Modular Server Rack Rear Module with Movable Service Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current server racks are inflexible and specific to certain hardware or systems, limiting their use in data centers with dynamic hardware requirements, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies across the data center ecosystem.
Innovation Solution
A modular rear module system for server racks that allows for independent assembly and configuration of cooling, power, and networking components, providing flexible deployment schemes to accommodate different types of IT equipment and cloud services, with movable service panels and adjustable mounting channels for seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard server rack configurations are used for certain categories of hardware, then the rack structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the adaptability to different hardware types and systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into modular components including rack units, rear modules, and service panels that can be independently configured. Each rack unit can be customized with specific service panels (power, cooling, networking) based on hardware requirements, while maintaining a standardized base structure for ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized rack units are designed to accommodate multiple types of hardware through universal mounting mechanisms. Service panels can be mixed and matched on the same rack unit to support different hardware configurations, making the rack system universally applicable to various IT equipment while keeping the core structure simple.
2Reliability
If customized server hardware is deployed on specific rack configurations, then the hardware performance is optimized, but the cost increases and the ecosystem complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack units are designed as universal platforms that can support multiple hardware configurations through standardized interfaces and mixed service panel arrangements. This allows optimized hardware deployment without requiring custom rack designs for each hardware type, thereby reducing ecosystem complexity while maintaining performance optimization.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed rack configurations are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the flexibility to accommodate dynamic hardware requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is segmented into standardized rack units with configurable service panels. The standardized base structure maintains low manufacturing cost, while the modular service panels can be selectively assembled to meet dynamic hardware requirements, providing flexibility without increasing base manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack configuration is made dynamic through the ability to reconfigure service panels on standardized rack units. Users can adapt the rack setup to changing hardware requirements by swapping service panels rather than manufacturing entirely new rack configurations, maintaining cost efficiency while enabling adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized rack types are deployed for different hardware categories, then the specific hardware requirements are met, but the overall data center cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying multiple specialized rack types, the invention uses universal rack units that can be configured with different service panels to meet various hardware requirements. This single platform approach reduces the total quantity of racks needed while maintaining hardware-specific optimization through customizable panel configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed of a module attachable to an electronics rack. The module includes a housing attachable to a rear part of the electronics rack. One or more pairs of laterally-running mounting channels are positioned within the housing and one or more service panels are positioned within the housing. Each of the one or more service panels is movably mounted to a corresponding pair of mounting channels, and each of the one or more service panels can be coupled to at least one electronic device to be mounted in the electronics rack. Implementing the modules to racks and data centers can be realized with multiple methods.