Modular Enclosure Frame and Panel Gap for Thermal Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor and outdoor cabinets used for storing electronic equipment face challenges in protecting equipment from harsh environmental elements while minimizing material usage to reduce cost and weight, necessitating a solution that balances structural strength with size and thermal regulation.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a frame support with tubelike internal equipment chambers and removable panels that allow air circulation to regulate temperature, with the frame providing structural strength and the panels offering protection and flexibility, including double-walled constructions for enhanced insulation and impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high-strength materials are employed to enhance the strength of cabinets, then structural strength is improved, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet structure is segmented into two functional parts: a frame that provides structural strength and support, and panel walls that provide enclosure and protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the frame uses high-strength materials where needed for structural integrity, while the panels can be lighter and more cost-effective for enclosure purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural strength, supports the panel walls, and acts as the primary load-bearing structure. By making the frame multi-functional, the design reduces the need for additional reinforcement materials and optimizes the distribution of structural requirements throughout the cabinet.
2Strength
If high-strength materials are employed to enhance the strength of cabinets, then structural strength is improved, but overall cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet is divided into a frame structure and separate panel components. This segmentation allows standard, cost-effective panel materials to be used combined with a strategically designed frame that provides the necessary structural strength. The frame can be manufactured using optimized patterns and materials, while panels are produced separately using more economical materials, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Ease of operation
If the internal equipment chamber is used to support electronic equipment, then equipment support is provided, but the chamber structure becomes more complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment support function is extracted from the internal equipment chamber and transferred to the frame structure. The frame provides mounting surfaces and structural attachment points for electronic equipment, while the chamber remains a simple enclosed space for housing the equipment. This extraction simplifies the chamber design and reduces its structural complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If panels are made solid and sealed to protect from environmental elements, then protection is improved, but thermal regulation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The panel structure incorporates localized openings, vents, or thermal management features at specific locations to enable controlled air circulation and heat dissipation. Rather than making panels completely solid, the design includes strategic local modifications that maintain protection while allowing thermal regulation through controlled pathways for air flow and heat transfer.
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 effectively protects electronic equipment from environmental elements, regulates temperature, and minimizes material usage by distributing weight and structural support to the frame, while allowing for easy maintenance and impact absorption, thus optimizing cost, size, and performance.
Implementation Method 1
air may circulate in the gap between the internal equipment chamber and the plurality of removable panels to help regulate a temperature within the internal equipment chamber
Implementation Method 2
air may circulate in the gap between the internal equipment chamber and the plurality of removable panels to help regulate a temperature within the internal equipment chamber
Implementation Method 3
two double paneled back panels mounted to the structural support and configured such that each of the two double paneled back panels forms a back seal with a respective one of the two tubelike internal equipment chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for storing and cooling electronics comprising a frame support, an internal equipment chamber mounted to the frame support, wherein the internal equipment chamber comprises a tubelike structure defining openings in a front and a back of the internal equipment chamber, and wherein the internal equipment chamber is configured to support electronic equipment such that the weight of the electronic equipment is born by the frame support and not the internal equipment chamber, and a plurality of removable panels disposed around the frame such that a gap is formed between the exterior of the internal equipment chamber and the plurality of removable panels, wherein air may circulate in the gap between the internal equipment chamber and the plurality of removable panels to help regulate a temperature within the internal equipment chamber.