Rail Mounting Adapter Assembly for EIA-310 and OCP Rack Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rack systems are not compatible with both EIA-310 and OCP standards, and there is a need for an adapter mechanism to accommodate larger chassis dimensions, as the EIA-310 specification width is insufficient for newer, wider electronic equipment.

Innovation Solution

A rail mounting adapter assembly comprising a first and second base with a supporting body, equipped with a fastening member that includes an elastic part, engaging parts, and an extension part, allowing for detachable mounting on the rack's mounting features to accommodate slide rail assemblies and enable compatibility with both EIA-310 and OCP standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rack system follows EIA-310 specification with fixed width between posts, then the rack structure is standardized and compatible with traditional equipment, but it cannot accommodate larger chassis dimensions required by newer electronic equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different chassis sizesVSAvoidrack structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a rail mounting adapter assembly as an intermediary component between the existing rack posts and the slide rail assemblies. This adapter includes a first base detachably mounted to the rack post, a second base, and a supporting body connecting them. The adapter provides mounting holes for slide rails while maintaining compatibility with EIA-310 rack standards, enabling larger chassis accommodation without modifying the fundamental rack structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution segments the mounting function into separate components: the rail mounting adapter assembly handles the interface between rack posts and slide rails, while the slide rail assemblies handle the chassis mounting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy installation and removal of larger equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a fixed mounting structure is used for slide rails, then the installation is simple, but it cannot provide secure engagement and easy detachment for adapter assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installation and detachmentVSAvoidsecure engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening member incorporates an elastic part that provides dynamic engagement characteristics. The elastic portion allows the fastening member to flex during engagement and detachment operations, providing secure locking when engaged while enabling easy release when detached. This dynamic feature combines the security of a fixed mounting with the ease of operation of a removable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 adapter assembly allows for the mounting of slide rail assemblies on racks, enabling the accommodation of larger chassis by providing a compatible interface between EIA-310 and OCP standards, thus facilitating the use of wider electronic equipment in existing rack systems.

Implementation Method 1

the fastening member comprises an elastic part, an engaging parts, an operating part, and an extension part, the elastic part is configured to provide an elastic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3300348B1Rail mounting adapter assembly for rack
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3300348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3300348B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3300348B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rack system includes a rack (20, 200), a first adapter mechanism (22) and a second adapter mechanism (24). The rack (20, 200) has a first side and second side. A first width is defined between the first side and the second side. The first adapter mechanism (22) is detachably mounted to the first side of the rack (20). The second adapter mechanism (24) is detachably mounted to the second side of the rack (20). A second width is defined between the first adapter mechanism (22) and the second adapter mechanism (24). The second width is smaller than the first width.