Data Center Rack Support Members With Nested Component Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack assemblies in data centers face challenges in accommodating increased storage capacity within their existing dimensions, particularly for components associated with computer equipment, while maintaining accessibility for maintenance and compatibility with existing floor layouts.
Innovation Solution
The rack assembly incorporates horizontal and vertical support members that house containers for components like power distribution systems, cooling systems, and network cables, with aligned openings for easy access and extension to adjacent equipment, allowing increased storage without enlarging the assembly's external dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rack assembly uses existing external dimensions to maintain compatibility with existing floor layouts and stacking arrangements, then compatibility and stackability are improved, but the storage capacity for computer equipment and associated components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing containers for associated components inside the structural support members of the rack assembly. The support members have internal cavities that house containers holding power distribution units, cooling systems, and network cables. This nested arrangement increases storage capacity without increasing the external dimensions of the rack assembly, maintaining compatibility with existing floor layouts and stacking arrangements.
2Quantity of substance
If more associated components are stored within the rack assembly to increase storage capacity, then component integration is improved, but accessibility for maintenance, repair, and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the rack assembly into modular components: computer equipment housed in housing units, and associated components housed in separate containers within support members. Each container is accessible through openings in the support members, allowing individual components to be independently accessed, removed, or replaced without disturbing other parts of the system. This modular segmentation maintains ease of maintenance while increasing overall component storage capacity.
3Temperature
If the rack assembly accommodates heat management systems and their associated components, then cooling capability is improved, but the complexity of cable and pipe routing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the routing of electrical cables, fluid pipes, and air flow paths through the structural support members themselves. The support members contain channels and openings that guide these utilities from the containers to the computer equipment. This consolidation of utility routing within the structural framework reduces overall system complexity and eliminates the need for separate routing structures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A rack assembly for a data center that defines housing units for housing computer equipment. The rack assembly comprises a support member and a container. The support member includes a support member wall defining a channel for receiving the container, and a support member opening defined in the support member wall. The container includes a container wall defining a cavity for housing a component associated with the computer equipment, and a container opening defined in the container wall. When the container is received in the channel, the container opening is disposed relative to the support member opening such that the container opening and the support member opening are communicatively coupled.