Uniform equipment mounting system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of standardization in electronic data processing equipment dimensions and mounting structures leads to difficulties in installing, accessing, and reconfiguring equipment in racks, resulting in inefficiencies and significant capital expenditures due to the need for specialized mounting hardware.
Innovation Solution
A uniform mounting system that standardizes equipment mounting across various widths, depths, and mounting structures, using modular vertical support posts and horizontal rails with adjustable sliders and latching mechanisms, allowing for flexible equipment placement and easy reconfiguration without requiring specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is mounted using manufacturer-specific mounting hardware to accommodate varying dimensions and mounting structures, then equipment compatibility and mounting reliability are improved, but device complexity and capital expenditures increase due to the need for multiple specialized hardware types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting system where a single standardized mounting hardware design can accommodate multiple types of equipment with varying dimensions and mounting structures. The mounting rails and attachment mechanisms are designed to work with different equipment configurations through adjustable positioning and standardized interface patterns, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific hardware while maintaining compatibility across diverse equipment types.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system utilizes adjustable parameters such as variable positioning holes, movable mounting clips, and reconfigurable rail sections that can be adjusted to accommodate different equipment dimensions and mounting requirements. This allows the same hardware to adapt to various equipment types by changing its configuration rather than requiring specialized hardware for each equipment type.
2Stability of the object's composition
If equipment is directly mounted to racks using static mounting adapters, then mounting stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in reconfiguring equipment layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from static mounting adapters to dynamic mounting mechanisms that allow equipment to be easily repositioned and reconfigured. The mounting clips and rail sections are designed to be quickly attached and detached, enabling flexible reconfiguration of equipment layouts while maintaining stable mounting when equipment is in position. The system allows for tool-free or tool-minimal adjustments to accommodate changing operational requirements.
3Reliability
If specialized mounting hardware is used for each equipment type, then mounting reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to accumulation of unused specialized hardware
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a universal mounting hardware design, the system eliminates the accumulation of unused specialized hardware. A single standardized mounting hardware type can be used across all equipment types, ensuring that the hardware remains in use rather than becoming waste. This universal approach maintains mounting reliability through consistent design while preventing the loss of substance associated with discarded specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized mounting hardware is designed to be reusable across different equipment types and rack configurations. When equipment is reconfigured or replaced, the mounting hardware can be recovered and reused rather than discarded, reducing hardware waste and capital expenditures while maintaining reliable mounting capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal mounting system is provided for use in connection with substantially any type of electronic equipment so was to reduce or substantially avoid the need for rail kids or other mounting assemblies that are its equipment specific for mounting equipment to racks. In one implementation, a uniform mounting system (101) includes a number of rail and slider assemblies (112). Each of the rail and slider assemblies includes a slider that is slightly mounted on a support rail. Each of the slider is includes mounting flange is and brackets for mounting the slider to a piece of equipment. The mounting flanges 116 that's collectively define a segmented vertical rail. A safety stop mechanism can be used to define very a offset figurations of the equipment with respect to a front end of the rack.