Modular Slider-Rail Mounting System for Multi-Width Rack Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of standardization in electronic data processing equipment dimensions and mounting structures leads to difficulties in installing, accessing, and reconfiguring equipment in racks, resulting in inefficiencies and significant capital expenditures on specialized mounting hardware.
Innovation Solution
A uniform mounting system that standardizes equipment mounting across various widths, depths, and mounting structures, using modular vertical support posts and horizontal rails with adjustable sliders and latching mechanisms, allowing for flexible positioning and easy removal of equipment without requiring specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is mounted using manufacturer-specific rack mounting hardware to accommodate varying equipment dimensions and mounting structures, then equipment compatibility and mounting capability are improved, but device complexity and capital expenditures increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting system where a single standardized adapter design can accommodate multiple equipment types and mounting configurations. The adapter includes adjustable components such as repositionable mounting brackets, variable-length fasteners, and configurable attachment mechanisms that can adapt to different equipment dimensions and mounting hole patterns, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific hardware for each equipment type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting hardware is divided into modular, interchangeable components including separate adapters, brackets, fasteners, and mounting plates that can be independently selected and configured. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse equipment requirements using standardized modular elements rather than requiring complete custom hardware sets for each equipment type.
2Device complexity
If standardized mounting hardware is used across all equipment, then device complexity and capital expenditures are reduced, but adaptability to different equipment dimensions and mounting structures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements such as repositionable brackets with multiple mounting positions, adjustable-length fasteners, and configurable attachment mechanisms. These dynamic components allow a single standardized adapter design to adapt to varying equipment dimensions and mounting structures, maintaining equipment compatibility while using standardized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes adjustable parameters within the standardized mounting hardware, including variable bracket positions, adjustable fastener lengths, and configurable attachment forces, to accommodate different equipment types. By changing these parameters rather than requiring different hardware designs, the system maintains both standardization and adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If specialized rack mounting hardware is provided for each equipment type, then ease of installation for specific equipment is improved, but ease of operation for reconfiguring equipment decreases due to hardware variety
Solution Approach 1:
The universal adapter design allows the same mounting hardware to be used across different equipment types and reconfiguration scenarios. Technicians become proficient with a single hardware system rather than learning multiple specialized hardware types, making both initial installation and subsequent reconfiguration operations equally easy.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized mounting hardware is designed to be easily removed, reused, and reconfigured for different equipment. Rather than discarding specialized hardware when equipment is reconfigured or replaced, the same standardized adapters and fasteners can be recovered and reused with new equipment, simplifying both installation and reconfiguration processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal mounting system is provided for use in connection with substantially any type of electronic equipment so was to reduce or substantially avoid the need for rail kids or other mounting assemblies that are its equipment specific for mounting equipment to racks. In one implementation, a uniform mounting system (101) includes a number of rail and slider assemblies (112). Each of the rail and slider assemblies includes a slider that is slightly mounted on a support rail. Each of the slider is includes mounting flange is and brackets for mounting the slider to a piece of equipment. The mounting flanges 116 that's collectively define a segmented vertical rail. A safety stop mechanism can be used to define very a offset figurations of the equipment with respect to a front end of the rack.