Modular Rack System With Extendable Supports For Space Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional rack and modular rack systems are monolithic, limiting their reconfiguration and scalability, and often do not fit in limited spaces, such as modular data centers, while being costly due to excessive components.

Innovation Solution

A containerized modular rack system with a floor and ceiling, featuring extendable and retractable modular supports, anchor assemblies, and adjustable configurations to accommodate various electronic equipment and accessories, allowing for flexible deployment and space optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional monolithic rack systems are used, then structural stability is ensured, but reconfiguration flexibility and scalability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidsystem monolithic structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system is divided into independent modular components including rack units, support legs, mounting brackets, and accessory modules. Each module can be independently configured, assembled, and repositioned to create different rack configurations, enabling flexible reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as height-adjustable support legs, movable mounting brackets, and repositionable rack units. These dynamic components allow the system to adapt to changing requirements through simple reconfiguration rather than complete replacement, resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If traditional rack systems are placed adjacent to each other for space conservation, then space utilization improves, but thermal airflow management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidthermal airflow management
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular rack units are designed with integrated thermal management features including standardized airflow channels, mounting options for cooling devices, and configurable enclosures that can serve multiple functions. This allows adjacent racks to be configured as integrated thermal zones, simplifying airflow management while maximizing space utilization.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If compulsory components are included with each traditional rack system, then system completeness is ensured, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem completenessVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized features that enable a single component to serve multiple functions across different rack configurations. For example, support legs can accommodate various rack unit types, and mounting brackets can secure different equipment, reducing the total number of specialized components needed while maintaining system completeness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The modular rack system enables selective replacement and reuse of components. When reconfiguring, individual rack units or accessories can be removed from one location and installed in another, rather than replacing entire rack systems. This reduces component quantity and cost while maintaining functional completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP3280232B1A modular rack system
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP
  • EP3280232B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3280232B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3280232B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4

AI summary

A containerized data center modular rack system configured to mount electronic equipment and associated accessories is disclosed. A data center modular rack system may include a container structure with a floor and a ceiling configured to house a modular rack system. Further, a plurality of bottom anchor assemblies is disposed in the floor and a plurality of top anchor assemblies is disposed in the ceiling of the container structure. A plurality of modular supports is included; each having an upper end, a lower end, and a plurality of openings configured to mount electronic equipment and associated accessories. Each of the lower and upper ends of the plurality of modular supports is configured to be removably secured to the plurality of bottom and top anchor assemblies disposed in the ceiling of the container structure.