T-Shaped Server Chassis with Side Extensions for Drive Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage racks for computing equipment face challenges in maximizing space utilization and capacity, leading to difficulties in keeping up with increasing demand for computing power without incurring high costs or requiring retrofitting of existing equipment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of low-profile drawer slides within a rack unit that can be mounted within a storage rack, allowing for increased space by incorporating a wide section for housing multiple computer components, such as four 3.5-inch hard drives in a side-by-side configuration, while maintaining compatibility with industry standards like EIA-310-D and IEC 60297.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard storage rack designs are used, then compatibility with industry standards is maintained, but space utilization and capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into multiple sections including a main body and side extensions, allowing independent optimization of each segment for specific component housing while maintaining overall compatibility with standard rack dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis design extends beyond the standard rectangular form by adding side extensions that protrude laterally, effectively utilizing unused horizontal space within the rack while maintaining vertical compatibility with standard rack units
2Productivity
If existing storage racks are retrofitted to increase capacity, then computing power demand can be met, but implementation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis design maintains universal compatibility with standard storage rack mounting interfaces and dimensions, allowing the same chassis design to be deployed in existing racks without modification while providing enhanced capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis is pre-configured with standardized mounting features and dimensions that match existing rack specifications, eliminating the need for retrofitting work and enabling direct installation in current infrastructure
3Area of stationary object
If more computer components are housed in each rack unit, then space efficiency increases, but component accessibility and cable management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is segmented into distinct functional zones including main body housing and side extensions, with each section providing dedicated space for specific components, improving organization and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The side extensions act as intermediary structures that provide external mounting surfaces for components such as hard drives, positioning them in easily accessible locations without compromising the internal layout of the main chassis
Data Source
AI summary
A rack unit for providing a server to be mounted within a storage rack is provided. The rack unit includes a set of low-profile drawer slides configured for mounting the rack unit within the storage rack, the set of low-profile drawer slides configured for mounting upon rails; wherein, the chassis includes at least one wide section for housing computer components. A server and a storage rack are described.