Rack-Mount Chassis Side Power Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rack-mount chassis designs are limited by standardized back portions that restrict the number and placement of electrical power couplers and other connectors, making it difficult to accommodate devices requiring multiple input and output connections without compromising mounting compatibility.
Innovation Solution
The design includes at least one recessed electrical power coupler on a side portion of the chassis, allowing for the placement of power connectors away from the back, which can include multiple power couplers and support mechanisms to route power cords securely, eliminating the need for power couplers on the back portion and enabling more flexible connector configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power couplers are placed on the back portion of the chassis, then mounting compatibility with standardized racks is maintained, but flexibility in connector placement is limited and space for additional connectors is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves power couplers from the traditional back portion (2D plane) to the side portions (3D spatial redistribution) of the chassis. This dimensional transition allows power connectors to be positioned along the lateral edges, freeing up the back panel for data and control connectors while maintaining access to power connections through side-mounted receptacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis connector layout is segmented into functional zones: power connectors are isolated on side portions while data/control connectors occupy the back portion. This spatial segmentation resolves the conflict between power delivery requirements and data connectivity needs, allowing each connector type to be optimally positioned without interfering with the other.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power couplers and connectors are added to accommodate devices requiring multiple input and output connections, then device functionality is improved, but stress on mounting points and space constraints on the back portion worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating power couplers to side portions, the patent distributes connector loads across different spatial dimensions rather than concentrating them on the back mounting structure. This reduces mechanical stress on the back panel mounting points while accommodating multiple power and data connectors simultaneously.
3Reliability
If power couplers are positioned on the back portion, then electrical power delivery is secured, but space efficiency for input and output connectors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis surface is segmented into functional zones: side portions dedicated to power couplers and back portion dedicated to data/control connectors. This spatial segmentation maximizes the total connector capacity by utilizing previously underutilized side areas, thereby increasing overall space efficiency without compromising power delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the lateral dimension (side portions) for power connector placement, freeing up the back panel two-dimensional space for additional data and control connectors. This dimensional redistribution increases the total number of connectors that can be accommodated while maintaining reliable power delivery through the side-mounted couplers.
Data Source
AI summary
Rack-mount chassis for mounting to an electronic equipment rack are disclosed. A rack-mount chassis may include a housing comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side portion, a second side portion and a back portion. The rack-mount chassis may further include a front portion forming a front face of the housing. The rack-mount chassis may also include at least one electronic component within the housing. The rack-mount chassis may further include at least one electrical power coupler mounted to at least one recessed portion of the first side portion of the housing configured to mate with a corresponding connector plug of a power cord and supply electrical power therefrom to the at least one electronic component.