Variable-Length Conductor for Dense IT Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density IT infrastructure, there is a challenge in efficiently providing electrical power to densely packed components while minimizing space usage and effectively managing heat removal, particularly in rack-mountable, hyper-converged computing devices where space is limited and redundancy is critical.
Innovation Solution
A variable-length conductor assembly is introduced, comprising a bus bar assembly with line voltage and neutral bus bar conductors and a sled assembly that is longitudinally displaceable, allowing for slidable electrical coupling with oxidation-resistant materials and biasing elements to ensure reliable power distribution within IT components, such as rack-mountable, hyper-converged computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional fixed-length conductors are used in densely packed IT components, then electrical power can be reliably distributed, but space efficiency is reduced and heat management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor assembly transitions from a fixed-length to a variable-length configuration through the sled assembly's longitudinal displacement capability. The sled can slide along the bus bar assembly to adjust the conductor length dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to different spatial requirements while maintaining reliable electrical contact through spring-loaded biasing elements that ensure continuous pressure between contact surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor system is divided into separate functional modules: a stationary bus bar assembly, a movable sled assembly with conductors, and biasing elements. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the bus bar provides stable power distribution, the sled provides adjustable length, and the biasing elements ensure reliable contact - thereby achieving both space efficiency and power distribution reliability
2Productivity
If components are densely packed to increase infrastructure density, then space utilization improves, but heat removal becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor assembly is designed with a low-profile, planar configuration that utilizes horizontal space along the bus bar rather than occupying vertical space. The sled assembly slides longitudinally in a horizontal plane, allowing heat to dissipate vertically and in all directions without being constrained by overhead components, thereby enabling dense packing while maintaining effective heat removal pathways
3Ease of manufacture
If conductor length is fixed to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bus bar assembly with sled mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power distribution, enables adjustable conductor length, allows longitudinal positioning, and maintains reliable electrical contact through biasing elements. This multi-functional design achieves configuration flexibility without significantly complicating manufacturing, as each component remains relatively simple in its individual construction
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a space-saving, efficient electrical power distribution system that enhances power availability and reduces heat management challenges in densely packed IT environments by using a compact bus bar assembly and sled conductor configuration, ensuring reliable power delivery to sub-components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sled conductor slidably electrically-coupled to the at least one bus bar conductor
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of the at least one bus bar conductor included within the bus bar assembly may be plated with an oxidation-resistant material. At least a portion of the at least one sled conductor included within the sled assembly may be plated with an oxidation-resistant material
Data Source
AI summary
A variable-length conductor assembly is configured for use within an IT component. The variable-length conductor assembly includes a bus bar assembly including at least one bus bar conductor. A sled assembly is configured to be longitudinal-displaceable along the bus bar assembly. The sled assembly includes at least one sled conductor slidably electrically-coupled to the at least one bus bar conductor.