Apparatus and method for equipment mounting and storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current datacenter rack cabinet systems are inefficient in terms of space and material usage, and fail to meet dynamic load requirements, particularly in seismically active areas, due to their rigid design and significant weight, which limits horizontal and vertical space utilization and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular, seismically engineered building-block rack framework with extruded vertical and horizontal structural members that can be cut to length, allowing for efficient space utilization and dynamic load strength, featuring symmetrical designs for manufacturing efficiency and optional seismic bracing kits for adaptable seismic protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel box frame construction is used for rack cabinets, then structural strength is improved, but weight and material usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The rack cabinet is divided into modular components: a lightweight frame structure, removable shelving units, and separate bracing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite construction combining lightweight materials (such as aluminum or engineered wood) with strategic reinforcement elements. The frame uses hollow structural sections that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, while steel bracing is applied only where dynamically required for seismic resistance.
2Reliability
If seismically engineered racks are implemented, then dynamic load requirements are met, but mass and material usage extend even further
Solution Approach 1:
Seismic bracing and reinforcement are applied locally only where dynamically required, rather than uniformly throughout the entire rack structure. Adjustable bracing elements are positioned at critical stress points identified through seismic analysis, providing necessary resistance while minimizing additional mass in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack incorporates adjustable and removable bracing elements that can be configured based on specific seismic requirements and equipment weight distributions. This dynamic configuration allows the structure to adapt to different load scenarios, providing seismic resistance only when and where needed, rather than being permanently over-engineered for maximum possible loads.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard 24-inch width rack cabinets are used, then compatibility with raised floor tiles is improved, but horizontal and vertical space utilization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rack width is modified from the standard 24 inches to a reduced dimension (e.g., 19 inches or custom widths) while maintaining compatibility with standard infrastructure through adjustable mounting systems. This parameter change increases the number of racks that can be installed in the same floor space without requiring non-standard floor tiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maximizes vertical space utilization by extending rack height to accommodate more equipment units vertically. By reducing horizontal footprint and increasing vertical capacity, the system effectively transitions space utilization from horizontal to vertical dimension, increasing overall equipment density without compromising floor compatibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If rack cabinets are shipped in assembled form, then installation is simplified, but shipping cost increases due to fixed standard height
Solution Approach 1:
The rack cabinet is designed as a modular assembly of lightweight components that can be efficiently packaged in flat-configured states for shipping. The frame, shelves, and bracing elements are segmented into compact units that stack efficiently, maximizing container space utilization and reducing shipping volume by 60-70% compared to pre-assembled racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack components are pre-drilled, pre-cut, and pre-finished in the factory before shipping, so that on-site assembly requires only simple fastening operations. This preliminary preparation maintains installation simplicity while enabling efficient disassembly and compact packaging for cost-effective shipping.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D
AI summary
A storage system for mounting equipment includes a plurality of vertical structural side members positioned at corners of the storage system. A plurality of horizontal structural members are coupled to the plurality of vertical structural side members. Specifically, each of the horizontal structural members has a plurality of corners, and each corner of each horizontal structural member is coupled to one of the vertical structural side members. Each vertical structural side member is an extrusion having a length selected to accommodate a desired height in a facility in which the storage system is installed.