Tool-Less Rack Rail Clamp Layout for More Width Between Posts
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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 data centers and server racks.
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, allowing the flange to be attached to the inner surface of the post without wrapping around it, minimizing thickness interference and maximizing available width by using a thinner clamp design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional tool-less rack rail system with a thick flange is used to attach to the post, then secure attachment is achieved, but the thickness of the flange interferes with the space between posts, reducing the allowable width for electronic equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the attachment function from the thick flange by introducing a separate clamp mechanism. The flange is reduced to minimal thickness for attachment to the post, while the clamp provides the clamping force needed for secure attachment. This separation allows the flange to not interfere with the space between posts while maintaining secure attachment through the clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the flange for positioning and attachment to the post, and the clamp for providing clamping force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the flange can be thin to minimize space interference, while the clamp provides the necessary secure attachment function.
2Strength
If a thick flange is used to wrap around the post for secure attachment, then reliable mounting is achieved, but the space utilization between posts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is extracted from the flange and assigned to a separate clamp mechanism. The flange is reduced to minimal thickness serving only as a mounting plate, while the clamp provides the clamping force for secure mounting. This extraction resolves the contradiction by eliminating the space interference caused by a thick flange while maintaining mounting reliability through the dedicated clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into the flange (for positioning and attachment) and the clamp (for clamping force). This segmentation allows the flange to be thin to maximize available space, while the clamp independently provides the strong clamping force needed for reliable mounting.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional flange design is used, then easy tool-less installation is achieved, but the protruding pin and thick flange require customized arrangement and reduce space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is extracted from the flange and placed in a separate clamp, allowing the flange to be simple and thin. The pin protrudes through the reduced-thickness flange and is captured by the clamp, eliminating the need for customized arrangements to accommodate thick flanges while maintaining tool-less installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into flange and clamp components, allowing the flange to be designed for easy tool-less installation with minimal thickness, while the clamp handles the clamping function. This segmentation eliminates the need for customized arrangements that would be required by a thick flange design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively increases the allowable width between posts by reducing thickness interference, allowing for more efficient use of space in rack systems while maintaining secure attachment without the need for tools, and enabling easy detachment and reattachment of the clamp.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp (130) pivotally connected to the flange (120)... The clamp (130) covers an outer surface of the post (210), so as to connect the flange (120) to the post (210)
Implementation Method 2
The clamp (130) covers an outer surface of the post (210), so as to connect the flange (120) to the post (210)
Implementation Method 3
The flange (120) includes one or more pins (122) that are inserted in respective apertures (212) formed on the post (210)
Data Source
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.