Top of Stack Mounting Component for Server Tipping Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Server or storage type information handling systems without sliding rail systems face structural integrity issues, leading to a higher risk of tipping when mounted at the topmost location due to front-heavy weight distribution, as they lack the necessary support to prevent upward movement beyond a tipping point.

Innovation Solution

A top of stack mounting component with a side portion configured to be mounted to the rack, featuring an information handling system retention member that prevents upward movement of the system as it approaches a tipping point, utilizing configurations such as a C-shaped bracket, lower and upper rails, or an L-shaped bracket with a slotted rail to counteract tipping forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If information handling systems are mounted at the topmost location in a rack, then accessibility and space utilization are improved, but structural stability deteriorates due to front-heavy weight distribution causing tipping risk

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member is positioned to prevent upward movement before the tipping point is reached. It applies a counteracting force in advance to offset the tipping moment generated by front-heavy weight distribution, thereby preventing the harmful effect before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member acts as an intermediary element between the information handling system and the rack mounting component. It provides an additional mechanical interface that prevents upward movement and stabilizes the system during installation and removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If sliding rail systems are used for mounting, then ease of installation is improved, but structural support is reduced for heavy systems at topmost locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The solution merges the sliding rail mounting mechanism with an additional retention member that provides upward movement prevention. This combination maintains the ease of installation provided by sliding rails while adding the structural support needed for heavy systems at topmost locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system uses a composite structure combining the sliding rail mechanism with a separate retention member. This composite approach integrates two different functional elements (sliding capability and upward movement prevention) into a single mounting solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11844190B2Top of stack safety rail

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A top of stack mounting component. The top of stack mounting component includes a side portion, the side portion being configured to be mounted to a side of a rack; and, an information handling system retention member, the information handing system retention member preventing upward movement of an information handling system as the information handling system is removed from the rack and passes a potential tipping point where more weight of the information handling system is out of the rack as compared to the portion of the weight of the information handling system which is within the rack.