Modular Rack Assembly for Mac Mini Cooling and Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing data center infrastructure is not well-suited for efficiently housing and cooling Mac mini and Mac Studio computers due to their form factors, which limits their deployment in data centers requiring Apple-compatible hosting environments and cloud-based computing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A computer data center rack assembly that allows for the mounting of multiple Mac mini or Mac Studio computers on a single rack, featuring multiple rails and shelves with detachable stands, bases, and a secondary computing device with a servo motor actuator for remote operation, along with a heat channel and handle for improved airflow and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Mac mini or Mac Studio computers are mounted in traditional data center racks, then Apple-compatible hosting environments can be provided, but the form factors of these computers are not suitable for efficient deployment and cooling in data centers
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components including individual computer holders, cable management modules, and cooling channel assemblies. Each Mac computer is mounted in its own dedicated holder that can be independently installed and removed from the rack structure, allowing the system to adapt to the unique form factors of Apple computers while maintaining efficient data center deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent mounts computers in vertical orientations and utilizes three-dimensional space within the rack structure more effectively. Heat channels are routed vertically along the rack, and cable management extends in multiple dimensions, transforming the traditional horizontal rack mounting approach to accommodate the specific form factors of Mac mini and Mac Studio computers.
2Productivity
If multiple Mac computers are mounted on a single rack, then server density is increased, but cooling airflow and accessibility for maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each computer is mounted in an individual holder with dedicated access pathways, allowing maintenance personnel to reach specific computers without disturbing others. The rack is segmented into multiple levels and zones, each with independent cooling and access channels, enabling high density while maintaining ease of maintenance for each individual unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as front and rear access panels, cable routing channels, and cooling air pathways that mediate between the tightly packed computers and the external environment. These intermediaries provide structured access points for maintenance while preserving the high-density configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If Mac computers with single fans are mounted in racks, then space is optimized, but heat removal becomes insufficient for the generated thermal load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling resources of multiple computers into shared vertical heat channels that run along the rack structure. Adjacent computers contribute their individual fan airflow to common cooling pathways, creating a collective cooling system that is more effective than individual computer cooling alone, while maintaining compact spacing between units.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling airflow is transitioned from horizontal paths at the computer level to vertical channels along the rack structure. This dimensional change allows heat to be removed more efficiently by channeling it upward through dedicated thermal pathways, increasing cooling capacity without requiring additional horizontal space between computers.
4Device complexity
If controls and ports are located on one lateral side of Mac computers, then device design is simplified, but accessibility for connections and operations becomes limited in rack mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional rack mounting approach by orienting computers vertically and positioning the side with controls and ports facing outward toward the front of the rack. This inversion makes the previously hidden ports and controls easily accessible from the front, eliminating the need to reach around or behind computers for connections and operations.
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 efficient mounting and cooling of numerous Mac computers, facilitating easy installation, serviceability, and remote operation, thereby enhancing server density and operational efficiency in data centers.
Implementation Method 1
a servo motor actuator configured to move the secondary computing device to press a button on the computer
Implementation Method 2
a heat channel configured to direct air flow from an outlet of the computer
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly is disclosed and can comprise a stand configured to hold a computer in an upright orientation and a base comprising a plurality of edge walls define an internal void configured to hold the computer, a first motor attachment point, and a first secondary computing device (SCD) attachment point. The mounting assembly can include a motor mount configured to receive a motor actuator, and the motor mount can have a second motor attachment point configured to detachably attach to the first motor attachment point. The mounting assembly can include a SCD mount configured to attach to a secondary computing device, and the SCD mount can have a SCD attachment point configured to detachably attach to the first SCD attachment points.