Snap-Fit Mounting Bracket for Tool-Free Equipment Rack Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipment racks require customized cabinetry to accommodate various equipment configurations, leading to high costs and inefficient use of space, as they must adhere to industry standards like the EIA-310-D standard, which can result in underutilization of data centers due to the need for multiple specialized cabinets.

Innovation Solution

A modular equipment rack system featuring adjustable mounting rails with snap-fit connectors and tool-free mounting brackets, allowing for flexible equipment placement and easy reconfiguration without the need for specialized tools or extensive customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If customized cabinetry is used to accommodate various equipment configurations, then equipment can be properly mounted, but costs increase and data center space utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment configuration accommodationVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple equipment types and configurations through adjustable mounting positions and standardized connector interfaces, eliminating the need for customized cabinetry for different equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is divided into separate functional components including a body portion, mounting section with multiple holes, and snap-fit connectors that can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing flexible adaptation to various equipment configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If customized cabinetry is used to accommodate various equipment configurations, then equipment can be properly mounted, but data center space utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment configuration accommodationVSAvoiddata center space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized rack equipped with universal mounting brackets can accommodate multiple different equipment configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cabinets and thereby improving data center space utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket allows dynamic reconfiguration of equipment positions through adjustable mounting holes and repositionable snap-fit connectors, enabling the same rack space to serve different equipment arrangements over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If snap-fit connectors are used for mounting brackets, then installation becomes tool-free and easier, but connection strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The snap-fit connector is designed as a separate removable component that can be independently installed and replaced, allowing easy tool-free assembly while maintaining adequate connection strength through proper mechanical design of the snap-fit engagement features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10492605B2Mounting bracket for equipment rack

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

An equipment rack, a bracket for mounting on the equipment rack, and associated methods. The bracket includes a bracket body including a mounting section configured to mount equipment on the bracket. The bracket is configured to engage the frame assembly and form a releasable snap-fit connection with the frame assembly. The bracket can be configured to form mating connections with the frame assembly different than the snap-fit connection.