Rack Mount Lifter Assembly for Data Center Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data center environments, relocating fully or partially loaded equipment racks is challenging due to their heavy weight and the risk of damage or injury, as existing methods require disconnection and reconnection of power and data connections, and manual handling poses risks of equipment damage and personnel injury.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rack mount lifter assembly with electro-mechanical or hydraulic actuators, power supply/relay control, and remote control units allows for vertical lifting of equipment racks, enabling the installation of a pallet-like base for safe relocation without unloading, using lift actuators at each corner and a power supply/relay control box to manage the lifting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fully loaded equipment rack is manually moved across the floor, then the rack can be relocated without disconnection and reconnection of equipment, but the risk of equipment damage and personnel injury increases due to the heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
A specialized lifting device with multiple lifting points and a pallet-like base acts as an intermediary between the heavy equipment rack and the floor. The device includes a base platform that fits beneath the rack, multiple lifting mechanisms that raise the rack vertically, and attachment points for securing the rack during transport. This intermediary system enables safe relocation of fully loaded racks by providing mechanical advantage and distributing the heavy load, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining equipment integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hand truck is used to move a fully loaded rack, then the risk of equipment damage is reduced, but the rack must be inclined at an angle which may cause damage to equipment not designed for such orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device serves as a mediator that raises the rack to a vertical transport position using controlled mechanical lifting mechanisms, then provides a stable platform for horizontal movement. The device includes stabilization features and securement systems that maintain proper orientation during transport, eliminating the need to incline the rack at dangerous angles while reducing damage risk through controlled positioning and support.
3Weight of moving object
If equipment is removed from the rack prior to moving, then the rack weight is reduced making it easier to relocate, but the time required for disconnection and reconnection increases and cabling errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional approach of mechanical weight reduction through equipment removal with a mechanical lifting system that provides force multiplication. The lifting device uses hydraulic or mechanical actuators to generate sufficient lifting force to overcome the heavy weight of fully loaded racks, eliminating the need to remove equipment for weight reduction while maintaining the ability to relocate the rack efficiently.
4Productivity
If a fully loaded rack is pushed or heaved to move it, then relocation can be achieved, but the risk of the rack tipping over and causing injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device acts as a safe intermediary that provides controlled mechanical advantage for moving heavy racks. The system includes a stable base platform, multiple lifting points distributed across the rack structure, and securement mechanisms that prevent tipping. By providing controlled lifting and support, the device eliminates the dangerous pushing and heaving methods while enabling reliable relocation of fully loaded racks.
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 safe and efficient relocation of heavy data center equipment racks in a vertical orientation, reducing the risk of damage and injury by allowing the use of pallet jacks for movement, thus saving time and minimizing cabling errors.
Implementation Method 1
electro-mechanical or hydraulic actuators
Implementation Method 2
electro-mechanical or hydraulic actuators
Implementation Method 3
raising a fully loaded equipment rack, or other large equipment, up off of the floor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is described that forms a lifting and lowering assembly for equipment racks, or other equipment items, by attaching lifters onto a computer equipment rack, and other datacenter equipment, in order to allow the equipment or equipment rack to be raised or lowered vertically without unloading the equipment rack. The lifters mounted on the equipment rack are controlled by a remote control passing signals through a power supply/relay control box that are connected to the rack mounted lifters. Through the attachment and activation of rack mounted lifters, the assembly may raise and lower fully loaded equipment racks in a vertical direction to assist in the maintenance and relocation of equipment racks or other data center equipment.