Telescoping Support Structure With Multi-Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers require various mounting heights and support structures that are bulky and need disassembly for transportation, increasing installation labor and storage requirements.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible support system with rigid support members, telescoping mechanisms, and locking mechanisms that allow for selective expansion and locking in multiple positions, enabling efficient storage and transportation in a collapsed state and adaptable on-site configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If trusses are stored and transported disassembled to save space, then storage and transportation efficiency is improved, but installation labor and time increase due to required assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can be collapsed into one another, allowing the truss to be disassembled into compact sections for storage and transport while maintaining the capability to be reassembled into various configurations at the installation site
Solution Approach 2:
The truss incorporates telescoping mechanisms with locking capabilities that allow dynamic adjustment between collapsed and extended states, enabling the structure to transition from a compact storage form to a fully assembled support configuration through mechanical extension and locking of the telescoping segments
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different stands are stocked to meet varying mounting height requirements, then adaptability to different sites is improved, but storage space and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a universal system with telescoping members that can be adjusted to multiple length configurations, allowing a single stand type to fulfill multiple mounting height requirements that previously would have required different specialized stands, thereby eliminating the need to stock multiple variants
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism enables the support structure to dynamically adjust its length and configuration to match various mounting height requirements, transforming a static single-purpose stand into a multi-functional adaptive system that can accommodate different site conditions
3Length of stationary object
If telescoping members are made extendable to provide structural support, then support capability is improved, but structural stability during extension may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to secure the telescoping members at desired extension positions before the structure is fully assembled or loaded, preventing unintended movement and maintaining structural stability throughout subsequent operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the telescoping members, providing a secure connection point that maintains structural integrity and stability while allowing the members to extend to the required support heights
Data Source
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AI summary
A collapsible support system can include a first rigid support member, a second rigid support member parallel to the first rigid support member, and a locking mechanism configured to permit movement of the first rigid support member with respect to the second rigid support member between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the first rigid support member can be spaced farther from the second rigid support member than in the first position. The locking mechanism can be configured to selectively lock the first and second rigid support members in any of a plurality of positions.