Removable Transport Caster Assembly for Lift-Free Cabinet Moves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data center cabinets with fixed casters are costly due to their permanent installation, and existing removable transport casters are difficult to install, requiring the cabinet to be lifted off the ground.
Innovation Solution
A removable transport caster assembly with a mounting plate, lifting plate, and wheel assembly, secured by a transport caster bracket that can be easily installed on data center cabinets without tools, allowing for offset positioning and easy access to mounting locations, facilitating relocation without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed casters are used in data center cabinets, then the cabinet can be easily relocated, but the overall cost of the cabinet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the caster assembly removable rather than fixed. The caster assembly can be attached to and detached from the cabinet as needed, transforming from a static permanent installation to a dynamic temporary installation. This allows the cabinet to have mobility when needed while eliminating the need for permanent caster fixtures, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining relocation capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If removable transport casters are used instead of fixed casters, then the cabinet cost is reduced, but the installation becomes difficult requiring the cabinet to be lifted off the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-positioned openings in the cabinet frame that align with the caster assembly mounting points. The caster assembly includes a mounting plate with corresponding openings that fit over these pre-positioned openings in the cabinet frame, allowing for tool-free installation without lifting the cabinet. The bracket is configured to receive the mounting plate and secure it in place through a snap-fit or friction-fit mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional removable casters are installed, then cost is reduced, but accessibility to mounting locations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the another dimension principle by designing the caster assembly with a bracket that extends from the mounting plate to reach the cabinet frame openings. This extended bracket structure allows the mounting operations to occur at an accessible height and location, transforming the mounting interface from a difficult-to-reach position to an easily accessible position for installation personnel.
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
Enables cost-effective relocation of data center cabinets by allowing the use of a single set of transport casters and simplifies the installation process, reducing the need for tools and improving accessibility, while maintaining cabinet stability during movement.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting lever pivotally connected to the mounting bracket
Implementation Method 2
a lifting plate pivotally connected to the mounting plate
Data Source
AI summary
A removable transport caster assembly secured to side to side beams or front to back beams in a data center cabinet in a data center. The removable transport caster assembly is temporarily installed on the cabinet to enable the cabinet to be relocated to another location in the data center. The removable transport caster assembly includes a transport caster and a transport caster bracket secured to the transport caster. The transport caster has a mounting plate, a mounting bracket extending from the mounting plate, a lifting plate pivotally connected to the mounting plate, a lifting lever pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a wheel assembly. The transport caster bracket secures the transport caster to the cabinet when relocation of the cabinet is desired.