Modular Server Rack Shield for Water and Debris Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measures to prevent water damage to computer server and electrical equipment racks are inadequate, particularly in scenarios where building architecture and cost constraints limit the placement of server rooms to safe areas, leaving equipment vulnerable to roof failure and other water ingress sources.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof server shield with an aluminum frame and arc-shaped end sections, supported by threaded rods, featuring deployable curtains that can be automatically deployed via a motor system triggered by a water sensor, to protect equipment from water and debris, and can be extended to cover longer racks or mounted over walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If server rooms are located in areas considered safe from roof failure, then water damage risk is reduced, but installation flexibility and location options are limited due to cost constraints and building architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective shield as an intermediary element between the ceiling and the server equipment. This shield acts as a mediator that provides water damage protection without requiring the server room to be located in specially designated safe areas, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shield is divided into modular sections that can be configured for different room layouts and ceiling conditions. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to various building architectures and location constraints while maintaining effective protection, thus improving both reliability and adaptability.
2Reliability
If a protective shield is installed over equipment racks, then water and debris protection is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is constructed from multiple modular panels that can be assembled in different configurations. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized connection mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive protection against water and debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield design incorporates universal mounting mechanisms that can attach to various ceiling structures and rack types using standard hardware. The same basic shield configuration can protect different equipment sizes and layouts, reducing the need for custom designs and simplifying installation procedures.
3Reliability
If deployable curtains are added to the shield, then water protection coverage is extended, but ease of operation and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The curtains are designed to be deployable and retractable, transitioning between static and dynamic states. When protection is needed, the curtains deploy to extend coverage; when equipment access is required, the curtains can be retracted or removed, maintaining ease of operation while maximizing protection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtains are pre-positioned in a retracted state during normal operation, allowing easy equipment access. In the event of water intrusion or debris risk, the curtains can be quickly deployed to provide immediate additional protection, combining preliminary readiness with operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical equipment rack, such as a computer server rack, with a protective shield to protect the electrical equipment rack and equipment thereon from water damage is described. In general, the shield is constructed of a curved polycarbonate shell fastened to an aluminum frame having arc-shaped end sections attached to spaced elongated side rails. The aluminum frame is attachable to threaded rod hangers of the type that are used in most server rack rooms. Multiple shields may be fastened together end-to-end to increase the length of the overall shield, to extend over the entire length of the server racks or cabinets needed to be protected. Gaskets such as neoprene seals are compressed between shield sections to prevent water from penetrating between the fastened sections. Deployable curtains are fastened to the elongated side rails to further protect the electrical equipment rack from water damage.