Abstract:
A network system and computer component device rack having an integrated AC power distribution system is provided. The device rack and power distribution system includes a device rack frame having a plurality of locations for receiving network system and computer component devices within. The plurality of locations stacks network system and computer component devices one over another in a generally vertical orientation. A pair of AC power sequencers are mounted on an inner side panel, and a pair of power strips is provided along a rear edge. A plurality of compound angle AC jumper cords are provided for connecting network system and computer component devices to a plurality of power outlet receptacles on the pair of power strips.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to computer network and network system components, and more specifically to computer network and system racks to provide maximum efficient device space. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Computer network server system and related components are typically housed in racks configured to assimilate a plurality of component devices. System racks provide efficient organization for the plurality of components for ease of access, serviceability, expandability, power distribution, cooling, and the like. 
   A typical prior art system rack includes power distribution, sequencing, and regulation units, and space to receive a plurality of component devices such as network servers, routers, mass storage devices, tape back-up devices, and other similar related component devices, in addition to providing for serviceability access, power cord routing, air circulation and the like. In typical prior art system racks, generally accepted and standardized sizes for the various component devices provide for efficient space utilization, ease and predictability of system configuration, serviceability, and facility location. A “rack unit” is generally accepted as being approximately 1.75 inches in height, and 17.5 inches in width, with a depth ranging from approximately 18 inches to approximately 36 inches to accommodate a plurality of component devices. 
   In a typical prior art system rack, a plurality of component devices are stacked within the rack, with a typical configuration accommodating up to 16 dual input component devices or 32 single input component devices. In a bottom region of the system rack, power sequencers having a usual dimension of approximately two rack units are positioned to provide power and power sequencing to the component devices housed within the system rack. Individual power cords are typically routed within the system rack from the power sequencers upwards through the system rack to each of the component devices. 
   In a typical prior art system rack, power sequencers consume space that could be more efficiently utilized for component devices, and power distribution within the system rack is generally inefficient and inhibits access to and serviceability of component devices. What is needed is an efficient system rack design and power distribution system to increase capacity, serviceability, and economy of space requirements. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Broadly speaking, the present invention fills these needs by providing a network system and computer component device rack having an integrated AC power distribution system. The present invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, and a method. Several embodiments of the present invention are described below. 
   In one embodiment, an integrated computer component rack is disclosed. The integrated computer component rack includes a component rack frame having a frame front, a frame rear, and two frame sides, and mounting rails within the component rack frame for affixing computer components within the integrated computer component rack. Also included are a pair of power sequencers. The pair of power sequencers are positioned on an interior of one of the two frame sides. Further, a pair of power strips are provided. Each of the pair of power strips has a plurality of power outlet receptacles. The pair of power strips is configured to receive sequenced power from the pair of power sequencers, and to distribute sequenced power through the plurality of power outlet receptacles. 
   In another embodiment, a power distribution system in an integrated computer and server component rack is disclosed. The power distribution system includes a pair of power sequencers. Each of the pair of power sequencers is capable of receiving two 220 volt inputs, and of delivering two 220 volt outputs. The power distribution system further includes a pair of power strips for distributing sequenced power to component devices housed within the integrated computer and server component rack. Each of the pair of power strips receives input power from one of the pair of power sequencers. 
   In still a further embodiment, a network system and computer component device rack having an integrated AC power distribution system is disclosed. The network system and computer component device rack having an integrated AC power distribution system includes a device rack frame having a front, a back, and two sides. Each of the front, the back, and the two sides has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is defined within the device rack. The network system and computer component device rack having an integrated AC power distribution system further includes a plurality of locations for receiving network system and computer component devices. The plurality of locations stacks network system and computer component devices one over another in a generally vertical orientation. Also included is a pair of AC power sequencers capable of receiving two supply lines of 220 volt AC power and capable of providing two sequenced power output lines of 220 volts AC power. Further, a pair of power strips is provided. Each power strip includes a plurality of power outlet receptacles and each power strip is capable of receiving two inputs of sequenced 220 volt AC power. The network system and computer component device rack having an integrated AC power distribution system also includes a plurality of compound angle AC jumper cords for connecting network system and computer component devices to the plurality of power outlet receptacles on the pair of power strips. Each of the pair of AC power sequencers is positioned on the inner surface of one of the two sides within the network system and computer component device rack. 
   Advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  shows a front view of a system rack in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows a rear view of a system rack in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows a power sequencer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a configuration of power sequencers along and within a side of the system rack in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the rear portion of a system rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a compound angle AC jumper cord in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6B  shows a front view of the power strip end of compound angle AC jumper cord in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6C  shows a top view of the power strip end of compound angle AC jumper cord in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6D  is a side view of the power strip end of compound angle AC jumper cord in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6E  shows an isometric view of the power strip end of compound angle AC jumper cord in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6F  shows another side view of the power strip end of compound angle AC jumper cord in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 7A  shows a plurality of power strip ends and the respective compound angles nested and dressing attached cords into a desired location in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a plurality of power strip ends of compound angle AC jumper cords in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 7C  shows yet another angle of a plurality of plugs of the power strip end of compound angle AC jumper cord in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   An invention for a system rack design and power distribution system is disclosed. In preferred embodiments, a network system and computer component device rack having an integrated AC power distribution system is described. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be understood, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     FIG. 1  shows a front view of a system rack  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, system rack  100  includes a front  102  side, a rear  104  side, and sides  108 . A front device connection rail  110  runs the length of system rack  100  along opposing edges of front  102  providing for mounting and connection of a plurality of devices (not shown) stacked within the interior of system rack  100 . A rear device connection rail  112  runs the length of system rack  100  along opposing edges of rear  104  of system rack  100  providing corresponding rear mounting and connection. Both front device connection rail  110  and rear device connection rail  112  are within system rack  100 . 
   A pair of power sequencers  106  are illustrated positioned along and within side  108 . In one embodiment, power sequencers  106  positioned along and within side  108  provide for zero rack unit power sequencing and distribution. Zero rack unit power sequencing and distribution provides for more efficient use and implementation of system rack  100  by freeing up rack unit space within system rack  100  to accommodate additional component devices that in prior art racks is consumed by power sequencers. Additionally, side  108  is configurable to provide improved access to power sequencers  106  enhancing serviceability. By positioning power sequencers  106  unobstructed by side panels, power sequencers are easily accessible, can be removed without removing rack devices, and power sequencer status is easily viewable. 
     FIG. 2  shows a rear view of a system rack  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Front device connection rail  110  and front  102  are facing to the rear of system rack  100  in FIG.  2 . Rear device connection rail  112  is shown within system rack  100 , and power sequencers  106  are along and within side  108 . Power strips  114  run along side  108  within system rack  100  in rear  104 . In one embodiment, a space (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) is provided between power strips  114 , and between power strips  114  and rear edge  116  of system rack  100 . As will be described in greater detail below in reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the space between power strips  114 , and between power strips  114  and rear edge  116  of system rack  100 , provide channels for routing AC jumper cords connecting component devices (not shown) to power strips  114 . 
     FIG. 3  shows a power sequencer  106  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Power sequencer  106  includes power inputs  122  for two 220V, 20A, power supply lines from facility supply, and one power output  124  for supplying sequenced power to power strip  114 . In one embodiment, power input  122  receives power from facility supply through a power input panel (not shown) which routes four 220V, 20A power inputs from facility supply to power sequencers  106 , with two supply lines feeding each of two power sequencers  106  in each system rack  100  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) at power inputs  122 . Switches  120  are provided for selectively securing power from one or both power inputs  122  at power sequencer  106 . 
   As described above, power sequencers  106  are positioned along and within side  108  of system rack  100  (see FIGS.  1  and  2 ). The zero rack unit design of power sequencers  106  provide for additional rack space within system rack  100  for component devices. In one embodiment, power output  124  provides sequenced power to one of two powers trips  114  (see FIG.  2 ), so that a pair of power sequencers  106  configured to system rack  100  provide sequenced power to each of two power strips  114  positioned along the rear of system rack  100 . Within power sequencer  106  are included filters and sequenced relays (not shown) for providing sequenced power to component devices connected to power strips  114 . Component devices require known power supply and sequencing, and the power sequencer  106  of the present invention defines and distributes required power distribution components within system rack  100  to provide required power and sequencing while consuming no component device space. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a configuration of power sequencers  106  along and within side  108  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Facility power supply  132  is routed to each of two power inputs  122  of power sequencers  106 . Power outputs  124  supply sequenced power to power strips  114  at power strip inputs  136 . The illustrated embodiment has power strip inputs  136  positioned at the bottom of power strips  114 , and other embodiments include power strip inputs  136  at any desirable location along power strips  114 . Switches  120  on power sequencers  106  provide for selectively securing input power from one or both power inputs  122  at the power sequencer  106 . 
   Power strip power supply  130  is routed from each of power outputs  124  of power sequencers  106 . In one embodiment, power strip supply  130  is a power distribution cable capable of delivering two 220V, 16A outputs to power strips  114 . Power strips  114 , in one embodiment, are capable of receiving two sequenced power inputs of 220V at 16A. Power voltage and amperage ratings can be modified, in one embodiment, in accordance with local electrical requirements and standards. When sequenced power is supplied to power strips  114 , sequenced power distribution is available to component devices (not shown) at power outlets  115 . Power outlets  115  can be positioned and grouped along power strips  114  in any desired manner to provide desired power to device components, and in the illustrated embodiment, 24 power outlets  115  are provided on each power strip  114 . In one embodiment of the invention, the dual power strips  114  having a plurality of outlets  115  enable connection of up to 23 dual input device components or 38 single input device components. In another embodiment, the dual power strips  114  having a plurality of outlets  115  enable connection of up to 38 dual or single input device components, so long as each of the 38 dual or single input device components is one rack unit in dimension. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, power strips  114  are positioned along side  108  within system rack  100  (see  FIG. 2 ) to provide a channel  134  between the two power strips  114  and between the power strips  114  and a rear edge  116  of system rack  100 . In one embodiment, channels  134  are provided for AC jumper cords (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) routed between power strips  114  and component devices (not shown). AC jumper cords are configured to dress into channels  134  to minimize cable clutter and maximize access to and air circulation around component devices. In one embodiment, a door (not shown) attaches to rear edge  116  to enclose device components within system rack  100  (see  FIG. 2 , door not shown). When a door is attached to rear edge  116 , channel  134  between power strips  114  and rear edge  116  remains in which to route AC jumper cords. 
     FIG. 5  is a top view of the rear portion of system rack  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , power strips  114  are routed along side  108  within system rack  100 . Channels  134  are formed between power strips  114 , and between power strips  114  and inside edges of door  136 . In the illustrated embodiment, door  136  forms channel  134  along inside edges of door  136  and edge of power strip  114 . Door  136  opens outward  138  leaving channel  134  open and accessible. 
   Plugs  150  are shown connected to power strips  114 . In one embodiment, compound angle AC jumper cords, which are described in greater detail below, are provided for connecting component devices  140  to power strips  114 . The compound angle (see  FIGS. 6A-6F ,  7 A- 7 C) of compound angle AC jumper cords dresses the power cords within channel  134  minimizing cord/cable clutter and maximizing access, serviceability, and airflow circulation within system rack  100 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, component device  140  is represented connected to side bracing  108   a  of side  108  by rear device connection rail  112 . Component device  140  is affixed to rear device connection rail  112  at attachment  164 . As described above, one rack unit is approximately 17.5″ wide. In one embodiment of the present invention, device components  140  are mounted within system rack  100  at rear device connection rails  112  and front device connection rails  110  (see  FIG. 1 ) with a clearance  142  within a range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 10 mm, and in one embodiment, the clearance  142  is about 6 mm. Additionally, in one embodiment, a clearance  162  between back surface  160  of plug  150  and device components  140  enables access to attachment  164  for easy removal and replacement of device components  140 . 
     FIG. 6A  shows a compound angle AC jumper cord  154  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Compound angle AC jumper cord  154  includes a component device end  156  and a power strip end  158 . Illustrated on the power strip end  158  are plug  150  and compound angle  152 . Compound angle AC jumper cord  154  is provided to connect component devices  140  (see  FIG. 5 ) with power strip  114  (see FIGS.  4  and  5 ). In one embodiment, the compound angle  152  feeds the compound angle AC jumper cord  154  laterally out and back from plug  150  into channel  134  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) when compound angle AC jumper cord  154  is connected to power strip  114 .  FIGS. 6B-6F , and  7 A- 7 C are provided to illustrate various features of compound AC jumper cord  154 . 
     FIG. 6B  shows a front view of power strip end  158  of compound angle AC jumper cord  154  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Compound angle  152  extends out from the side of plug  150  which connects to power strip  114  (see FIGS.  4  and  5 ), and back in order to route compound angle AC jumper cord  154  into channel  134  (see FIGS.  4  and  5 ). As shown in  FIG. 6B , the attached cord extends outward from a side of plug  150 , and the compound angle  152  essentially forms first a 90 degree elbow. As will be described and illustrated below, the compound angle  152  also routes the attached cord backwards at an angle of approximately 30 degrees from a plane parallel to a back surface of plug  150 . 
     FIG. 6C  shows a top view of the power strip end  158  of compound angle AC jumper cord  154  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Illustrated are plug  150 , and compound angle  152  which routes the compound angle AC jumper cord  154  into channel  134 . 
     FIG. 6D  is a side view of power strip end  158  of compound angle AC jumper cord  154  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In  FIG. 6D , a second part of the compound angle is illustrated. As described above, a first part of the compound angle routes the cord extending out from the side of plug  150  through an essentially 90 degree elbow. The second part of the compound angle routes the attached cord backwards approximately 30 degrees from a plane parallel to a back surface  160  of plug  150 . In this manner, a plurality of compound angle AC jumper cords  154  can be attached to power strip  114  (see FIGS.  4  and  5 ), and can be nested to dress the cords into channel  134  (see FIGS.  4  and  5 ). 
     FIG. 6E  shows an isometric view of the power strip end  158  of compound angle AC jumper cord  154  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Illustrated are plug  150  and compound angle  152  which, as illustrated, routes the attached cord out and back. Nesting of a plurality of compound angle AC jumper cords  154  is illustrated below in  FIGS. 7A-7C . 
     FIG. 6F  shows another side view of power strip end  158  of compound angle AC jumper cord  154  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As in previous illustrations, plug  150  and compound angle  152  are identified. Additionally, a back surface  160  of plug  150  is identified. In one embodiment, compound angle  152  routes the attached cord through an approximately 90 degree angle outward from the side of plug  150  and down. Additionally, the compound angle  152  routes the attached cord backward at an angle of approximately 30 degrees off a plane parallel to a back surface  160  of plug  150 . 
     FIGS. 7A-7C  are provided to illustrate a plurality of power strip ends  158  of compound angle AC jumper cords  154  and the nesting of multiple cords.  FIG. 7A  shows a plurality of power strip ends  158  and the respective compound angles  152  nested and dressing attached cords into a desired location in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the attached cords dress into channel  134  (see FIGS.  4  and  5 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , plug  150  is designed to connect to, for example, power strip  114  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) such that a plurality of plugs can be arranged together consuming a minimal amount of space and presenting an essentially flat surface. Additionally, compound angles  152  dress the attached cords out and back from plug  150 . In this manner, multiple plugs  150  having multiple compound angles  152  will dress the attached cords, the compound angle AC jumper cord  154  (see FIG.  6 A), back and into channel  134 . In one embodiment, the minimal space requirement, and the nesting of a plurality of compound angle AC jumper cords  154 , provide for the sequenced power connection for the plurality of component devices within system rack  100  (see FIGS.  1  and  2 ), while minimizing cable or jumper cord clutter, increased accessibility to the component devices, and improved serviceability for any of the incorporated component devices or for the system rack  100  itself. 
     FIG. 7B  illustrates a plurality of power strip ends  158  of compound angle AC jumper cords  154  (see  FIG. 6A ) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7B  presents a side view of the plurality of plugs  150  and compound angles  152  to illustrate the minimal space requirements as well as the nesting of multiple compound angle AC jumper cords  154 . In one embodiment, the nested cords dress neatly into channel  134  (see FIGS.  4  and  5 ). 
     FIG. 7C  shows yet another angle of a plurality of plugs  150  of the power strip end  158  of compound angle AC jumper cord  154  (see  FIG. 6A ) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7C  provides another perspective of the nesting quality or characteristic of compound angle AC jumper cord  154  when a plurality of cords are attached to power strip  114  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) with cords dressing into channel  134  (see FIGS.  4  and  5 ). 
   In summary, the present invention provides an innovative system rack for computer networks, network systems, and related components. The system rack integrates zero rack unit power sequencers along and within a side panel of the system rack freeing up valuable rack space for component devices. A power strip is provided along a rear edge of the system rack, and innovative compound angle AC jumper cords that connect component devices to sequenced power. The compound angle AC jumper cords dress power cords into a channel to minimize cord and cable clutter, and to increase access and serviceability of the system rack and integrated components. The invention has been described herein in terms of several exemplary embodiments. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention. The embodiments and preferred features described above should be considered exemplary, with the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.