Pivoting Support Rail for Space-Efficient Cabinet Anti-Tip Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-tilt devices for server cabinets are either cumbersome, require additional space, or lack stability when multiple drawers are pulled out, risking the cabinet's center of gravity shifting and tipping.

Innovation Solution

An anti-tilt device with a support rail that can be displaced and pivoted, featuring a guide rail system allowing the support rail to be adjusted and fixed in position, combined with articulated support struts for enhanced stability, which can be compactly integrated into the cabinet's design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the support rail is lengthened to improve stability, then the anti-tilt effectiveness is improved, but the device occupies more space and becomes harder to integrate into the cabinet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-tilt stabilityVSAvoidspace occupied by support rail
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support rail is designed to be movable relative to the guide rail, allowing it to extend when needed for anti-tilt support and retract when not in use. This dynamic configuration enables the rail to provide maximum stability only when required, minimizing space occupation during normal cabinet operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support rail can be positioned to nest within or alongside the guide rail structure when retracted, allowing the extended support rail to be stored compactly within the cabinet's existing structural envelope, thereby avoiding additional space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the support rail is made adjustable to improve ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of support railVSAvoidcomplexity of guide rail system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support rail incorporates movable and adjustable features that allow it to be positioned and fixed as needed. The guide rail system provides guided movement constraints that simplify the adjustment mechanism, allowing the rail to be repositioned along the guide rail while maintaining structural integrity through the foot area contact with the floor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 improved handling and expanded application by maintaining stability without lengthening the support rail, ensuring the cabinet remains upright even when multiple drawers are extended, while maintaining a compact and space-efficient design.

Implementation Method 1

the support rail has a displacement area which can be displaced along a guide rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear displacement: Displacement

Implementation Method 2

the support rail moves between a support position, in which the support rail is set out at an angle to the guide rail, and a retracted position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting movement: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

the displacement area of the support rail has a locking device for fixing the support rail to the guide rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

a foot area for support on a floor surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 5

support rail moves between a support position, in which the support rail is set out at an angle to the guide rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNormal force: Force

Data Source

PatentEP2249682B1Anti-tip device and cabinet
Publication Date: 2012.01.04 KNURR GMBH
  • EP2249682B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2249682B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2249682B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an anti-tip device, especially for information technology cabinets, comprising a support rail having a root area for support on a floor surface. Said support rail has a displacement section which can be displaced along a guide rail, the support rail being adjustable between a support position, in which the support rail is hooked out at an angle in relation to the guide rail, and a withdrawal position, in which the support rail is swiveled in towards the guide rail, and the support rail being fixable in the support position.