Rail Kit Strengthening Bracket for Heavy Computing Device Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail kits are inadequate in supporting the weight of newer, heavier computing devices, leading to potential mechanical failures and safety hazards during installation or servicing, as they may bend or deform, causing equipment damage or injury.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a rail kit design that includes strengthening brackets, such as an outer slide and a rear bracket with modularly attachable strengthening brackets, which provide additional support and can adjust to fit different rack sizes, ensuring secure mounting and sliding functionality for heavier computing devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional rail kits are used, then the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the rail kit cannot support the weight of newer heavier computing devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight support capacityVSAvoidrail kit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rail kit is divided into multiple components: outer slides, inner slides, rear brackets, and strengthening brackets. Each component serves a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled. The strengthening brackets are separate modular units that can be attached to the outer slides to increase load-bearing capacity without redesigning the entire rail kit structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rail kit employs composite construction by combining different bracket types (outer slide brackets, inner slide brackets, rear brackets) made from suitable materials to achieve the required strength-to-weight ratio. The strengthening brackets are designed as composite structural elements that work together with the existing rail components to distribute and bear the load of heavier computing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the rail kit is designed for heavier devices, then weight support capacity increases, but the adaptability to different rack sizes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight support capacityVSAvoidrack size compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rail kit incorporates adjustable and modular components that can be configured for different rack sizes. The strengthening brackets and rear brackets can be positioned at different locations along the outer slides, allowing the same rail kit to adapt to various rack depths and configurations while maintaining the enhanced weight support capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The strengthening brackets are designed as universal components that can be used across different rack configurations and device weights. The modular design allows the same strengthening bracket to be installed on different outer slide sizes, providing both weight support enhancement and rack size adaptability through a single component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11547012B2Rail kit strengthening bracket

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A rail kit, comprising: an outer slide; a first strengthening bracket attached to a back of the outer slide; a rear bracket to fit over the outer slide; and a second strengthening bracket attached to a back side of the rear bracket.