Translatable Blower Mounting for Flexible Computer Room Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing computer room environmental conditioning units require labor-intensive and costly processes to relocate the blower, as it needs to be disconnected and reconnected to the control system, which increases installation costs and reduces flexibility in customization.
Innovation Solution
The blower is designed to be easily translated between positions without disconnection from the control system, using mechanisms like scissor jacks, jig assemblies, and pivot mechanisms, allowing it to remain connected and operational during position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the blower is relocated from within the conditioning unit to an external position (below raised floor or above unit), then the airflow configuration can be optimized for specific applications (down-flow or up-flow arrangements), but the blower requires disconnection and reconnection to the control system, increasing labor intensity and installation cost
Solution Approach 1:
The blower is designed with a translatable mounting mechanism that allows it to be dynamically repositioned between the conditioning unit and external locations (below raised floor or above unit) without requiring disconnection from the control system. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same blower to serve multiple airflow configurations (down-flow and up-flow arrangements) while maintaining continuous electrical and control connections throughout the relocation process
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blower is relocated to a different position, then customization options for different applications are improved, but the process requires disconnection and recertification, increasing installation time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is pre-configured with extended connection capabilities that anticipate future blower repositioning needs. Electrical conduits, wiring harnesses, and control signal pathways are preliminarily installed and routed to accommodate blower positions both inside the conditioning unit and at external locations (below raised floor or above unit). This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for disconnection and recertification during relocation, allowing rapid repositioning while maintaining system integrity and compliance
3Device complexity
If the blower remains fixed within the conditioning unit, then the control system connection is simplified, but the ability to optimize airflow for different applications (down-flow or up-flow) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The blower assembly is designed as a universal component that can function in multiple configurations: positioned within the conditioning unit for standard arrangements, positioned below the raised floor for down-flow applications, or positioned above the unit for up-flow applications. The control system connection is designed with universal compatibility across all positions, using standardized interfaces and extended wiring that maintain the same level of complexity regardless of blower location, thereby enabling multi-functionality without increasing device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A conditioning unit can allow the blower to be easily translated from a first operable position in the conditioning unit to a second operable position external to the conditioning unit. The translation of the blower does not require the disconnection of the blower and, accordingly, does not require that the blower be disconnected and reconnected to the control system. Such capability can facilitate the installation of the conditioning unit into a variety of applications and allows the purchaser to customize the blower location based on the desired performance. The ability to customize the installation of the conditioning unit without requiring disconnection and reconnection of the blower can reduce the cost and expense associated with the installation into differing applications.