Rotatable Slide Mount Housing for Mixed Rack Hole Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in mounting points and methods for slides, particularly in computer equipment racks, leads to complexities in mounting slides, requiring diverse auxiliary hardware, which causes stocking and labor issues due to different hole spacings and types.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable housing assembly with protrusions and a retractable pin is designed to accommodate different mounting configurations, allowing for flexible and toolless installation and removal of slides on racks with varying hole patterns, including square and round holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple auxiliary hardware pieces are used to accommodate different mounting configurations, then adaptability to various rack types is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing assembly is designed with multiple protrusions that can engage with different rack configurations (square holes, round holes, various hole spacings) using a single universal component. The rotatable housing with selectively engageable protrusions allows one auxiliary hardware piece to perform multiple mounting functions, eliminating the need for separate hardware for each rack type.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing assembly incorporates a rotatable mechanism that allows the protrusions to be positioned at different orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same housing to adapt to various mounting configurations by rotating the housing to the appropriate angle, providing versatility without requiring multiple static hardware variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple auxiliary hardware pieces are used to accommodate different mounting configurations, then adaptability to various rack types is improved, but stocking and labor issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
By providing a single universal housing assembly that can mount to different rack types through rotational positioning and selective protrusion engagement, the system eliminates the need for technicians to identify and select from multiple hardware variants. This reduces both the time spent selecting the correct hardware and the time spent installing it.
3Device complexity
If fixed mounting configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different hole patterns decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing assembly incorporates a rotatable mechanism that allows the protrusions to be positioned at different orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same housing to adapt to various mounting configurations by rotating the housing to the appropriate angle, providing versatility without requiring multiple static hardware variants.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable housing assembly for use in mounting slides to equipment racks has components for different mounting options on different sides of the housing, and a retractable pin for use in positioning the housing. In some embodiments the housing is rotatably mounted to a bracket attached to a slide member, for example approximate a front of the side, and the retractable pin extends into a semicircular slot of the bracket for use in indexing position of the housing. The housing may include a button for use in retracting the retractable pin, and the assembly may provide for toolless mounting of the slide, and do so in a variety of rack configurations.