Rack-Mount Attachment with Plunger Pins for Tool-Less Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of electrical connectors in data center equipment racks poses challenges for power distribution, cooling, and cable management, necessitating flexible and cost-effective solutions that meet industry standards without requiring tools for installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A device with elongated bodies and attachment configurations featuring plunger pins and hooks that allow tool-less installation and removal from equipment racks, enabling secure mounting and easy reconfiguration without disturbing existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation requires tools and time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system enables self-service installation through the interaction between retention elements with hooks and plunger pins. The hooks automatically engage with the mounting flange openings when the device is inserted, and the plunger pins self-lock into position, eliminating the need for external tools or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment configuration is divided into separate functional components: retention elements with hooks for initial engagement and plunger pins for final securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining secure attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices are permanently mounted, then stability is achieved, but reconfiguration is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic reversible connection. The plunger pins can be easily removed and reinserted, allowing the device to be mounted, removed, and repositioned multiple times while maintaining stable attachment during each mounting state. This dynamic capability enables flexible reconfiguration without compromising mounting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for temporary discarding of the mounted state by simply removing the plunger pins, enabling device reconfiguration. The retention elements with hooks remain in place on the mounting flange, ready for quick recovery and remounting of the device or alternative equipment, facilitating efficient rack reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom mounting solutions are designed, then specific requirements are met, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention elements with hooks and plunger pins serve multiple functions: initial engagement, lateral securing, and final locking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each mounting stage, simplifying the overall design and reducing manufacturing costs while providing flexible adaptation to various mounting scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment configuration merges the retention and securing functions into a single integrated system. The retention elements and plunger pins work together as a unified mechanism, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing part count, simplifying manufacturing, and lowering overall system cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is configured to be secured within an equipment rack of the type having two spaced-apart mounting flanges, with each flange having a plurality of openings formed therein spaced-apart from one another a predetermined distance. The device includes an elongated body having two, opposite ends and two attachment configurations, one for each end of the elongated body. Each attachment configuration has at least one retention element to be inserted within the openings of the mounting flanges. At least one attachment configuration has a plunger pin configured to retain the device to the mounting rails. The attachment configuration is constructed and arranged to facilitate tool-less installation and removal of the device with the mounting rails. Other embodiments of the device and a method of securing the device to an equipment rack are further disclosed.