Modular Equipment Rack Structure for Seismic Space Utilization
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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 fixed design and excessive 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 incremental load adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If standard rack cabinet systems are used, then equipment can be mounted and stored, but space utilization is limited and material usage is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is divided into modular components including vertical uprights, horizontal crossmembers, and adjustable shelf assemblies that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the system to be customized to fit available space while maintaining structural integrity, thereby improving space utilization without increasing footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system incorporates adjustable shelves and reconfigurable crossmembers that can be moved to different positions along the uprights. This dynamic adjustability enables the rack to adapt to varying equipment heights and storage requirements, maximizing vertical space utilization while maintaining a compact footprint.
2Reliability
If seismically engineered racks are implemented, then dynamic load requirements are met, but mass and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system utilizes composite construction combining steel uprights with engineered wood or aluminum crossmembers and shelves. This composite approach provides the necessary strength and seismic resilience through strategic material placement and connection design, while reducing overall mass compared to traditional all-steel construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Seismic reinforcement is applied locally at critical connection points between uprights and crossmembers rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized strengthening approach provides the necessary dynamic load capacity and seismic resilience while minimizing additional material usage and mass.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed design racks are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different space requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system employs standardized uprights with universal mounting holes at regular intervals, allowing the same basic component to serve multiple positions and functions. Crossmembers and shelves are designed as interchangeable units that can be installed at various heights, providing configurability for different space requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through component standardization.
Data Source
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.