Rear-Accessible Side-Bay Rack Layout for 48U Standard Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rack-mounted electronic systems face design challenges due to dimensional constraints imposed by industry standards, limiting access and flexibility in accommodating a large number of devices while maintaining compatibility and uniformity.

Innovation Solution

A rack configuration that supports up to 48U of devices within a 600mm wide and 1200mm deep frame, featuring vertically-spaced mounting holes, rear-accessible 1U side bays, and improved cable routing, allowing for full serviceability from both front and rear without removing the rack, while adhering to standard dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard rack dimensions are used, then compatibility with industry standards is improved, but device capacity and serviceability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with industry standardsVSAvoiddevice capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is divided into a central rack space and multiple side bays, with the side bays further segmented into front-accessible and rear-accessible sections. This segmentation allows the rack to accommodate more devices (48U total capacity) while maintaining standard dimensions, as each segment can be independently optimized for specific device types and access requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the depth dimension of the rack by incorporating side bays that extend outward from the central rack space. This dimensional expansion allows additional devices to be mounted without increasing the rack's width or height, thereby increasing device capacity while maintaining compliance with standard rack dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard rack dimensions are used, then compatibility with industry standards is improved, but serviceability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with industry standardsVSAvoidserviceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional racks require side access for servicing outer devices. This patent inverts the access pattern by providing rear access to side bays, allowing technicians to service devices from the rear without needing to approach the rack from the sides. This is achieved through rear-opening panels and rear-mounted cable management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Quantity of substance

If side access is required for outer devices, then device capacity is improved, but serviceability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice capacityVSAvoidserviceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Quantity of substance

If cable management is inefficient, then device capacity is improved, but ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice capacityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cable management channels and apertures as intermediary structures that facilitate organized cable routing between devices in the central rack space and side bays. These channels provide dedicated pathways for cables, reducing clutter and improving ease of operation while maintaining high device capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8925739B2High-capacity computer rack with rear-accessible side bays

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 LENOVO INT LTD

AI summary

An embodiment of a computer rack is capable of supporting up to 48U of electronic devices, including a central rack space for up to 42U and six 1U side bays. The side bays are fully accessible from the rear of the rack, so that all of the components may be serviced without pulling the rack out from a row and removing side panels. Optional strip PDUs may be mounted at the rear. The rack complies with standard dimensions for a 19-inch rack, including standard vertical and horizontal rail dimensions, and fits on a standard 600 mm×1200 mm floor tile.