Space-Efficient Rail Design for Rear I/O Module Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face interference issues between mounting rails for input/output modules and power supply units due to their proximity, leading to physical obstruction during installation.
Innovation Solution
A mounting rail design with a narrower width and specific channel and threaded engagement configuration that allows for the alignment of input/output modules without interfering with power supply units, utilizing non-threaded channels and threaded inserts to secure the rail to the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional mounting rail design is used for input/output modules, then the rail can provide basic mounting functionality, but it causes physical obstruction and interference with power supply units during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rail is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the rail to be configured to avoid interference with power supply units while maintaining proper alignment for input/output modules, thereby eliminating physical obstruction during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting rail incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic positioning during installation. This dynamic capability enables the rail to adapt its position to avoid collision with power supply units while ensuring proper alignment, thus resolving the physical obstruction issue.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mounting rail is made narrower to avoid interference with power supply units, then physical obstruction is reduced, but the rail may compromise its structural strength or mounting capability
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rail employs varying thicknesses and material densities at different locations. The rail is thicker and stronger at critical mounting points to maintain structural integrity, while narrower sections are used in non-critical areas to avoid interference with power supply units, thus balancing strength requirements with space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting rail utilizes composite materials that combine different material properties in a single structure. This allows the rail to have regions of high strength for structural support and regions of reduced width for avoiding interference, achieving both strength and space efficiency simultaneously.
3Strength
If the mounting rail uses traditional threaded holes for securing, then the rail can be firmly attached, but the threaded holes may interfere with the alignment and installation of input/output modules
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional threaded holes are extracted or removed from the mounting rail structure. Instead, alternative attachment mechanisms such as slots, clips, or external fastening systems are used that do not interfere with the alignment and installation of input/output modules, thereby maintaining attachment strength while improving alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary attachment mechanism is introduced between the mounting rail and the input/output modules. This intermediary component allows for secure attachment while maintaining proper alignment, as it acts as a mediator that decouples the attachment function from the alignment function, preventing interference between the two operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting rail for an input/output module of an information handling system is disclosed. The mounting rail includes a main portion, first and second railings, a non-threaded channel, and a threaded engagement. The main portion includes first, second, third, and fourth surfaces. The first and second surfaces intersect at a first edge of the first surface. The first railing extends from the first edge of the first surface. The second railing extends from a second edge of the first surface. The non-threaded channel extends from the second surface through the main portion to the third surface. The threaded engagement is secured to the second surface of the main portion, and is aligned with the non-threaded channel. The threaded engagement is located along a third edge at the intersection between the second surface and the fourth surface, and the third edge is distal from the first edge.