Rack Manifold Adapter Plate for Tool-Less Keyhole Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Datacenter cooling systems face inefficiencies with air cooling, and liquid cooling systems pose risks of electrical shorting and flooding, limiting datacenter capacity and requiring complex installations that are time-consuming and prone to downtime.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system featuring an adapter plate with configurable holes for buttons to mate with rack keyholes, allowing tool-less installation and secure attachment of manifolds to racks, reducing the need for multiple screw-type fasteners and enabling easy alignment and installation without requiring multiple personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid cooling systems are deployed to improve cooling efficiency, then cooling capacity is improved, but installation complexity and risk of electrical shorting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into modular sections with standardized mounting interfaces. Each section can be independently installed and connected, breaking down the complex installation into manageable segments that reduce overall installation complexity while maintaining cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Mounting brackets and adapter plates serve as intermediary components between the manifold and rack structure. These intermediaries provide standardized mechanical interfaces that simplify installation while isolating the liquid cooling components from direct contact with electrical infrastructure, reducing electrical shorting risks.
2Strength
If traditional screw-type fasteners are used to secure manifolds, then connection strength is improved, but installation time and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional screw-type fasteners are replaced with a button-and-keyhole mechanical engagement system. The buttons feature rounded ends that snap into keyhole-shaped openings, providing secure attachment through simple push-in motion rather than threaded fastening, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The button-and-keyhole design allows for tool-less installation where the components self-align and self-secure through their geometric features. The rounded button ends guide themselves into the keyhole openings, and the interference fit provides automatic locking without requiring additional fastening tools or multiple personnel.
3Reliability
If manifolds are installed with multiple fasteners to ensure security, then reliability is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The button-and-keyhole mounting system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure mechanical attachment, enables quick installation and removal, ensures proper alignment, and allows for tool-less operation. This multi-functionality achieves mounting reliability while maximizing installation efficiency without requiring multiple different fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex multi-step fastening procedures are replaced with a single-step button insertion mechanism. The geometric design of the buttons and keyholes inherently provides both security and alignment functions that traditionally required multiple fasteners and alignment procedures, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter plate and a fastening system for fastening a manifold to a rack in a datacenter is disclosed. The adapter plate is associated with the manifold and has holes to receive buttons in configurable positions. The configurable positions enable the buttons to mate with keyholes of a bracket of the rack in order to fasten the manifold to the bracket.