Portable Data Center in Shipping Container with Shock-Absorbing Mount

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data processing centers require substantial time and resources for expansion or relocation due to the need for custom architectural designs, compliance with building codes, and the complexity of integrating multiple computer systems, while also needing to protect sensitive equipment from physical damage, humidity, and environmental hazards.

Innovation Solution

A portable data center housed in a shipping container with a shock-absorbing mount, a chilled water cooling system, and a power supply link that includes a dehumidifier, allowing for secure, efficient, and flexible data processing operations that can be easily relocated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional data processing center is built in a building structure, then it provides stable operation and security, but it requires substantial time and resources for expansion or relocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable operationVSAvoidtime for expansion or relocation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The data processing center is divided into modular rack assemblies that can be independently configured, installed, and relocated within a container. Each rack contains complete functional units (computing, storage, networking) that can be segmented and reconfigured without affecting the entire system, enabling rapid deployment and relocation while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static building-based infrastructure to a dynamic container-based platform that can be easily moved and reconfigured. The container housing with shock-absorbing mounts provides stability during operation while enabling rapid relocation when needed, resolving the contradiction between stable operation and ease of relocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If computer systems are installed on site in a conventional data center, then they can be configured according to performance requirements, but it requires substantial wiring and skilled personnel for integration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidwiring and integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rack assemblies are pre-configured with complete wiring, power distribution, and system integration before being installed in the container. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site wiring and integration work, reducing both the time required and the need for skilled personnel while maintaining configuration flexibility through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional components (computing equipment, wiring, power distribution, cooling connections) are merged into integrated rack assemblies. This consolidation reduces the overall complexity by combining what would otherwise be separate installation tasks into unified modules that can be installed as complete units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If computer equipment is moved without adequate protection, then relocation is possible, but physical shocks or vibration may damage sensitive equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelocation capabilityVSAvoidequipment protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Shock-absorbing mounts are installed beforehand in the container to protect rack assemblies during relocation. These mounts provide cushioning against physical shocks and vibrations that occur during transport, enabling safe relocation while protecting sensitive computer equipment from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock-absorbing mounts act as an intermediary between the moving container and the sensitive computer equipment. They absorb and dissipate shock forces, preventing direct transmission of damaging vibrations to the equipment while still allowing the entire system to be relocated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a data processing center is designed to unique specifications, then it meets specific business requirements, but it requires custom architectural designs and compliance with building codes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization to business requirementsVSAvoidcustom architectural design and building code compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container-based platform provides a universal housing that can accommodate different configurations of rack assemblies to meet various business requirements. Instead of custom-building for each application, the same standardized container platform can be configured differently through modular rack arrangements, eliminating the need for custom architectural designs and building code compliance while maintaining adaptability to specific needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 portable data center provides a secure, efficient, and flexible solution for data processing that minimizes downtime during expansion or relocation, protects equipment from physical shocks and environmental hazards, and maintains optimal operating conditions for computer systems.

Implementation Method 1

The rack is secured to the container with a shock absorbing mount

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorbing: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The shock absorbing mount includes a base support and a top restraint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

A cooling system includes a heat exchange module that takes heat generated by the computer system from inside the container and transfers the heat outside the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

A cooling system includes a heat exchange module that takes heat generated by the computer system from inside the container and transfers the heat outside the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 5

A portable data center housed in a shipping container with a shock-absorbing mount, a chilled water cooling system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporative cooling: Evaporative Cooler

Implementation Method 6

A power supply link is provided for the computer system that is connected to a power supply disposed outside the container. A cooling system includes a heat exchange module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 7

A power supply link is provided for the computer system that is connected to a power supply disposed outside the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2074337B1Operation ready transportable data center in a shipping container
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 ORACLE AMERICAN INC
  • EP2074337B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2074337B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2074337B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A movable data center is disclosed that comprises a portable container in which an operable computer system is assembled. A data link, power supply link and cooling system are provided through ports on the exterior of the container. The computer system is assembled to a rack that is secured to the container with a shock absorbing mechanism.