Data Center Rack Arrangement with Load-Distributing Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
The significant size and weight of server racks in data centers pose a challenge for efficient use of limited floor space, as existing solutions require strong frame designs to support the loads, limiting the vertical stacking of racks.
Innovation Solution
A rack arrangement featuring an assembly frame with vertical, lateral, and transverse beams made of bent sheet metal, including a rack-supporting platform that distributes the load of upper racks onto lower racks, allowing for efficient vertical stacking while minimizing the structural requirements of the assembly frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If server racks are disposed one above the other to exploit vertical space, then the use of floor space is improved, but the structural strength requirements of the support frame increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple levels with intermediate supporting platforms positioned between upper and lower racks. This segmentation distributes the load-bearing function across multiple structural elements rather than requiring a single strong frame, allowing vertical stacking while reducing the strength requirements of any individual frame component.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate supporting platforms are introduced as mediator elements between upper racks and the main support frame. These platforms bear portions of the rack loads and transfer them to the frame at multiple points, reducing the concentrated load on the frame and enabling vertical rack arrangement without requiring excessively strong frame structures.
2Strength
If a strong frame is designed to support heavy server racks, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the weight of the support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented across multiple lighter intermediate platforms and frame elements rather than concentrated in a single heavy frame. This allows the system to achieve high load-bearing capacity through distributed support while keeping individual components and the overall structure lighter.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a two-dimensional floor-based arrangement to a three-dimensional vertical stacking configuration with intermediate platforms. This dimensional change allows load distribution across multiple vertical levels, reducing the weight requirements of any single structural element while maintaining high load-bearing capacity.
3Productivity
If intermediate supporting platforms are provided between upper and lower racks, then the vertical stacking of racks is improved, but the structural complexity of the assembly frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex support structure is segmented into standardized, modular intermediate platforms and frame components. This segmentation allows the complex function of supporting multiple vertical racks to be achieved through repeated use of simpler standardized elements, making the overall system more manageable and easier to assemble despite its vertical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs standardized parameters and dimensions for intermediate platforms and frame connections. By establishing standardization in key parameters such as platform spacing, connection methods, and structural dimensions, the complexity of the vertical assembly is reduced and made more predictable, facilitating easier manufacturing and installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack arrangement for a data center includes an assembly frame including vertical beams, lateral beams connected to the vertical beams, and transverse beams connected to the vertical beams. The transverse beams extend at least partly in a depth direction of the assembly frame. A rack-supporting platform is connected between two of the lateral beams and extends horizontally between four of the vertical beams. Each rack of a plurality of racks is configured to support computer equipment or cooling equipment for servicing the data center. A first rack is supported at least in part by two of the lateral beams. A second rack is disposed above the first rack and disposed atop the rack-supporting platform. The rack-supporting platform is supported in part by a top portion of the first rack such that a load of the second rack is partly applied on the first rack through the rack-supporting platform.