Abstract:
A data center mounting rack for mounting and supporting a plurality of generally rectangular small form computer systems in a vertical stacked arrangement. The shelving arrangement comprises a pair of spaced apart vertical end panels supporting a plurality of horizontal mounting shelves. Each of the shelves includes a pair of rows of spaced apart first openings extending along the length of each shelf, for allowing the passage of cabling for computers and for permitting cooling air flow. Each of the shelves also includes a plurality of rows of spaced apart air flow openings in a staggered arrangement. Each of the shelves support a plurality of U-shaped computer system mounting brackets. Each of the mounting brackets supports a rectangular small form computer system in a vertical orientation such that air flow is directed along the top surface and bottom surface by the air flow openings to aid in cooling.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/171,853, filed Jun. 5, 2015, entitled “SMALL FORM COMPUTER DATA CENTER RACK”, and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/529,390, filed Jun. 5, 2015, entitled “SMALL FORM ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTER DATA CENTER RACK”, both of which are incorporated herein by reference as set forth herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of storing and organizing small scale computer systems, and more specifically relates to computer center data racks for storing and organizing computer systems having a generally rectangular or parallelepiped configuration with a top surface and bottom surface such as an APPLE® Mac Mini. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Computer data centers are facilities that contain racks or shelves of computer systems and their associated components such as power supplies and telecommunications systems. Large data centers house hundreds, often thousands, of separate computers, which are connected for communications with computers in the data center and with telecommunication networks such as the Internet, thereby forming the essential infrastructure of “cloud computing.” The racks of computers often extend from floor to ceiling, mounted atop hollow flooring structures called plenums that route cooling air to the various racks, with heat removal vents positioned above the racks. A facility housing thousands of computers uses many kilowatts of electricity and generates large amounts of heat that must be removed so that the computers can operate within their specified ranges of operating temperatures. 
     Space, cooling, power cabling, and communications cabling requirements are therefore critical for modern data centers. Floor space in terms of square feet footprint per rack and height requirements for each rack of computers are limited, so as to provide required cooling air and power requirements, as well as security within physical cages and accessibility for configuration and maintenance. 
     One particular type of computer that is popular for certain computing applications is the APPLE® Mac Mini (marketed as “Mac mini”), manufactured by Apple, Inc., Cupertino, Calif. The Mac mini is considered a small form factor self-contained desktop computer but does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse. Although the Mac mini computer is not typically considered to be a data center type computer device, it possesses certain features that make it desirable for deployment in data centers. 
     For example, the Mac mini computer&#39;s processor and associated internal peripheral circuitry make it highly suitable for hosting development environments for the APPLE® computing infrastructure and environment, which is built around the OS X operating system for enterprise and personal computing, and the iOS operating system for mobile devices from Apple, Inc. such as the iPhone and iPad. Other conventional types of computer systems, because they lack the unique circuitry and components of the Apple computing environment, are not readily capable of running OS X or certain iOS development platforms. Thus, the Mac mini computer is highly capable of serving data center needs for conventional data center computing requirements, as well as specialized service to the OS X and iOS development communities. 
     In contrast, however, the parallelepiped form of the Mac mini computer is not readily suitable for deployment in data centers. The Mac mini computer is manufactured in a small parallelepiped form that contains comparatively large top and bottom panels and comparatively thin lateral sides with rounded edges. Further, the Mac mini computer is manufactured with controls and communication and power ports for the Mac mini computer only on one lateral side. Finally, the Mac mini computer is manufactured with one small fan positioned within its interior that draws air up through the bottom of the Mac mini computer and out the lateral side of the Mac mini computer that contains the controls and ports. 
     As a result of increasing demand by the OS X and iOS developers&#39; community, there is a need for a data center that can efficiently house computer systems that can provide OS X-compatible hosting environments, as well as other cloud-based computing requirements. The present disclosure relates to a highly space and thermal-efficient data center computer rack mounting arrangement that provides for maximized usage of small form factor self-contained computers such as Mac mini computers. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Briefly described, and according to one embodiment, aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a small form factor self-contained computer mounting arrangement that allows mounting of up to 46 Mac mini computers or similar devices on a single shelf, up to 10 shelves, for a total of up to 460 Mac mini computers in a single rack assembly, with accessibility from both sides of the rack, and convenient arrangements for power and communications cabling, as well as generally vertical cooling air flow. 
     These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimed invention(s) will become apparent from the following detailed written description of the preferred embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications thereto may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and/or aspects of the disclosure and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a data center mounting rack in accordance with this disclosure, perspective view, front side, populated with 230 Mac mini computers on each side. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a data center mounting rack in accordance with this disclosure, perspective view, without any computers mounted therein, showing the side panels with cable routing openings, and U-shaped mounting brackets. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a data center mounting rack in accordance with this disclosure, partial, expanded perspective view, showing closer details of a mounting shelf with U-shaped mounting brackets. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a data center mounting rack in accordance with this disclosure, partial, expanded perspective view, showing closer details of an empty mounting shelf. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a mounting shelf, without U-shaped mounting brackets. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a U-shaped mounting bracket, 46 of which are welded to each shelf of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a front view of a U-shaped mounting bracket, 46 of which are welded to each shelf of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 6C  is a side view of a U-shaped mounting bracket, 46 of which are welded to each shelf of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 6D  is a top view of a U-shaped mounting bracket prior to assembly. 
         FIG. 7 , consisting of  FIGS. 7A through 7F , shows details of a complete mounting shelf with U-shaped brackets attached thereto at each of 46 separate mounting positions. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a plan and elevation view of a side panel of the data center mounting rack. 
         FIG. 9 , consisting of  FIGS. 9A through 9D , illustrates details of a horizontal support member, four of which are used to construct a full rack, by affixing in pairs to a side panel and support the mounting shelves. Downwardly-facing latches are provided at each end of the support members that match Tennsco® rack openings. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a complete 10-shelf data center mounting rack, illustrating how the horizontal support members are affixed to the end panels. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. All limitations of scope should be determined in accordance with and as expressed in the claims. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a small form factor self-contained computer mounting arrangement that allows mounting of up to 46 Mac mini computers or similar devices on a single shelf, up to 10 shelves, for a total of up to 460 Mac mini computers in a single rack assembly, with accessibility from both sides of the rack, and convenient arrangements for power and communications cabling, as well as generally vertical cooling air flow. 
     These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimed invention(s) will become apparent from the following detailed written description of the preferred embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications thereto may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure. 
     Now referring to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates a data center mounting rack  10  in accordance with this disclosure, perspective view, front side, populated with 230 Mac mini computers  20  on each side. According to one embodiment, the data center mounting rack may hold 460 Mac mini computers oriented perpendicularly to the shelves  15 . In one embodiment, the shelves  15  may hold 46 Mac mini computers. In various embodiments, the data center mounting rack  10  comprises ten shelves spaced equidistant from each other within the data center mounting rack. As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the number of shelves (and height of the data center mounting rack) may be modified to accommodate the requirements of the data center. For example, in on embodiment, the data center mounting rack may comprise 11 shelves (and therefore may hold up to 506 Mac mini computers). In another embodiment, the data center mounting rack may comprise 9 shelves  15  (and therefore may hold up to 411 Mac mini computers). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , which illustrates a data center mounting rack  10  in accordance with this disclosure, perspective view, without any computers mounted therein, showing the side panels  30  with cable routing openings  35 , and U-shaped mounting brackets  40 . In one embodiment, the shelves may be spaced far enough apart to provide for adequate airflow between the Mac mini computers  20  (e.g., sufficient airflow to keep the Mac mini computers operating within their optimal temperature range). As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, if the Mac mini computers are not cooled adequately, they will overheat and operate inefficiently which, considering the small, single fan, may happen very easily. In various embodiments, the shelves may be spaced far enough apart to provide adequate space for the various cables (e.g., power, network, etc.) that are necessary to operate the Mac mini computers as servers. In one embodiment, the cables connect to the rear of the Mac mini computers and run in the middle space of the shelves and out the holes in the sides of the data center mounting rack. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a data center mounting rack in accordance with this disclosure, perspective view, showing closer details of a mounting shelf, U-shaped mounting brackets, and staggered perforated openings for air flow positioned between the U-shaped mounting brackets. In one embodiment,  FIG. 3  corresponds to the top of the data center mounting rack in  FIG. 2 . In various embodiments, the U-shaped mounting brackets are spaced apart on the shelves of the data center mounting rack to allow for further airflow between the Mac mini computers. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a data center mounting rack  10  in accordance with this disclosure, perspective view, showing closer details of an empty mounting shelf  15 , U-shaped mounting brackets  40 , and staggered perforated openings  50  for air flow positioned between the U-shaped mounting brackets populated with Mac mini computers. In one embodiment,  FIG. 4  corresponds to the top of the data center mounting rack in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a mounting shelf  15 , without U-shaped mounting brackets. In various embodiments, the mounting shelf may comprise small holes  50  between the mounting positions where U-shaped mounting brackets would be mounted. In one embodiment, the mounting shelf may comprise six staggered holes  50  between each mounting position, which provide adequate airflow for the Mac mini computers that draw air in through one of the sides that faces the six staggered holes. In various embodiments, the mounting shelf may comprise larger holes  55  directly behind the mounting position (e.g., in the interior of the shelf) that permit additional airflow and provide a location for cables to run between shelves. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , consisting of  FIGS. 6A through 6D , which show details of a U-shaped mounting bracket  40 ,  46  of which are welded to each shelf of  FIG. 5 . According to various embodiments, the perpendicular orientation of the Mac mini computer within the U-shaped mounting bracket enables the rack to hold more Mac mini computers within a given space considering the thermal dissipation demands of the Mac mini computers. In one embodiment, the perpendicular orientation of Mac mini computer may result in airflow flowing into the Mac mini computer from its side (that normally is the bottom) and out through its rear edge. Generally, the U-shaped mounting bracket may be designed to increase the efficiency of this altered airflow pattern. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , in various embodiments, the U-shaped mounting bracket  40  is deep enough for a Mac mini computer to sit completely within it, tall/narrow enough to prevent the Mac mini computer from falling over, and short enough to not inhibit air intake of the Mac mini computer. As will be appreciate by one having ordinary skill in the art, the U-shaped mounting bracket prevents the Mac mini computer from moving while also limiting the amount of contact with the surface of the Mac mini computer. Generally, increased contact with the surface of the Mac Pro computer results in decreased temperature control because of residual heat in the metal of the enclosure and decreased airflow around the Mac mini computer. In various embodiments, the sides of the U-shaped mounting bracket may contain multiple obround-shaped holes  42  to promote airflow around the Mac mini that they hold. Further, in one embodiment, the U-shaped mounting bracket comprises a small tab  45  on the rear of one of its sides to add further stability to the design of the U-shaped mounting bracket. 
       FIG. 7 , consisting of  FIGS. 7A through 7F , show details of a complete mounting shelf  15  with U-shaped mounting brackets  40  attached thereto at each of 46 separate mounting positions. Generally, in various embodiments, the U-shaped mounting brackets may be welded to the shelves between the small holes and directly in front of the larger holes  55 . As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, this configuration promotes adequate air flow and provides a location for the cables. In various embodiments, the U-shaped mounting brackets are mounted on opposites sides of the shelf  15  (as illustrated in  FIG. 7E ). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a plan and elevation view of a side panel  30  of the data center mounting rack. In various embodiments, the side panel contains large holes for cables to run through and to promote adequate airflow. As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, these holes may be spaced evenly with the shelves of the data center mounting rack. 
       FIG. 9 , consisting of  FIGS. 9A through 9D , illustrates details of a horizontal support member  60 , four of which are used to construct a full rack, by affixing in pairs to a side panel  30  and support the mounting shelves  15 . Downwardly-facing latches  65  are provided at each end of the support members that match Tennsco® rack openings. 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a complete 10-shelf data center mounting rack  10 , illustrating how the horizontal support members  60  are affixed to the end panels. 
     From the foregoing, it will be understood that the spacing of the U-shaped mounting brackets, dimensions and spacing of the staggered openings for air flow in between U-shaped mounting brackets, spacing of the shelves relative to each other, openings in side panels for cabling of communications and power, slide-in mounting arrangement, side-panel mounting for power and telecommunications components, front and rear accessibility for dual side mounting of computers, all contribute to a novel and nonobvious arrangement for small form data center computers such as Mac minis, in a highly optimal configuration to include as many computers as possible given a floor footprint, cabling access and routing, and cooling air flow capability to maintain the array within specified operating temperatures in the data center. 
     The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventions to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. 
     The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the inventions and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present inventions pertain without departing from their spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.