Pallet Interface for Data Center Rack Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation and handling of rack information handling systems (RIHSs) in data centers are challenging due to their significant vertical height and weight, making it difficult to move them between enclosures and transport vehicles, especially with varying surface levels.
Innovation Solution
A data center configuration with a raised floor and lateral opening, coupled with a pallet interface and docking alignment plate, allows for the secure transfer of RIHSs using a roll-off rack shock pallet, facilitated by a forklift, ensuring stable positioning and alignment during loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RIHSs are transported using traditional methods, then they can be delivered to data centers, but the process is difficult and time-consuming due to significant weight (700-3800 lbs) and vertical height
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the heavy RIHS into a modular configuration where the rack unit is separated from the shock pallet. The shock pallet acts as an independent transport module that can be handled separately, reducing the operational difficulty of moving the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock pallet serves as an intermediary device between the transport vehicle and the RIHS. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the transfer process, acting as a mediator that handles the weight and positioning challenges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surface levels between data center and transport vehicle differ, then RIHS transfer becomes difficult, but using a shock pallet enables successful transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The shock pallet is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities that allow it to adapt to different surface levels between the data center and transport vehicle. This dynamic adjustment enables the pallet to bridge level differences, making the transfer process feasible across varying elevations.
3Volume of moving object
If RIHSs are fully integrated for maximum density, then space utilization increases, but transportation protection becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the RIHS into distinct components: the rack unit and the shock pallet. This segmentation allows the rack to be optimized for density while the pallet provides dedicated protection during transport, resolving the conflict between integration and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock pallet provides pre-configured protection and cushioning for the RIHS before transport begins. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the rack unit is protected from transportation shocks and vibrations, maintaining reliability while allowing dense integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A data center, a rack information handling system (RIHS) delivery kit, and a method provide for removing an RIHS from and delivering an RIHS to a data center. The data center includes an enclosure having a raised floor and a lateral opening. The lateral opening has a bottom edge that is aligned with the raised floor in order to transfer a rack information handling system (RIHS) through the lateral opening for a selected one of: (i) removing the RIHSs from the raised floor; and (ii) delivering the RIHS to the raised floor. The data center includes a pallet interface coupled to or integrated into an exterior edge of the raised floor and vertically presented to abut and engage a lateral edge of a roll-off rack shock pallet that supports the RIHS during transport.