of distance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDampening: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS7611157B2Method and apparatus for an electronic equipment rack
Publication Date: 2009.11.03 INSTANT DATA CENTERS LLC
  • US7611157B2 patent drawing
  • US7611157B2 patent drawing
  • US7611157B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for an electronic equipment rack that provides mobility through directional self-propulsion and multi-axis suspension. The electronic equipment rack further provides self-powered operation and environmental control with wireless access, while protecting against unauthorized access, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and dust contamination. An alternate embodiment provides a non-mobile electronic equipment rack with multi-axis suspension, while optionally providing wireless access and protection against unauthorized access and the environment.