Rack Width Adapter With Docking Bus Bar for 19-Inch Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adapter systems for transitioning 19-inch server devices to 21-inch racks are complex, cumbersome, and result in packaging waste, and power distribution issues arise due to non-centralized power systems and networking components blocking access in 21-inch racks.
Innovation Solution
A multi-device rack width adapter system with paired adapter subsystems mounted to opposite sides of the rack, featuring device coupling elements and a power distribution bus bar that directly docks with devices, allowing efficient coupling and power transmission for both 19-inch and 21-inch devices in 21-inch racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adapter systems are used to house 19-inch devices in 21-inch racks, then device compatibility is achieved, but system complexity and packaging waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adapter function directly into the rack structure by providing a 21-inch wide device housing that natively accommodates 19-inch devices without requiring separate adapter assemblies. The power distribution bus bar is integrated into the rack's power shelf structure, eliminating the need for separate power adaptation components. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The 21-inch wide device housing serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the rack, incorporates the power distribution bus bar for power delivery, and directly houses 19-inch devices without requiring additional adapter components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adapter systems while maintaining versatility for different device sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adapter systems are used to house 19-inch devices in 21-inch racks, then device compatibility is achieved, but packaging waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter functionality is merged into the primary rack structure, eliminating the need for separate adapter assemblies that would require packaging. The power distribution bus bar is integrated into the rack's power shelf, removing the need for separate power adaptation packaging. This integration directly reduces packaging waste while maintaining device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the adapter function from separate components and integrates it into the rack structure itself. By taking out the need for separate adapter assemblies and power adaptation components, the design eliminates the packaging waste that would otherwise be required to ship and store these separate components.
3Loss of energy
If power distribution bus bar is centrally located in 21-inch rack, then power efficiency is improved, but access to networking components is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution bus bar is positioned in a specific location on the power shelf that provides centralized power distribution while maintaining clear access paths to networking components. The bus bar is configured to extend along the power shelf in a manner that does not obstruct access to centrally located networking components, allowing both efficient power distribution and component accessibility simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-device rack-width-adapted rack system includes a multi-device rack width adapter system mounted to a rack having first and second sides defining a rack housing having a first housing width. The multi-device rack width adapter system includes pairs of device coupling elements that each couple a respective device to the rack in a device housing defined by that pair of device coupling elements with a second housing width that is smaller than the first housing width. A power distribution bus bar is mounted to the multi-device rack width adapter system, coupled to a powering device in the rack, and operates to directly dock with each respective device that is coupled to the rack by one of the plurality of pairs of device coupling elements and transmit power from the powering device to that respective device.