Modular Rack Frame Assembly with Elastic Fastening for Load Capacity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rack and enclosure systems have low load capacity, poor stability, and limited flexibility, making them inadequate for modern data centers that require efficient power distribution, ventilation, and cable management, with poor versatility and increased costs due to the need for additional accessories.

Innovation Solution

A modular frame structure with a front and rear frame assembly, side brace members, and connecting structures that provide adjustable and stable fastening, enhancing structural stability and load capacity through elastic fastening and frictional contact, allowing for improved resistance to impact forces and dynamic loads, and integrated cable management and power distribution solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional cabinets are assembled with side brace members using screws with planar contact, then assembly is simple, but load capacity and stability are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidload capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The side brace member is divided into multiple segments with connecting structures that can flexibly connect to the frame. This segmentation allows the side brace member to better adapt to the frame structure while maintaining connection strength, resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and load capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting structure employs an elastic fastening mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment and absorption of forces. The elastic component enables the connection to accommodate movements and loads, significantly improving both the load capacity and stability while maintaining ease of assembly through the same connecting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If side panels are installed between cabinets using modified custom structures, then airflow control is improved, but versatility and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow controlVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection, enables elastic fastening for stability, and facilitates easy installation and removal of side panels. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to achieve reliable airflow control through side panels while maintaining versatility for different application scenarios and easy cabinet reconfiguration.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional accessories are installed for power distribution and cable management, then functionality is improved, but workload and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidworkload
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting structure is integrated with power distribution and cable management functions. The same connecting components that provide structural attachment also incorporate pathways for cable routing and power distribution, eliminating the need for separate accessories and reducing both workload and costs while maintaining enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 modular frame structure significantly enhances the stability and load capacity of the enclosure system, providing improved resistance to external loads and facilitating efficient cable management and power distribution, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems while reducing costs and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the fastening surface is distanced from the end edges of the side brace members, the fastening distance and thus the fastening force are adaptable. This elastic fastening structure along with frictional contact between surfaces behaves like a viscoelastic system which offers excellent resistance to impact forces or dynamic loads by absorbing energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

This elastic fastening structure along with frictional contact between surfaces behaves like a viscoelastic system which offers excellent resistance to impact forces or dynamic loads by absorbing energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

tightening the fastener results in higher internal tension force inside the fastener, and the fastener in return applies a higher contacting force on the fastening surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 4

Because the side brace member has a fastening structure on both ends, it is under high compressional forces. These compressional forces reinforce the attachment of side brace member to the pillars of the frames

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3881656B1Modular rack assembly
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 CFW INVESTMENTS LLC
  • EP3881656B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3881656B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3881656B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A frame structure for a cabinet enclosure has a front frame assembly having first and second front pillars, a rear frame assembly having first and second rear pillars, a first side brace member, and a second side brace member, each having a beam that has opposite ends, with the opposite ends of each side brace member connected to one of the front pillars and one of the rear pillars. The frame structure also includes cable management and air flow management features and functions.