Rack Server PDU and Switch Vertical Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing cables for power and data communications in computer equipment racks becomes increasingly difficult as the number of individual computer systems increases, with hundreds of varying-length cables complicating the setup and administration.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of computer equipment racks with servers mounted horizontally, power distribution units (PDUs) and network switches mounted vertically, where each server has a power distribution connection and switch connections, reducing the need for different length cables by using the same or nearly the same length cables for all connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of individual computer systems in a rack increases, then the computing power and capability of the system increases, but the complexity of cable management increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable management system by separating power distribution and data communication connections. Power distribution units are concentrated at specific locations (front or rear) rather than distributed across all sides of each server, and network switches are positioned to consolidate data connections. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity of cable management while maintaining high computing power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices - specifically power distribution units and network switches - that act as mediators between the power source/network and individual servers. These intermediaries consolidate connections, allowing multiple servers to share common connection points and reducing the total number of unique cable paths needed.
2Reliability
If each computer system requires individual power and network connections, then each system operates independently and reliably, but the number of cables and their varying lengths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual connection requirements into shared infrastructure. Multiple servers share common power distribution units and network switches, reducing the total number of cables needed. The merging is achieved through standardized connection points and modular units that serve multiple systems simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution units and network switches serve multiple functions and multiple servers simultaneously. A single PDU can power multiple servers, and a single network switch can provide network connectivity to multiple servers, making the connection infrastructure universal rather than dedicated to each individual system.
3Ease of operation
If cables of different lengths are used to accommodate varying server positions, then each connection fits precisely, but the difficulty of managing and organizing cables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning power distribution units and network switches at specific locations (front or rear of the rack) and configuring servers with connections oriented toward these locations. This localized arrangement allows for standardized cable lengths to be used throughout, as all connections converge at predetermined points rather than requiring custom-length cables for each server position.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and computer equipment racks configured for data communications and power distribution are disclosed that include a plurality of servers mounted horizontally, each server having a power distribution connection and one or more switch connections; one or more power distribution units (‘PDUs’) mounted vertically; and one or more network switches mounted vertically, each network switch comprising one or more rows of switch connections.