Data Center Rack Column Assembly for Seismic Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center rack designs are unstable due to vibrations from seismic activity or equipment movement, with existing solutions being complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly for stabilizing racks by using vertical columns and attachment brackets that secure racks together, limiting movement in a depth direction, and optionally connecting to a support surface, with guiding means for precise stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If dampers are provided along the bases of the racks to solve vibration issues, then stability against vibrations is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration mitigation function with the structural support function by integrating dampers into the rack column assembly itself. The dampers are positioned between stacked racks to simultaneously provide structural support and vibration damping, eliminating the need for separate vibration mitigation systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack column assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: structural support, vibration damping, and stability enhancement. By making the support structure itself capable of damping vibrations, the system achieves multi-functionality without adding separate specialized components, thereby reducing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dampers are provided along the bases of the racks to solve vibration issues, then stability against vibrations is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration mitigation function with the structural support function by integrating dampers into the rack column assembly itself. The dampers are positioned between stacked racks to simultaneously provide structural support and vibration damping, eliminating the need for separate vibration mitigation systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack column assembly structure itself provides vibration damping capabilities through integrated dampers, making the system self-sufficient for vibration mitigation without requiring external or additional specialized components. This self-service approach reduces implementation costs by consolidating functions within the existing structural framework.
3Area of stationary object
If racks are stacked one above the other to form rack columns, then space utilization is improved, but stability against vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration mitigation function with the structural support function by integrating dampers into the rack column assembly. The dampers are positioned between stacked racks to simultaneously provide structural support and vibration damping, eliminating the need for separate vibration mitigation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampers act as intermediary elements between stacked racks, absorbing and dissipating vibration energy while maintaining the structural integrity of the stacked configuration. This intermediary approach allows racks to be stacked for space efficiency while the dampers mediate the vibration effects.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a rack column assembly including: positioning a first data center rack on a support surface; stacking a second data center rack atop the first data center rack; placing a first vertical column on a first lateral side of the data center racks; after said stacking, placing a second vertical column on a second lateral side of the data center racks; connecting the first vertical column to the data center racks by fastening first lateral side attachment brackets to the data center racks; and connecting the second vertical column to the data center racks by fastening second lateral side attachment brackets to the data center racks, the first lateral side attachment brackets and the second lateral side attachment brackets limiting movement of the data center racks in a depth direction of the rack column assembly.