Server Rack with Rotatable Guiding Members for Sequential Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of servers in traditional server racks can be inconvenient due to the requirement that opposite ends of the server must be placed between the side plates simultaneously, which can be challenging.
Innovation Solution
The server rack design incorporates rotatable guiding members with wedge portions and supporting rails, allowing the server to be first placed between wedge portions and then pushed onto supporting rails for easier installation, with elastic members and locking mechanisms to secure the guiding members in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional guide rails extending from side plates are used, then the server rack structure is simple, but the installation convenience deteriorates because opposite ends of the server must be placed between side plates simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating a rotatable guiding member with wedge portions. The guiding member can rotate between a first position (for insertion) and a second position (for locking), enabling the server to be installed sequentially rather than requiring simultaneous alignment of both ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail is divided into multiple functional segments: a first guide rail portion for initial insertion, a rotatable guiding member with wedge portions for directional guidance, and a second guide rail portion for final positioning. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally.
2Ease of operation
If rotatable guiding members with wedge portions are added, then installation convenience improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the rotatable guiding member: it serves as both a guide for insertion (wedge portions) and a locking mechanism (when rotated to second position). The elastic member also combines guiding and securing functions, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically pushes the rotatable guiding member to the first position during installation, and the rotation mechanism itself provides the locking action when moved to the second position. The system uses its own structural features (wedge portions, elastic force) to achieve guidance and securing without external assistance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design facilitates easier and more convenient server installation by allowing for a simpler alignment process and secure positioning on the supporting rails, enhancing the usability of the server rack.
Implementation Method 1
two elastic members respectively pushed to the two rotatable guiding members, so the two rotatable guiding members are pushed to the two first positions
Implementation Method 2
The two guiding members 60 are rotatable to a first position where the two guiding portions 64 positioned in front of two ends of the two supporting rails 32 away from the two fixing frames 20 respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A server rack includes two opposing fixing frames, a side plate fixed to each fixing frame and a supporting rail extending from each side plate, the supporting rails extending toward each other. The two side plates are opposite and parallel to each other. The server rack further includes two rotatable guiding members, each is fixed to a free end of the side plate away from the fixing frame. The guiding member includes a base plate positioned on a side of the side plate and a guiding portion inwardly depressed from the base plate. For ease of installation, wedge portions of the guiding portions receive the edges of a server being installed and guide the edges accurately towards the supporting rails.