High Load Low Weight Universal Flexible Infrastructure System Navy SBIR FY2015.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.2 Topic No.: N152-103 Topic Title: High Load Low Weight Universal Flexible Infrastructure System Proposal No.: N152-103-0500 Firm: ADA Technologies, Inc. 8100 Shaffer Parkway Suite #130 Littleton, Colorado 80127 Contact: Thierry Carriere Phone: (303) 792-5615 Web Site: www.adatech.com Abstract: A standardized flexible infrastructure (FI) system streamlining heavy cabinet upgrades on US Navy destroyer class ships is needed. ADA Technologies proposes to develop a High-Load Low-Weight FI system with enhanced load bearing capability over existing systems by leveraging an innovative load bearing mounting bracket to provide localized load support enabling significant weight savings in the accompanying rail system. In Phase I, we will focus on design optimization through finite-element analysis to meet the specified load and weight requirements. Currently available FI systems will be evaluated based on load rating versus weight for comparison. The best features of each will be combined with the novel load bearing mounting bracket concept into a design that will improve upon the existing systems in four areas critical to Naval ship FI systems including: (1) improved modularity in the rail system and customizable mounting with easily installed cross members to accommodate irregular bolt patterns without adding height to the system, (2) simplified rail cross section for single process manufacturing, (3) weight-specific load bearing mounting brackets that add strength to the support structure as needed further minimizing the weight of the rails, and (4) finite-element optimization of strength to weight ratio. Benefits: US Navy Destroyers need an equipment support infrastructure that provides the ability to complete equipment upgrades faster and more cheaply than fixed-system modifications. There is a specific need for the FI to support a Common Processing System (CPS). Typical shipboard computer racks weigh up to 2,000 pounds, which is too heavy to be supported by the current Navy FI system (FlexTech). The primary need is for a reconfigurable, modular support structure for large cabinets and consoles in DDG 51 ships. The proposed solution minimizes cutting and eliminate welding during equipment upgrades, both of which are labor intensive and expensive. The proposed FI system will offer the following benefits: (1) accommodate standard 19 inch racks, (2) limit total cabinet height to 75 inches, (3) support up to 632 pounds per square foot (2000 lbs over a standard 24� x 19� rack), (4) reduce installation costs by more than 30% compared to the current system, and (5) reduce total ship weight. In terms of commercialization, the markets for the proposed novel FI system appear healthy and promising. A combination of military (in particular to the Navy) and commercial/industrial sales (equipment racks, server farms, etc�) is realistic, and at sales volumes that we estimate to be sufficient to rapidly create and support a manufacturing company, which is the preferred commercialization strategy. Leveraging our existing industrial network, it would be relatively easy to establish distribution agreements across the county so the newly formed manufacturing company focuses on quality and cost of the FI products, and maintain low overhead by outsourcing sales and marketing. Therefore, it appears that a viable commercialization path can be designed and realized quickly and efficiently for the new FI system. Return