System and method for horizontal leveling of server racks

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual leveling of server racks is cumbersome, prone to human error, and inefficient, requiring physical effort and access that can limit the number of racks installed and increase the risk of equipment damage and injury.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device with an accelerometer interfaces with electronic jacks to automatically level equipment racks by sensing tilt and sending commands to raise or lower adjustable feet, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing human effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual leveling of server racks is performed, then the equipment rack can be leveled, but it requires physical effort and access that can limit the number of racks installed and increase the risk of equipment damage and injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleveling operationVSAvoidrisk of equipment damage and injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical leveling operations with an automated electronic system. Electronic jacks with motors automatically adjust the rack feet based on accelerometer data from a mobile device, eliminating the need for manual physical adjustment and reducing the risk of injury and equipment damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service leveling by using the mobile device's accelerometer to automatically detect the rack's tilt and commanding the electronic jacks to adjust the feet position without requiring manual intervention or physical access to the rack corners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual leveling of server racks is performed, then the equipment rack can be leveled, but it is cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleveling efficiencyVSAvoidleveling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical leveling operations with an automated electronic system. Electronic jacks with motors automatically adjust the rack feet based on accelerometer data from a mobile device, eliminating the need for manual physical adjustment and reducing the risk of injury and equipment damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of rack tilt using the mobile device accelerometer before initiating the leveling adjustment, allowing for quick and accurate positioning without time-consuming manual measurements or trial-and-error adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual leveling of server racks is performed, then the equipment rack can be leveled, but it requires physical effort and access that can limit the number of racks installed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack installation flexibilityVSAvoidleveling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical leveling operations with an automated electronic system. Electronic jacks with motors automatically adjust the rack feet based on accelerometer data from a mobile device, eliminating the need for manual physical adjustment and reducing the risk of injury and equipment damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the electronic jacks, using its accelerometer to detect rack tilt and communicate adjustment commands to the electronic jacks, enabling remote operation without direct physical contact with the rack corners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution quickly and accurately levels equipment racks with minimal human intervention, reducing the risk of damage and injury while allowing for more efficient installation of racks in limited spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a software application levels the equipment rack based on sensory outputs generated by an accelerometer operating in the mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

Electronic jacks raise or lower a corresponding corner of an equipment rack based on a tilt detected by a user's mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10716400B2System and method for horizontal leveling of server racks

Publication Date: 2020.07.21 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A server rack includes supports connected to a bottom base, and at least one shelf connected between at least two of the supports. Adjustable feet engaging the bottom base are disposed proximate a corresponding generally corner region of the bottom base. Jack bodies protruding upwardly from the bottom base are disposed proximate the corresponding generally corner region of the bottom base.