Rack Attic Tray Mechanism for High-Density Server Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information handling systems often leave unused space in racks, limiting the number of devices that can be efficiently positioned and utilized.
Innovation Solution
A rack volume device coupling system that includes a rack volume base and a moveable rack tray, allowing devices to be positioned in previously unutilized spaces by extending from a tray housing into a device slot and securing them within the rack attic, maximizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional rack structures are used, then the rack can hold standard sized devices, but previously unutilized space in the rack cannot be accessed or used
Solution Approach 1:
The rack tray is designed to be moveable between a retracted position (stored in the rack attic) and an extended position (protruding from the rack front), allowing the system to dynamically adapt between maximizing storage volume and enabling easy device access. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by making the tray structure adaptable to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack tray is nested within the rack attic when not in use, with the tray housing containing the tray assembly that can slide in and out. This nesting arrangement allows the tray to be stored compactly within the previously unutilized attic space while still being accessible when needed, effectively utilizing dead space without compromising device accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the rack tray is extended to access devices, then devices can be easily accessed, but the rack attic space is occupied and cannot be used for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable rack tray provides dynamic reconfiguration, extending forward when device access is needed and retracting into the rack attic when storage capacity is prioritized. This dynamic behavior allows the system to switch between operational modes, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and storage volume utilization.
3Volume of moving object
If devices are positioned in the rack attic, then space utilization is maximized, but the devices become difficult to access and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable rack tray acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the rack attic storage space and the rack front access point. By extending the tray, devices stored in the attic are brought forward to an easily accessible position, while the tray's connection to the attic base maintains secure storage. This intermediary structure eliminates the difficulty of accessing attic-stored devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic extension and retraction of the rack tray enables devices to be easily accessed when the tray is extended, while still being stored in the attic space when retracted. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing easy access during operational states while maintaining compact storage during non-operational states.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack system includes a rack base defining a plurality of device slots. A rack wall on the rack base defines a rack volume adjacent a first device slot. A rack volume device coupling system is located in the rack volume and includes a rack volume base positioned in the rack volume. A rack tray is moveably coupled to the rack volume base and configured to move from a first orientation where the rack tray is located in the rack tray housing, to a second orientation where the rack tray extends from the rack volume and into the first device slot. A device is then moved through the first device slot and into the rack tray when the rack tray is in the second orientation. The rack tray is then moved from the second orientation and into the first orientation such that the device is located in the rack volume.