Seismic Shim Anchoring Modular Datacenters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular datacenters face challenges in seismic anchoring and leveling due to sloped concrete installation slabs, requiring complex and costly conventional seismic solutions involving onsite welding, which can be flawed and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A seismic shim system with a base and extension portion, gussets, and adjustable fasteners for anchoring to the floor and attaching to electronic equipment, allowing for flexible installation and alignment with critical load points, enabling seismic anchoring and leveling without complex procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seismic solutions with welding are used, then seismic anchoring is achieved, but installation complexity and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system using bolts and shims. The seismic anchor assembly uses a base plate with holes for fasteners that mechanically secure the equipment to the concrete slab, eliminating the need for onsite welding operations while maintaining structural integrity and seismic resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a base plate as an intermediary component between the equipment and the concrete slab. This base plate serves as a mediator that distributes loads, facilitates leveling through shims, and provides a standardized interface for mechanical fastening, thereby simplifying the overall installation process while ensuring reliable seismic anchoring.
2Reliability
If conventional seismic solutions with welding are used, then seismic anchoring is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic anchor assembly is pre-fabricated with the base plate, fastener holes, and leveling features before delivery to the site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex onsite welding operations, allowing for rapid installation by simply positioning the pre-assembled unit and securing it with bolts, thereby significantly reducing installation time and labor costs while maintaining seismic reliability.
3Strength
If welds are used for seismic anchoring, then structural connection is achieved, but weld quality issues and deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding (a process prone to quality variations and deterioration) with a mechanical bolted connection system. The base plate with precisely positioned holes allows for consistent, high-strength bolted fastening that is easier to quality-assurance and does not suffer from the same deterioration issues as welds, thereby maintaining structural connection strength while improving reliability consistency.
4Manufacturing precision
If leveling techniques are used on sloped slabs, then equipment leveling is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates shims as intermediary elements within the base plate assembly that specifically address leveling requirements. These shims can be inserted between the base plate and the equipment or between the base plate and the concrete slab to compensate for slope variations, providing precise leveling through a simple, standardized component rather than complex adjustment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A seismic shim for electronic equipment comprises a base comprising at least a first hole through the base, wherein the first hole is configured to receive a first fastener, and an extension portion extending from the base. The extension portion is perpendicular to the base and comprises at least a second hole through the extension portion, wherein the second hole is configured to receive a second fastener. The seismic shim also comprises a first gusset and a second gusset disposed between the base and the extension portion. The second gusset is spaced apart from the first gusset. The seismic shim is configured for anchoring to an underlying floor structure via the first fastener inserted through the first hole, and is configured for attachment to a surface of the electronic equipment via the second fastener inserted through the second hole.