Data Center Rack Hook Positioning for Vibration-Stable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Properly positioning data center racks on a rack-supporting frame to avoid weight imbalances and ensure stability is challenging, especially when racks are stacked, due to reliance on subjective visual observation and susceptibility to vibrations from seismic activity or equipment movement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving attachment members with hook portions and spring portions that connect data center racks to a rack-supporting frame, allowing for precise lateral positioning and elastic deformation to absorb vibrations, ensuring stable placement and balanced weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual observation by operators is used to position racks, then the positioning process can be performed with simple equipment, but the positioning precision and objectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces attachment members with hook portions as intermediaries between the rack and the supporting frame. These hook portions engage with guide rails to provide objective mechanical positioning, replacing subjective visual observation with precise mechanical engagement that ensures accurate lateral positioning.
2Device complexity
If racks are positioned using simple attachment methods, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability under vibration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring portions in the attachment members that can elastically deform to absorb vibrations and shocks. This dynamic element allows the attachment system to adapt to vibrational forces from seismic activity or equipment movement, maintaining stable rack positioning without requiring complex rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring portions are pre-configured in the attachment members to provide cushioning against future vibrations and shocks. This beforehand cushioning capability allows the system to withstand seismic activity and equipment-induced vibrations before they occur, ensuring rack stability without complex active control systems.
3Measurement precision
If precise lateral positioning is achieved through mechanical engagement, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning function into separate components: hook portions for lateral positioning engagement with guide rails, and spring portions for vibration absorption. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, achieving precise lateral positioning through the hook portions without requiring a complex integrated system.
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
The solution enables efficient, precise, and stable positioning of data center racks, reducing the risk of weight imbalances and tilting, while improving the system's ability to absorb vibrations, thus enhancing operational safety and equipment reliability.
Implementation Method 1
each attachment member comprising: a rack attachment portion connected to the data center rack; a frame attachment portion connected to a corresponding one of the left and right vertical support units; and a spring portion extending between the rack attachment portion and the frame attachment portion, the spring portion allowing elastic deformation of the attachment member such that the rack attachment portion is movable relative to the frame attachment portion
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for positioning a data center rack relative to a rack-supporting frame. The method includes connecting at least one front attachment member to the data center rack on a front side thereof such that part of one of the at least one front attachment member and part of one of the at least one front attachment member extend leftward from a left end and rightward from a right end respectively of the data center rack; lifting and inserting the data center rack between a left and a right vertical support units until the at least one front attachment member abuts the left and right vertical support units; and moving the data center rack leftward or rightward until a hook portion of the at least one front attachment member engages the left or right vertical support unit to set a lateral position of the data center rack.