Rack Bottom Structure for Liftable Data Center Server Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Co-locating networking switches and IT equipment in data centers leads to inefficiencies in power, cooling, and space utilization, as well as reduced flexibility in network topology experimentation due to complex cable routing and non-optimal cable path lengths.
Innovation Solution
A data center rack system with a rack housing that supports multiple server trays, featuring a rack bottom with integrated lifting members and utility tracks for efficient movement and power/cooling connections, allowing for a separate networking layer above the IT equipment layer, reducing cable lengths and enabling faster, more flexible network deployments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If networking switches and IT equipment are co-located in the same space, then space utilization appears improved, but power and cooling resources become underutilized and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data center into separate functional layers: an IT equipment layer and a networking layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific requirements, enabling flexible network topology changes without affecting IT equipment placement and vice versa.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal co-location to vertical stacking, placing networking switches above IT equipment in a multi-elevation rack structure. This dimensional change separates the layers physically while maintaining efficient connections, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and flexibility.
2Area of stationary object
If networking equipment is placed in the same rack as IT equipment, then space is saved, but cable routes become complex and cable path lengths increase
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning networking switches vertically above IT equipment within the same rack structure, the patent creates direct vertical cable paths. This eliminates complex horizontal routing through cable trays and reduces cable lengths while maintaining space efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional cable tray conveyance is used in multiple elevations, then networking coverage is achieved, but cable routes become complex and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the networking layer from the traditional horizontal cable tray system and repositions it vertically above IT equipment. This eliminates the need for complex multi-elevation cable tray conveyance, simplifying cable routes while maintaining full networking coverage.
4Reliability
If networking equipment has higher availability requirements, then reliability is improved, but system complexity and provisioning challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data center into dedicated networking and IT layers, allowing independent provisioning and management of each layer. This reduces system complexity by separating concerns while maintaining high availability through dedicated networking infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A data center rack system includes a rack housing that includes side panels and a top panel coupled to the side panels, the top and side panels defining a rack volume sized to enclose a plurality of data center server rack trays, each of the data center server rack trays configured to support a plurality of heat generating electronic devices; and a rack bottom coupled to the side panels to at least partially define the rack volume, the rack bottom including a bottom panel having a top surface coupled to the side panels and a plurality of blocks coupled to a bottom surface of the bottom panel opposite the top surface, at least one pair of the plurality of blocks defining an opening between the blocks and below the bottom surface of the bottom panel and sized to receive a lifting member of a lifting machine.