Rack Rail Clamping Mechanism for Maximum Post-to-Post Width

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tool-less rack rail systems interfere with the space between posts due to their thick flanges, limiting the maximum allowable width for electronic equipment, which is a challenge in efficiently utilizing vertical space in rack systems.

Innovation Solution

A tool-less rack rail system with a clamping mechanism that includes a flange with pins inserted into post apertures and a pivotable clamp, where the clamp's thickness is less than the flange, allowing for secure attachment without protruding pins, thus minimizing interference and maximizing the available width between posts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional tool-less rack rail system with a thick flange is used to attach to the post, then the attachment is secure and tool-less, but the flange thickness interferes with the space between posts, reducing the allowable width for electronic equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-less attachmentVSAvoidallowable width between posts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two separate functional components: a flange that provides the attachment interface with the post, and a clamp that secures the flange to the post. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the flange can be thin for maximizing space, while the clamp provides the necessary securing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping function is extracted from the flange structure and implemented as a separate removable clamp component. This allows the flange itself to be minimized in thickness, while the clamp is applied only when needed for attachment and can be removed when not in use, thus not permanently occupying space between posts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a thick flange is used to secure the rack rail system to the post, then the attachment is secure, but the flange interferes with the space between posts, limiting equipment width

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidspace between posts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two separate functional components: a flange that provides the attachment interface with the post, and a clamp that secures the flange to the post. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the flange can be thin for maximizing space, while the clamp provides the necessary securing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange acts as an intermediary component between the rack rail system and the post. It provides a mounting surface for the clamp while maintaining minimal thickness to preserve space. The clamp then secures this intermediary to the post, achieving reliable attachment without requiring a thick integrated flange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If protruding pins are used to attach the rack rail system to the post, then the attachment is secure, but the protruding pins require customized covering elements and interfere with space utilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidcompatibility with covering elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping function is extracted from the flange structure and implemented as a separate removable clamp component. This allows the flange itself to be minimized in thickness, while the clamp is applied only when needed for attachment and can be removed when not in use, thus not permanently occupying space between posts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having pins protrude outward from the post surface, the clamp wraps around the post and secures the flange from the opposite direction. This inverted approach eliminates the need for protruding elements and customized covering members, as the clamp can be positioned flush against the post surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS7762411B2Tool-less rack rail system incorporating clamping mechanism

Publication Date: 2010.07.27 LENOVO INT LTD

AI summary

A rack rail system engageable with a post of a rack. The rack rail system includes a rail assembly and a flange provided on at least an end of the rail assembly. The flange includes a pin insertable into an aperture of the post when the flange is adjacent to the post. The rack rail system further includes a clamp pivotably connected to the flange and movable from an open position and a closed position. The clamp receives both the post and the flange in the closed position.