Seismic Braces for Computer Rack Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer racks often fail to meet seismic requirements, leading to increased costs and logistical complexities when upgrading to earthquake-hardened racks, necessitating a solution to retrofit existing racks for compliance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of seismic braces and anchor brackets that can be mounted to existing computer racks to enhance their strength and stability, including cross-brace structures and anchor brackets to secure the racks to the floor, thereby reducing flexing and toppling during seismic events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing computer racks are replaced with earthquake-hardened racks, then seismic compliance is achieved, but cost and supply chain complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic reinforcement system is segmented into separate components (braces and anchor brackets) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the existing rack. This allows the seismic compliance function to be added without replacing the entire rack system, thereby reducing supply chain complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seismic braces and anchor brackets are designed as universal components that can be attached to various existing rack configurations. The braces can be mounted to different rack surfaces and the anchor brackets can accommodate different floor mounting scenarios, making the solution broadly applicable across different rack types without requiring custom earthquake-hardened racks.
2Reliability
If existing computer racks are replaced with earthquake-hardened racks, then seismic compliance is achieved, but expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seismic reinforcement into separate attachable components rather than requiring a complete rack replacement, the expense is significantly reduced. Only the necessary brace and anchor bracket components need to be purchased and installed, not an entire new rack system.
Solution Approach 2:
The seismic compliance function is extracted from the rack itself and implemented as separate external components (braces and anchor brackets). This extraction allows the seismic reinforcement to be added to existing racks at a fraction of the cost of replacing entire racks.
3Strength
If seismic braces are added to existing racks, then structural rigidity is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural reinforcement is achieved through segmented brace components that can be independently installed. Each brace is a simple structural element that can be attached to specific locations on the rack, providing rigidity without requiring complex integrated structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The braces utilize diagonal cross-bracing in a two-dimensional plane to provide three-dimensional structural rigidity to the rack. This dimensional approach to reinforcement provides significant strength improvement through simple geometric bracing rather than complex structural modifications.
4Stability of the object's composition
If anchor brackets are added to secure racks to the floor, then stability during seismic events is improved, but ease of installation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor brackets are designed with pre-drilled holes and mounting features that facilitate straightforward installation. The preliminary preparation of the bracket components allows for quick attachment to both the rack and floor, reducing installation complexity despite the added stability function.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for bracing a face of a computer rack includes a brace mountable by hinges to one side of the face of the computer rack. A latch is mountable to the other side of the face of the computer rack. When the brace is closed against the face of the rack, the latch may be closed to capture elements of the brace and thereby provide rigidity to the face of the computer rack.