Vibration-Isolating Fastener Assembly for Server Rack Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fasteners used in server racks are difficult to install due to the heavy weight of servers, and they often transmit shocks and vibrations, leading to failures in wire connections. Additionally, different server racks have varying mounting hole sizes and shapes, complicating the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising a bar with a catch and head, a knob that engages with the catch to prevent rotation and separation, a bushing made of elastomeric material for vibration isolation, and a washer with an inclined face that contacts the bushing, providing enhanced frictional engagement and compatibility with different hole shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners (nuts and bolts or pins and clips) are used to support servers, then the servers can be secured to racks, but the fasteners transmit shocks and vibrations which cause failures in wire connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastomeric bushing as an intermediary component between the metal fastener bar and the server chassis. This bushing acts as a mediator that absorbs and isolates shock and vibration forces, preventing them from being transmitted to the wire connections while still maintaining the structural connection between the server and rack
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric bushing provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in the mounting holes of the server chassis before the fastener bar is inserted. This pre-positioned cushioning layer is designed to absorb and dampen shock and vibration forces before they can affect the wire connections and other sensitive components
2Ease of operation
If traditional two-part fasteners are used, then servers can be connected to racks, but the fasteners are difficult to install given the heavy weight of servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening system into distinct functional components: an elastomeric bushing that provides cushioning and a metal bar with integrated knob and catch features. This segmentation allows the heavy lifting function to be separate from the fastening function, enabling easier installation of the fastening mechanism itself while the server weight is supported by the combined system
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design incorporates a self-retaining mechanism where the knob engages with the catch feature on the bar, creating a self-locking arrangement that maintains the connection without requiring additional tools or complex assembly steps during installation and operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If different server racks have mounting holes with different sizes and shapes, then various rack configurations can be accommodated, but it complicates the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric bushing serves multiple functions: it provides vibration isolation, acts as a lubricant during installation, and serves as an adapter that can accommodate different hole sizes and shapes. This multi-functionality allows a single fastener design to work across various rack configurations without requiring different fastener types for different hole geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material properties of the bushing allow it to deform and adapt to different mounting hole parameters (sizes and shapes). The material's elasticity enables it to be compressed during installation and then expand to fit various hole configurations, providing adaptability without increasing installation complexity
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
The fastener system effectively isolates shocks and vibrations, preventing failures in server connections, and allows for easy installation across different server rack configurations due to its adaptable design and enhanced frictional engagement.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing is comprised of an elastomeric material that is positioned around the bar between the catch and the head
Implementation Method 2
The bushing is comprised of an elastomeric material that is positioned around the bar between the catch and the head
Implementation Method 3
The coefficient of friction between the bushing and the washer is higher than the coefficient of friction between the washer and the head
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener system includes a bar, a knob, a bushing, and a washer. The bar extends along an axis and includes a catch at one end and a head at the other end, where the head includes an inclined face. The knob is configured to engage with the catch to prevent relative rotation between the knob and the bar and to prevent separation of the knob and the bar along the axis. The bushing is comprised of an elastomeric material that is positioned around the bar between the catch and the head, where the bushing includes a flange facing the knob. The washer is positioned around the bar between the bushing and the head, where the washer includes an inclined face that contacts the other inclined face. The coefficient of friction between the bushing and the washer is higher than the coefficient of friction between the washer and the head.