Retractable Lifting Members for Portable Data Centre Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard shipping containers used for portable data centre modules do not adequately address the stringent frame deflection requirements needed to protect sensitive equipment, often leading to damage during installation due to excessive vertical deflections.
Innovation Solution
A lifting system with retractable lifting members mounted on steel guide plates within C-section support beams, limited to 3mm vertical deflection, and stop pins to ensure precise positioning and stability, using 25mm thick steel plates for rigidity and guided movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard shipping containers are used for portable data centre modules, then transportation and secure weatherproof enclosure are facilitated, but frame deflection exceeds 3mm causing damage to sensitive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is divided into multiple retractable lifting members distributed at different locations on the module. Each lifting member can be independently retracted into C-section support beams, allowing the system to accommodate the flexible nature of shipping containers while providing localized support to limit frame deflection to 3mm or less during lifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting members are designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing them to extend during lifting operations and retract when not in use. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to the flexible container structure during critical lifting moments while maintaining a compact profile during transportation, effectively managing frame deflection only when necessary.
2Ease of operation
If conventional lifting eyes are used on shipping containers, then lifting capability is provided, but vertical deflection reaches 12mm damaging sensitive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable lifting members act as intermediaries between the conventional lifting eyes and the sensitive equipment inside the module. By positioning these lifting members close to the equipment and making them retractable, the system provides the necessary lifting capability while minimizing the distance and mechanism that causes frame deflection, thereby protecting equipment from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting members are extended to their operational positions before lifting begins, and retracted immediately after lifting is complete. This preliminary action ensures that the lifting capability is available when needed while minimizing the time the container structure is in a high-stress state that could cause damaging deflections to sensitive equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If lifting members are made retractable within C-section beams, then frame deflection is limited to 3mm, but device complexity increases with guide plates and stop pins
Solution Approach 1:
The C-section support beams serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the module, contain and guide the retractable lifting members, and house the guide plates and stop pins that enable the retraction mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving precise frame deflection control.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting members move along the longitudinal axis of the C-section beams, utilizing the internal space of the beams rather than adding external components. This dimensional approach allows the retraction mechanism to be integrated within the existing structural framework, minimizing additional complexity while achieving the required 3mm frame deflection control.
4Strength
If 25mm thick steel plates are used for lifting members, then rigidity and deflection control are improved, but weight of the module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 25mm thick steel plates are used only for the lifting members where high strength and rigidity are critically needed to control frame deflection during lifting operations. Other parts of the module use lighter materials and thinner sections, optimizing the overall weight while providing concentrated strength where the lifting forces are applied and frame deflection must be limited to 3mm.
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable data centre module comprising a frame having a floor platform (2) upon which floor plates are mounted and upon which computer equipment and power supply systems are supported, the floor platform (2) being formed from an arrangement of longitudinal and transversely extending "C" section steel beams (8,10,12,14,15), upright wall beams (4) extending from the periphery of the floor platform at spaced locations therefrom, upon which wall cladding in supported, roof beams extending between upper ends of the wall beams upon which roof cladding of the module is supported, wherein the floor platform (2) includes a pair of longitudinally extending side beams (8,10) extending along either side of the module, a pair of transversely extending end beams (12,14) at either end of the module and plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending support beams (15) extending between the side beams (8,10) and having lifting members (20) mounted in the ends thereof, a distal end of each lifting member (20) having an aperture defining a lifting eye (22) to which a lifting hook of a lifting frame can be attached, wherein each lifting member (20) is retractably mounted in an end of a respective support beam (15) to be moveable between an extended position, wherein the lifting eyes can be connected to a respective lifting hook of a lifting frame, and a retracted position, wherein the lifting members are located within the footprint of the module.