Movable Seal Device for Data Center Cable Penetrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seal technologies for data centers fail to effectively address air leakage, fire resistance, and adaptability to varying cable sizes and numbers, leading to inefficiencies in cooling systems and increased fire risks, while also being unsuitable for frequent cabling changes and confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A seal device comprising movable, resilient, and flexible compressible foamed plastics or polymeric materials with elongate recesses and protrusions, allowing for a continuous seal across apertures of varying sizes and numbers, incorporating fire-retardant and intumescent additives for enhanced fire resistance and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid fire-resistant seals are used, then fire resistance is improved, but adaptability to different cable sizes and numbers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple opposing segments that can independently move and adjust. Each segment contains fire-resistant material but can flexibly position itself to accommodate different cable configurations, resolving the contradiction between rigid fire resistance and flexible adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where segments can move between engaged and disengaged positions. This allows the seal to adapt its configuration based on cable presence and size while maintaining fire resistance when cables are absent.
2Reliability
If seals are made rigid for fire resistance, then fire resistance is improved, but ease of removal and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple opposing segments that can be independently removed or replaced. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and replace individual segments without removing the entire seal assembly, combining fire resistance with ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable segments can be easily disengaged from their mounting positions and repositioned, providing simple removal and replacement capability while the engaged segments maintain rigid fire-resistant sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If brush seals are used for adaptability, then adaptability to different cable sizes is improved, but fire resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal combines fire-resistant material (such as intumescent or ceramic-based compounds) with flexible adaptability features. The composite structure maintains fire resistance while accommodating different cable sizes through controlled deformation or adjustable positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal material or structure can change its physical parameters (such as expansion ratio, flexibility, or positioning) in response to temperature or mechanical stimuli, maintaining fire resistance while adapting to different cable configurations.
4Ease of operation
If large holes are provided for cable accessibility, then ease of cable installation is improved, but air leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the structural aperture itself and implemented as a separate, removable seal assembly. This allows the aperture to remain large for cable accessibility while the seal assembly provides the necessary air tightness when cables are installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly can dynamically adjust its configuration - remaining open or partially open during cable installation for accessibility, then closing or engaging to provide air tight sealing when cables are in place, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and air leakage prevention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a robust, adaptable, and efficient air seal that minimizes air leakage, enhances fire resistance, and accommodates frequent cabling changes, reducing the risk of fire spread and improving cooling efficiency in data centers.
Implementation Method 1
resilient flexible compressible foamed plastics or polymeric material
Implementation Method 2
resilient flexible compressible foamed plastics or polymeric material deforming and conforming around any cables or conduits
Implementation Method 3
intumescent materials which will close any gaps formed between the seal segments when exposed to heat
Implementation Method 4
incorporating fire-retardant and intumescent additives for enhanced fire resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A number of devices (floor grommets) for providing an air seal of an aperture through which one or more cables or conduits pass are disclosed. The devices (1, 90) include a frame (6) and at least first and second opposing sealing members (91, 92) defining sealing faces mounted in the frame. At least one of the sealing members (91, 92) is movable between a position in which the aperture is substantially closed and a position in which the aperture is substantially open. The sealing members (91, 92) includes resilient flexible compressible foamed plastics or polymeric material or the like. The sealing members provide a substantial air seal across the frame opening in use with said resilient flexible compressible foamed plastics or polymeric material forming the sealing members deforming and conforming around any cables or conduits or the like extending through the frame.