Project Overview
Armarac Modula systems are unique environmentally controlled, wall-mounted enclosures for 19-inch rackmount computer, networking, and communications equipment.
Armarac enclosures are the ideal way to protect critical equipment wherever space is limited – even in harsh or unsecured environments
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
4design - Robbie Wells, Lee Liston, Shane Crozier, Daniel Rodriguez, Michael Dent
Thureon - Darren Smith, Ross Vincent
Project Brief
To develop and deliver the worlds first, Zero Foot Print, Wall Mountable, Vertically Oriented 19" Rack Mounting system.
To develop a vertical equipment mount system, Vertiblade, than can be adapted to a number of product variants.
To develop a device than can be customised to suit client application through the deployment of specific modules.
To develop a device than can be manufactured using sustainable and cost effective methods over medium to short run quantities.
To develop a device that that would work in a multitude of physical, static, mobile and architectural environments.
Project Innovation / Need
The Armarac is designed for convenient remote management. The EcoSys Monitoring & Control System monitors and controls the temperature, humidity, fan speeds, alarms and alerts through the local onboard user interface or over a network.
The Vertiblade system provides unprecedented equipment access.
Technicians gain full all-around access to all equipment and cabling without moving their feet simply by opening the Armarac clamshell & opening the hinges like the pages of a book.
It Deploy without specialized personnel, equipment can be installed, maintained, and replaced in an Armarac far more easily than in conventional racks using ordinary tools.
Zero-footprint saves floor space & cost, the wall-mount system eliminates the need for a server room or the space for a conventional rack and the clearance needed in front to slide out rail-mounted equipment and swing open the rear door to access cables.
It physically secures all equipment as Armarac enclosures safeguard equipment from theft, malicious or accidental damage, and interference by unauthorized personnel.
It protects against environmental hazards, the stable, controlled environment within Armarac enclosures protects equipment from dust and water to improve survivability in disasters and prolongs hardware life in harsh environments
Design Challenge
The biggest challenge initially was developing a method of hanging the equipment in the vertical orientation. Individual 19" devices can weight up to 30kg. The Armarac can hold up to seven single 'U' devices. We developed the patented hinging system as a response to the brief. This system lets users aces their equipment like the pages of a book.
The Armarac is quite large so designing it so it could be manufactured cost effectively was a big challenge. A combination of extruded aluminium, injection moulded plastic and folded sheet metal was developed.
Strength of the unit and protection from invasive elements and interference limited manufacturing opportunities and placed a lot of emphasis on attention to detail.
Equally to all of the above, making such a device look unique and marketable meant balancing very industrial methodologies with today's design aware market expectations.
Sustainability
The key sustainability achievement behind the Armarac is the saving in physical space. The Armarac does not require a dedicated server room, it does not require the cost of modifying an existing space to house traditional 19' Rack Mounting Cabinets.
The Armarac is modular, this translates into savings, you buy what you need so there is no excess, no redundancy. The saving on resources, from manufacture through to shipping and infrastructure is clearly evident compared to other 'one size suits all' product solutions.
Armaracs are 'mass customisable', this means very small stock held. Key components are manufactured in short runs, and larger components are built to order. There is zero waste, minimal storage and an economically sustainable method of manufacture that can be adjusted to suit market activity.
The Armarac s temperature controlled, this means it only draws the power it needs, when it needs it. Again the saving on resources and infrastructure is clear.
Product Design - Business and Technology
This award recognises a component or overall product. Consideration given to aspects that relate to human usage, aesthetics, selection of components and materials, and the resolution of assembly, manufacturing and the overall function.
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