Sliding Rack Rails With Tool-Free Locking Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding rail mounting structures for servers and computer components require tools for installation, making it difficult to secure the rails to racks, especially when space is restricted, and do not offer easy access to internal components.
Innovation Solution
A support rail assembly with inner and outer rail subassemblies, featuring keyholes, flanges, rearward and forward locking flanges, and piloting flanges that allow for tool-free installation and secure attachment to the rack, enabling easy sliding motion and access to internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sliding rail mounting structures are used, then the rails can securely support servers, but tools are required for installation and access to internal components is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into modular components including outer rails, inner rails, server mounts, and adjustable support arms. Each segment can be independently installed and positioned, allowing tool-free assembly through interlocking mechanisms while maintaining structural integrity for supporting heavy servers
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms incorporate adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different server sizes and weights. The arms can be repositioned along the rails to optimize load distribution and access, transforming a static structure into a flexible, adaptable mounting system
2Reliability
If the rails are secured to the back of racks, then secure attachment is achieved, but space or access is highly restricted preventing easy installation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of securing rails to the back of racks as in conventional designs, this invention secures the rails to the front and side surfaces of the rack. The outer rails attach to front vertical surfaces, and inner rails attach to side surfaces, reversing the traditional mounting approach to improve accessibility during installation while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system utilizes multiple spatial dimensions by attaching rails to both front and side surfaces of the rack, creating a three-dimensional mounting framework. This dimensional approach allows installers to access different attachment points from various directions, eliminating the need to reach into restricted rear spaces
3Ease of operation
If servers are fully extended from the rack, then high access to internal components is achieved, but significant cantilevered load must be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are designed with adjustable positioning that allows them to be placed strategically along the rails to counterbalance the cantilevered load of extended servers. The arms can be positioned closer to the rack when servers are fully extended, creating a counterbalancing moment that reduces the net force on the mounting structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms incorporate adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different server sizes and weights. The arms can be repositioned along the rails to optimize load distribution and access, transforming a static structure into a flexible, adaptable mounting system
Data Source
AI summary
A support rail assembly for supporting a load in a computer rack system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of rails configured to be secured to sides of computer equipment and secured to the rack system such that the computer equipment may slide into and out of the rack system. Each rail includes an inner rail slideably engaging an outer rail. The inner rail being secured to the sides of the computer equipment and the outer rail being secured to the front and rear racks. The outer rail having rear end and front end bracket that attach to the racks. Unique front end locking flanges and rear end locking flanges with rear end piloting flanges allow the outer rails to quickly pivot and lock into position.