Transportable IT Hosting Module With Transverse Aisles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to rapidly deploy large computing powers at controlled costs without prior infrastructure, particularly in constrained spaces and with reduced carbon footprint, while managing space efficiently and ensuring easy access to computer equipment.

Innovation Solution

A transportable computer hosting center configuration featuring a set of computer equipment arranged with access spaces on opposite side faces, allowing for easy access and circulation, and utilizing a combination of transverse and longitudinal aisles for efficient layout and refrigeration system design, including a common hydraulic supply for refrigeration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If computer cabinets are arranged along a single inner side wall of the container, then space is utilized, but access to part of the cabinets requires moving the cabinet or opening side wall openings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidaccess to cabinets
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-wall linear arrangement to a two-dimensional grid arrangement where cabinets are organized in rows and columns, creating multiple access paths and eliminating the need to move cabinets for access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a longitudinal center aisle is provided in the container, then access to cabinets is improved, but the container requires significant floor space and prior infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to cabinetsVSAvoidfloor space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the container into multiple smaller modules, each with its own access points and circulation paths, eliminating the need for a single long longitudinal aisle while maintaining accessibility to all cabinets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If computer cabinets are arranged to maximize space usage, then computing capacity increases, but access spaces and circulation for operators are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing capacityVSAvoidcirculation for operators
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a two-dimensional grid layout with aisles in both longitudinal and transverse directions, allowing operators to reach any cabinet through multiple short paths rather than one long path, thus maintaining circulation while maximizing cabinet density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If containers are deployed in constrained spaces without prior infrastructure, then deployment flexibility increases, but refrigeration system installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidrefrigeration system installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the refrigeration system into modular units that can be independently installed and connected to each cabinet module, allowing flexible installation in constrained spaces without requiring complex prior infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2364075B1Computer module for transportable IT hosting centre
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 BULL SA
  • EP2364075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2364075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2364075B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The module (160) has a row of three computer racks (110) extending horizontally along a main development direction (D), where the main development direction is orthogonal to a main longitudinal direction (L) along which a transport container is extended horizontally. Access spaces (145) are provided at opposed lateral faces of the computer racks. An air-conditioner (112) and a main maintenance door (114) are provided on two facades of each of the racks, respectively. An independent claim is also included for a transportable data center comprising two containers.