Modular Rack-Based IT System with Rear Power and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rack-based information handling systems lack modularity, scalability, and expandability, limiting their ability to accommodate diverse IT gear sizes and configurations, which restricts flexibility and efficiency in handling varying information processing and storage needs.

Innovation Solution

A modular, scalable, and expandable (MSE) rack-based information handling system (RIHS) with a frame that supports different IT gear sizes, separate power and cooling components, and modular busbar configurations, allowing for concurrent installation of various IT gear dimensions and configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rack-based information handling systems use standard uniform height and width dimensions for IT gear, then the rack structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the system lacks flexibility to accommodate diverse IT gear sizes and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to accommodate diverse IT gear sizesVSAvoidrack structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is divided into multiple rack units (RUs), each capable of holding IT gear of different heights. The rack structure is segmented into standardized height increments (1RU, 2RU, 3RU, etc.), allowing flexible configuration while maintaining structural simplicity through modular repetition of basic rack unit components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack structure is designed with universal mounting mechanisms that can accommodate IT gear of various dimensions within the standardized rack unit framework. The same basic rack structure and mounting hardware serve multiple functions by supporting different IT gear configurations through standardized height units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If each IT gear unit has independent cooling and power controls, then each unit can be optimized for its specific requirements, but the overall system management becomes more complex and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem management efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of independent controls

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple independent IT gear units are merged into a single rack-based information handling system with centralized management. The power and cooling controls are consolidated at the rack level, allowing unified management of multiple IT gear units while maintaining the ability to address specific unit requirements through the centralized control interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the rack is designed with fixed singular height for IT gear, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the system cannot be scaled or expanded to meet varying information processing needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescalability and expandabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rack structure is designed with dynamic configurability through standardized rack units that can be arranged in different height combinations (1RU, 2RU, 3RU, etc.). This allows the rack to be scaled and reconfigured to meet varying information processing needs while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through repetition of standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If IT gear are designed to fit specific rack configurations with standard dimensions, then the rack structure is more stable and reliable, but the system lacks modularity and cannot accommodate different gear configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemodularityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is segmented into standardized rack units with consistent structural characteristics, ensuring reliability through repeated proven design elements. Within this segmented framework, modularity is achieved by allowing different combinations of rack units to accommodate various IT gear configurations while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3090610B1Modular, scalable, expandable, rack-based information handling system

Publication Date: 2021.02.24 DELL PROD LP

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AI summary

A modular, scalable and expandable (MSE) rack-based information handling system (RIHS) includes: a rack assembly having a frame that defines: a front bay chassis with height, depth and width dimensions that enable insertion of a plurality of different sizes of IT gear; and a rear bay that accommodates power and cooling components to support operation of the different sizes of IT gear. The power and cooling for the IT gear are provided from the rear bay and are separate from and independent of the IT gear installed within the front bay chassis. The rack assembly further includes a power and management chassis in which is inserted a power and management module having power and management components located thereon to provide rack-level power and management. A modular configuration of fan modules are inserted within fan receptacles within the rear bay to provide block level cooling of adjacent blocks of IT gear.