Cooling device, cooling assembly, and liquid cooling system

By using a combined connector of nuts and sleeves in the cooling system, the leakage problems caused by material deterioration and high-pressure areas of the existing cooling system are solved, achieving a more stable and reliable cooling effect.

CN114513927BActive Publication Date: 2025-03-11QUANTA COMPUTER INC
View PDF 2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202110822896.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-03-17
Filing Date
2021-07-21
Publication Date
2025-03-11
Estimated Expiration
2041-07-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing cooling systems are prone to liquid leakage due to material deterioration and temperature changes after long-term use, and the existence of high-pressure areas increases the risk of leakage, affecting the stability and efficiency of the system.

Method used

A cooling device is designed, using a combined connector of nuts and sleeves. Through the design of multiple threads and outreached annular parts, the pressure change between the cooling plate and the liquid cooling pipeline is achieved, reducing the occurrence of high-pressure areas.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces the leakage risk of cooling system, improves the stability of the system and the reliability of long-term use, and reduces faults caused by material deterioration and temperature changes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN114513927B_ABST
    Figure CN114513927B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention discloses a cooling device, a cooling assembly, and a liquid cooling system for a computing system. The cooling device includes a body, a socket, and a connector. The body includes a panel and an internal conduit. The connector extends from the panel. The connector is removably coupled to the socket, and the connector includes an outer end and an inner end. The connector also includes a nut and a tubular input, the nut having an outer surface that mates with a corresponding inner surface of the socket. The connector also has a sleeve, the sleeve having an internal perforation and an outer surface of the tubular input that abuts the nut. The internal conduit is coupled to the inner end of the connector to circulate cooling liquid through the body. The nut includes an inclined portion, and the sleeve includes an outward extension portion to assist in fixing the nut and the sleeve in the internal conduit.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling computing system component and method, and more particularly to a cooling device, a cooling assembly, a liquid cooling system and a liquid cooling method. The method utilizes a cooling plate to cool the components of a server system. Background Art

[0002] Computer housings, as well as other types of electronic equipment, often include many electronic components that generate heat. Generally, the heat in such systems is limited by the housing, and additional components or methods are required to reduce the temperature of the system. The heat generated by each component increases based on the increase in processing power. Therefore, overheating is a common problem that negatively affects the performance of components in the system. Overheating reduces efficiency and may cause long-term damage to components.

[0003] A common way to reduce the temperature in a computing system is to include one or more fans in the system to increase air flow. Increasing air flow in a system generally reduces the temperature of the overall (aggregate) system. However, this may be difficult to target specific electronic components, which may generate more heat than other electronic components, so more cooling measures are required. Therefore, liquid cooling systems are often used for direct local cooling and provide a higher heat transfer rate than fans. Liquid cooling systems can be used as an alternative or in combination with fans.

[0004] Liquid cooling systems generally include a cold plate made of metal and connections for lines that direct cooling liquid into and out of the cold plate. Cold plates are often placed over components that generate a relatively large amount of heat compared to other components of the system (e.g., a processor unit). Therefore, it is very important to prevent liquid leaks, as liquid leaks may cause damage to the rest of the system, especially electrical components.

[0005] Additionally, the lines used to connect the cooling liquid to the cooling plate generally include an elastic material, such as rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Elastic lines may degrade over time, which may be a source of leaks. Similarly, O-rings can be used to seal the connection between the cooling plate and the line. However, O-rings are generally made of elastic materials and therefore may degrade over time, particularly due to high liquid coolant pressures in the system. The cooling plate has an area where the pressure increases as the liquid leaves the cooling plate to reduce leaks. The high pressure is due to the reduction in the diameter of the internal conduit of the cooling plate relative to the diameter of the connection from the cooling plate to the line.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a cooling system with fixed connections. More specifically, there is a need for a cooling plate system that has a lower likelihood of leaks by using connections that are less likely to degrade over time. There is also a need for a connection that smoothly transitions pressure changes between the cooling plate and the liquid cooling line, thereby reducing high pressure areas. There is also a need for a cooling system that does not easily degrade over time due to temperature or wear. Summary of the invention

[0007] The terms embodiment and similar terms are intended to broadly refer to all of the subject matter of the present invention and the attached claims. Several statements containing these terms should be understood as not limiting the subject matter described herein or limiting the meaning or scope of the attached claims. The embodiments of the present invention covered herein are defined by the attached claims, not this content. This content is a high-level overview of the various features of the present invention, and introduces some of the concepts described in more detail in the following implementation paragraphs. This content is not intended to identify the key or essential components of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used independently to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. This subject matter should be understood by reference to the complete specification of the present invention, including all drawings in appropriate proportions and each claim.

[0008] According to one feature of the present invention, a cooling device for a computing system. The cooling device includes a body, a socket, and a connector. The body includes a panel and an internal conduit. The connector extends from the panel. The connector is removably coupled to the socket, and the connector includes an outer end and an inner end, a nut, and a sleeve. The nut has an outer surface and a tubular inlet, and the outer surface is matched with the corresponding inner surface of the socket. The sleeve has an internal perforation and an outer surface, and the outer surface abuts the tubular inlet of the nut. The internal conduit is coupled to the inner end of the connector to circulate cooling liquid through the body.

[0009] According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the nut includes an inclined portion, and the sleeve includes an outwardly flared portion, to assist in fixing the nut and the sleeve in the internal conduit.

[0010] According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the outer end of the connector is configured to be coupled to a pipeline.

[0011] In another feature of the above embodiment, an outer surface of the nut of the connector includes a plurality of threads configured to mate with threads on the socket.

[0012] In another feature of the above embodiment, the sleeve of the connector includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The inner diameter decreases from the inner end to the outer end of the connector.

[0013] According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the outer diameter of the sleeve is smaller than the inner diameter of the nut.

[0014] In another feature of the above embodiment, the device is formed of metal.

[0015] In another feature of the above embodiment, the inner conduit is U-shaped.

[0016] Another feature of the present invention includes a cooling assembly for reducing temperature in a computing system. The cooling assembly includes an input line, an output line, and a cooling plate. The input line is configured to transfer liquid to the assembly. The output line is configured to transfer liquid away from the assembly. The cooling plate includes a body, a first socket, a second socket, a first connector, and a second connector. The body includes a panel and an internal conduit. The first connector and the second connector extend from the panel. Each connector is configured to couple to the first socket or the second socket. Each of the first connector and the second connector has an outer end and an inner end. Each connector also has a nut having an outer surface and a tubular input, the outer surface mating with a corresponding inner surface of the first socket or the second socket. Each connector also has a sleeve having an internal perforation and an outer surface, the outer surface abutting the tubular input of the nut. The internal conduit is coupled to the inner ends of the first connector and the second connector to circulate cooling liquid between the first connector and the second connector. The input line is mated with the first connector, and the output line is mated with the second connector.

[0017] According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the nut includes an inclined portion, and the sleeve includes an outwardly flared portion, to assist in fixing the nut and the sleeve in the internal conduit.

[0018] According to another configuration of the above embodiment, an outer end of each of the first connector and the second connector is configured to be coupled to a pipeline.

[0019] In another feature of the above embodiment, the outer surface of the nut of each connector includes a plurality of threads configured to mate with threads on the first socket or the second socket.

[0020] In another feature of the above embodiment, the sleeves of the first connector and the second connector include an outer diameter and an inner diameter, and the inner diameter decreases from the inner end to the outer end of the second connector.

[0021] According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the outer diameter of the sleeve is smaller than the inner diameter of the nut.

[0022] In another feature of the above embodiment, the cooling plate is formed of metal.

[0023] In another feature of the above embodiment, the inner conduit is U-shaped.

[0024] Another feature of the present invention includes a liquid cooling system. The liquid cooling system includes an input line, an output line, an electronic component, and a cooling plate. The input line can be coupled to a circulation system of the liquid cooling system. The input line transmits liquid from the circulation system. The output line can be coupled to the liquid cooling system to transmit liquid to the circulation system. The electronic component generates heat. The cooling plate is thermally connected to the electronic component. The cooling plate includes a body, a first socket, a second socket, a first connector, and a second connector. The body includes a panel and an internal conduit. The first connector and the second connector extend from the panel. Each connector is configured to couple to the first socket and the second socket, and each of the first connector and the second connector has an outer end and an inner end. Each connector also has a nut, the nut has an outer surface and a tubular input, and the outer surface is matched with the corresponding inner surface of the first socket or the second socket. Each connector also has a sleeve, the sleeve has an internal perforation and an outer surface, and the outer surface abuts the tubular input of the nut. The internal conduit is coupled to the inner ends of the first connector and the second connector to circulate cooling liquid between the first connector and the second connector. The input line mates with the first connector and the output line mates with the second connector.

[0025] In another feature of the above embodiment, the outer surface of the nut of each connector includes a plurality of threads configured to mate with threads on the first socket or the second socket.

[0026] In another feature of the above embodiment, the sleeves of the first connector and the second connector include an outer diameter and an inner diameter, and the inner diameter decreases from the inner end to the outer end of each connector.

[0027] According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the outer diameter of the sleeve is smaller than the inner diameter of the nut.

[0028] The above summary of the invention is not intended to represent every embodiment or every feature of the present invention. Rather, the foregoing summary of the invention merely provides examples of some of the novel features and characteristics set forth herein. The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the present invention, will be apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. In view of the detailed description of the various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, additional features of the present invention will be apparent to those having ordinary knowledge in the art, a brief description of which will be provided below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Advantages and drawings of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope of the various embodiments or the claims.

[0030] Figure 1is a perspective view of a computing system with an exemplary cooling system in a chassis of the computing system;

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary cooling plate for allowing a cooling liquid to flow therethrough;

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary cooling plate of FIG. 1 , showing the flow of liquid;

[0033] Figure 4A for Figure 2 A perspective view of a sleeve of an exemplary cooling plate socket;

[0034] Figure 4B for Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a sleeve;

[0035] Figure 5A for Figure 2 A perspective view of a nut of an exemplary cooling plate socket;

[0036] Figure 5B for Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a nut;

[0037] Fig. 6A for Figure 2 an enlarged view of a socket of an exemplary cooling plate;

[0038] Figure 6B for Fig. 6A an enlarged, vertical cross-sectional view of an exemplary cooling plate of;

[0039] Figure 7 To demonstrate the compression Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary nut and sleeve in a socket of an exemplary cooling plate.

[0040] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, some representative embodiments of which have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular form disclosed. Rather, the present invention will cover all modifications, equivalents and alternative forms that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0041] Explanation of symbols

[0042] 100: Server System / System

[0043] 102: Chassis

[0044] 104: Motherboard

[0045] 106: Storage module

[0046] 108: Add-in card bracket

[0047] 110: A series of connection ports

[0048] 112: Cooling liquid input line / input line

[0049] 114: Cooling plate

[0050] 116: Top Panel

[0051] 118: Bottom panel

[0052] 120: First side wall

[0053] 122: Second side wall

[0054] 124: Anterior wall

[0055] 126: Back wall

[0056] 128: Cooling liquid output pipeline / output pipeline

[0057] 202: Pedestal

[0058] 204: Front panel

[0059] 206: First side panel

[0060] 208: Second side panel

[0061] 210: Top panel

[0062] 212: Hole

[0063] 214: Bottom panel

[0064] 216: First Socket

[0065] 218: Second socket

[0066] 220: Connector

[0067] 302: Internal chamber

[0068] 304: First internal conduit

[0069] 306: Second internal conduit

[0070] 308: Opening

[0071] 310: Opening

[0072] 400: Sleeve

[0073] 402: Part 1

[0074] 404: Part 2

[0075] 406: Internal perforation

[0076] 408: Outward ring part

[0077] 410: Outer surface

[0078] 500: Nut

[0079] 502: Tubular Input

[0080] 504: Second segment

[0081] 506: First Segment

[0082] 508: The third section

[0083] 510: Head part

[0084] 512: inclined part

[0085] 514: External thread

[0086] 516: Flat top collar section

[0087] 518: External surface

[0088] 520: Flat side

[0089] 602: Internal thread

[0090] 604: Gap

[0091] 606: External circular collar / collar

[0092] 608: Remote

[0093] 610: Annular shoulder DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] Various embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and similar reference symbols are used to designate similar or equivalent elements throughout the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale, and the accompanying drawings are provided only for illustrating the present invention. It should be understood that many specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding. However, it will be easy for those with ordinary knowledge in the field to think that various embodiments can be practiced without one or more specific details or in other methods. In other cases, known structures or operations are shown in detail to avoid concealing certain features of various embodiments. Various embodiments are not limited to the order in which actions or events are shown, as some actions can occur in different orders and / or simultaneously with other actions or events. In addition, not all actions or events shown are required for implementing the method according to the present invention.

[0095] Elements and limitations disclosed, for example, in the abstract, summary, or detailed description paragraphs, but not explicitly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into the claims individually or collectively by implication, inference, or otherwise. For purposes of the present embodiments, the singular includes the plural and vice versa unless expressly stated otherwise. The noun "includes" means "including but not limited to." In addition, approximate words such as "about, almost, substantially, approximately" and their equivalents may be used herein to mean, for example, "at," "near, nearly at," "within 3-5% of," "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances," or any logical combination thereof.

[0096] The present invention is directed to a cooling method using a cooling plate. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cooling plate system having a low leakage rate and reducing high pressure areas in the cooling plate system.

[0097] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a computing system (e.g., server system 100) having a cooling system in a chassis 102 of the system 100. The server system 100 shown includes the chassis 102, a motherboard 104, a storage module 106, an add-in card bracket 108, a series of connection ports 110, a cooling liquid input line 112, a cooling liquid output line 128, and a cooling plate 114. In other embodiments, the server system 100 may include more or less than the components listed. The chassis 102 includes a top panel 116, a bottom panel 118, a first side wall 120, a second side wall 122, a front wall 124, and a rear wall 126 to enclose the electronic components of the system 100. The top panel 116 and the bottom panel 118 are generally perpendicular to the first side wall 120 and the second side wall 122.

[0098] In some embodiments, the memory modules 106 are Dual In-line Memory Modules (DIMMs) located approximately near the rear wall 126 and the first side wall 120. Another group of memory modules 106 is located approximately near the rear wall 126 and the second side wall 122. In this example, two processors are mounted between the memory modules 106 to provide access to the memory modules 106. A cooling plate 114 can be located in the chassis 102 between the memory modules 106 to transfer heat away from the processors. An input line 112 can be connected to a portion of the cooling plate 114. An add-in card bracket 108 can be located near the front wall 124. A series of connection ports 110 can also be located on the front wall 124. The motherboard 104 can be located in the portion of the chassis 102 closest to the bottom panel 118.

[0099] Various components (e.g., processors) of the system 100 may dissipate, generate, produce, or radiate heat. Thus, if no cooling mechanism is used, heat may accumulate in the system 100. The input line 112, the output line 128, and the cold plate 114 may function as a cooling system to reduce the temperature of the entire chassis 102. More specifically, the cold plate 114 of the system 100 may cool the components to reduce the temperature by transferring heat to a cooling liquid (e.g., any mixture of water, deionized water, inhibited glycol, or any mixture of dielectric fluids, including ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, HFE-7100, HFE-7300, R-134a) supplied through the input line 112.

[0100] Therefore, heat can be reduced based on the relatively low temperature of the cooling plate 114 absorbing the surrounding heat of the components near the cooling plate 114. For example, the cooling plate 114 can be attached to a heat-producing processor by a thermally conductive interface material. The thermally conductive interface material ensures contact between the fixed processor and the cooling plate 114. Therefore, the heat from the processor is then thermally transferred to the cooling plate 114, and then the heat is dissipated convectively by the cooling liquid. The output line 128 then removes the heated liquid out of the cooling plate 114. This process continues while the input line 112 and the output line 128 are in use, circulating the liquid to cool the system 100. The add-in card bracket 108 can also be considered a riser module.

[0101] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary cooling plate 114 that allows a cooling liquid to flow therethrough. Figure 1 Similar components will be Figure 210 and 11. The cooling plate 114 includes a base 202, a front panel 204, a first side panel 206, a second side panel 208, a top panel 210, and a bottom panel 214. The first side panel 206 is substantially parallel to the second side panel 208. The top panel 210 is substantially parallel to the bottom panel 214. The base 202 also includes holes 212. The holes 212 allow the cooling plate 114 to be removably fastened to a bracket (not shown) on the chassis 102 or the motherboard 104 of the system 100 via fasteners. As shown, there are six holes 212 on the base 202. In some examples, the base 202 may have fewer than or more than six fasteners and holes 212 connected thereto in order to removably secure the cooling plate 114 to a surface.

[0102] The cooling plate 114 further includes a first socket 216 and a second socket 218 extending from the bottom panel 214. Each socket 216, 218 further includes a connector 220 located at one end of the respective socket 216, 218 relative to the bottom panel 214. The function of the sockets 216, 218 and the connectors 220 is to ensure the connection between the cooling plate 114 and the cooling liquid input pipeline 112 and the cooling liquid output pipeline 128 (collectively referred to as "pipes 112, 128"), which transport the cooling liquid into and out of the cooling plate 114, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 as shown in the .

[0103] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cooling plate 114 showing the flow of liquid (shown by arrows) through the cooling plate 114. Figure 1-Figure 2 Similar components will be Figure 3 In addition to the aforementioned components, the cooling plate 114 also includes an internal chamber 302. The internal chamber 302 is located inside the cooling plate 114 and extends from the bottom panel 214 toward the top panel 210 in a generally "U"-shaped profile, and the curved portion of the "U" is located near the top panel 210. The internal chamber 302 includes a first internal duct 304 and a second internal duct 306. The first internal duct 304 has an opening 308 at the first socket 216 and extends toward the top panel 210. Then, the first internal duct 304 is inclined toward the first side panel 206 and merges with the second internal duct 306. The second internal duct 306 has an opening 310 at the second socket 218 and extends toward the top panel 210, and then is inclined toward the second side panel 208 and merges with the first internal duct 304.

[0104] The connector 220 functions to secure the lines 112, 128 that carry the cooling liquid to the cooling plate 114. Thus, the cooling liquid may enter the cooling plate 114 through the connector 220 of the first socket 216, and to the chamber 302 to reduce the temperature within the cooling plate 114. The cooling liquid may enter the chamber 302 through the first internal conduit 304 at a relatively low temperature. Heat absorbed from the electronic components (e.g., the processor) by the cooling plate 114 may then be transferred to the cooling liquid, thereby reducing the temperature of the components below the cooling plate 114. Therefore, as the cooling liquid travels from the first internal conduit 304 through the chamber 302 to the second internal conduit 306, the temperature of the cooling liquid rises. Thus, the temperature of the cooling liquid that leaves the second internal conduit 306 is substantially higher than the temperature of the cooling liquid that enters the first internal conduit 304. As the warmer liquid flows through the second internal conduit 306, after absorbing heat, the warmer liquid leaves the second socket 218. A connector 220 at one end of the second socket 218 is connected to an output line, such as the output line 128 ( Figure 1 ), while liquid from the second internal conduit 306 and the second socket 218 exits the cooling plate 114 from the output line.

[0105] In some embodiments, the cooling liquid flowing from the first socket 216 to the second socket 218 may experience an increase in pressure as it exits the cooling plate 114. The increase in pressure may be due to the smaller diameter of the second socket 218 relative to the diameter of the second internal conduit 306. The increase in pressure may also be due to the smaller diameter of the connector 220 relative to the diameter of the second internal conduit 306. Therefore, the pumping pressure of the cooling liquid may need to be adjusted to reduce the buildup of pressure and increase the flow rate of the cooling liquid exiting the second socket 218. In some embodiments, the connector 220 is designed to function to reduce the difference in diameter between the second internal conduit 306 and the second socket 218 without increasing the pumping pressure of the cooling liquid. As will be explained, the connector 220 includes a sleeve and a nut that provide a smoother transition between the larger diameter of the second internal conduit 306 and the smaller diameter of the second socket 218, as will be described herein.

[0106] Figure 4A is a three-dimensional diagram of the sleeve 400. The sleeve 400 is Figure 3 One of the components of the connector 220. Figure 4B4 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve 400. The sleeve 400 is generally tubular in shape and includes an outer surface 410 and an inner through-hole 406. The outer surface 410 may include a flared annular portion 408, a first portion 402, and a second portion 404. The flared annular portion 408 extends from the inner through-hole 406. The first portion 402 and the second portion 404 of the sleeve 400 define the inner through-hole 406 for cooling liquid. The inner diameter of the first portion 402 is closer to the inner through-hole 406, and the inner diameter of the first portion 402 is generally uniform. The inner diameter of the second portion 404 increases between the first portion 402 and the flared annular portion 408.

[0107] Figure 4B 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve 400. The inner through hole 406 widens between the first portion 402 and the second portion 404, and widens further between the second portion 404 and the flared annular portion 408. Figure 4B , the shape of the interior perforation 406 in the second portion 404 follows a non-linear curve to increase in cross-section. The curvature of the interior section of the second portion 404 is due to the elastic function required by the compressive force applied to the flared annular portion 408, which will be described in more detail below. The curvature of the interior section of the second portion 404 is also intended to smooth the transition diameter between the first portion 402 and the flared annular portion 408. As shown, the circular cross-section of the flared annular portion 408 increases at a greater rate than the second portion 404. Therefore, the interior perforation 406 widens from the first portion 402 to the second portion 404, and widens more from the second portion 404 to the flared annular portion 408 along the length of the sleeve 400.

[0108] Figure 5A is a three-dimensional diagram of nut 500. Nut 500 is Figure 3 One of the components of the connector 220. Figure 5B5 is a cross-sectional view of a nut 500. The nut 500 includes a head portion 510, a tubular inlet 502, an external thread 514, an extension portion 512, a flat top collar portion 516, and an outer surface 518. The external thread 514 is located on the outer surface 518 of the nut 500. The head portion 510 does not include the external thread 514. The head portion 510 includes a substantially flat side 520 perpendicular to the tubular inlet 502. In this example, there are six flat sides in a hexagonal shape. The number of flat sides may range from three to ten. The sides of the head portion 510 may allow a user to use a tool or a user's hand to grasp the nut 500 for attachment to the head portion 510. The diameter of the tubular inlet 502 gradually increases from the head portion 510 to the extension portion 512 of the nut 500. Therefore, the inner diameter of the nut 500 is not uniform throughout the entire length of the nut 500. When mated with matching threads, the external threads 514 allow the nut 500 to be fixedly fastened to a socket (eg, sockets 216, 218). Since the external threads 514 extend up to the flat top collar portion 516, the flat top collar portion 516 allows the nut 500 to fit in a tight position.

[0109] Figure 5B 5 is a cross-sectional view of a nut 500. The tubular input 502 of the nut 500 extends from a head portion 510 to a flared portion 512. The tubular input 502 includes a first section 506, followed by a second section 504, and a third section 508. The first section 506 has a constant diameter. The second section 504 has a sloped interior. Therefore, the diameter of the second section 504 increases from the intersection of the first section 506 to the intersection with the third section 508. The slope of the third section 508 is greater than the slope of the second section 504. Therefore, the inner diameter of the nut 500 near the flat top collar portion 516 is much larger than the diameter near the head portion 510. Therefore, the tubular input 502 widens from the tubular input 502 at the first section 506 to the second section 504 , and becomes wider along the length of the nut 500 from the second section 504 to the third section 508 .

[0110] Fig. 6A FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the second socket 218 and the connector 220 on the cooling plate 114. Figure 1 to Figure 5B Similar components will be Figure 6A to Figure 6B Since both sockets 216 and 218 have connectors 220, Fig. 6A Also shown is the first socket 216 ( Figure 2-3214 and 215. The connector 220 for both the sockets 216 and 218 has the function of providing a better seal for the liquid connection and avoiding or minimizing leakage. The following description is about the connector 220 of the socket 218, but both sockets operate in a similar manner. The second socket 218 is a threaded hole on the bottom panel 214 to provide a fixable attachment for the connector 220. The socket does not protrude from the bottom panel. The socket has a threaded hole for fastening the connector 220 thereto. The protrusion is actually the connector 220 itself.

[0111] The connector 220 may include a nut 500 and a sleeve 400, both of which are generally cylindrical and have an increasing diameter near the second socket 218. Each of the nut 500 and the sleeve 400 includes an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Thus, the sleeve 400 includes an internal perforation 406 and the nut 500 includes a tubular input 502. The internal perforation 406 allows liquid to flow into and out of the second socket 218.

[0112] The connector 220 and the components of the connector 220 can be made of a material having toughness, flexibility, ductility, insulation, and heat resistance, and when pressure is applied, the material can be temporarily deformed while maintaining its structural integrity. For example, the connector 220 can be made of a metal, such as but not limited to steel, tin, aluminum, nickel, brass, copper, and titanium. In such an embodiment, the connector can be permanently coupled to the pipeline by a method, such as but not limited to brazing, soldering, or welding. Therefore, since the connector 220 is permanently coupled to the pipeline, the risk of leakage is greatly reduced. The pipeline can also be made of a plastic material, such as but not limited to polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyamide-imide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene oxide, polyethylene, and polystyrene. In such an embodiment, the tubing may be removably coupled to the connector 220 by methods such as, but not limited to, tying and gluing.

[0113] Figure 6B2 is an enlarged view of the second socket 218 and the connector 220. As shown, the second socket 218 includes an internal thread 602 extending from the bottom panel 214 toward the second internal conduit 306. The second socket 218 also includes a gap 604 at a distal end 608. The distal end 608 is near the intersection of the second socket 218 and the second internal conduit 306. The gap 604 is initially rectangular before the sleeve 400 or the nut 500 is installed. The gap 604 shifts into a triangular shape that is smaller than the rectangular shape when the sleeve 400 and the nut 500 are initially installed. The shape of the gap 604 changes due to the intersection of the external thread 514 and the flat top collar portion 516 of the nut 500 with the flared annular portion 408 of the sleeve 400 and the second internal conduit 306. When fully engaged, the second socket 218 includes an outer circular collar 606 that abuts the outer surface 518 of the nut 500. The internal cylindrical chamber with internal threads 602 has one end defined by a collar 606 providing access to the internal threads 602 and a distal end 608. An annular shoulder 610 is provided at the distal end 608 of the second socket 218, which acts as a stop for the flared annular portion 408 of the sleeve 400. Similarly, the annular shoulder 610 applies pressure at the distal end 608 as a stop for the flat top collar portion 516, either directly or indirectly via the sleeve 400.

[0114] Additionally, when fixedly mated with the internal threads 602, the external threads 514 of the nut 500 intersect with the gap 604. Therefore, when the nut 500 is rotated to the second socket 218, the connection between the external threads 514 and the internal threads 602 is tighter and the gap 604 is smaller. In addition, the flared annular portion 408 of the sleeve 400 is inserted into the gap 604. Therefore, when the sleeve 400 is placed in the second socket 218, the second socket 218 allows the nut 500 and the sleeve 400 to be fixed. The nut 500 includes an external thread 514, which is mated with the internal threads 602 on the second socket 218. Then, the nut 500 is rotated to engage the external thread 514 to the internal thread 602 to fix the sleeve 400 to the second socket 218. The nut 500 includes an inclined portion 512 on the outer surface 518, which angles away from the internal perforation 406. The sleeve 400 also includes a flared annular portion 408 located at a distal end 608 proximate to the second inner conduit 306. The flared annular portion 408 is inclined out from one end of the inner perforation 406. The purpose of the inclined portion 512 of the nut 500 is to compress the flared annular portion 408 of the sleeve 400. As the external thread 514 of the nut 500 is rotated, the inclined portion 512 becomes closer to the flared annular portion 408. The annular shoulder 610 blocks the flared annular portion 408 from extending further upward to the second inner conduit 306. Therefore, the inclined portion 512 can compress the flared annular portion 408, fixing the flared annular portion 408 in place. Therefore, the nut 500 fixes the sleeve 400 to the cooling plate 114.

[0115] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the nut 500 and sleeve 400 in the second socket 218, showing the compression force. Figure 1 to Figure 6B Similar components in Figure 7500 are indicated by the same symbols in the figure. In the cooling plate 114, the sleeve 400 is fitted inside the second socket 218, and the nut 500 is fitted outside the sleeve 400 to fix the sleeve 400 to the second socket 218. When the nut 500 becomes tight in the second socket 218, the cross-section of the tubular input 502 of the nut 500 is reduced due to the compression force. When the sleeve 400 and the nut 500 are inserted and fixed in the second socket 218, the gap 604 between the flared annular portion 408, the internal thread 602, the external thread 514, and the annular rear wall of the second socket 218 is reduced. However, when both the sleeve 400 and the nut 500 are inserted, the gap 604 may still exist. Therefore, when the inclined portion 512 of the nut 500 and the flared annular portion 408 of the sleeve 400 are mounted to the second socket 218, the inclined portion 512 of the nut 500 and the flared annular portion 408 of the sleeve 400 abut against each other. In addition, the inclined portion 512 and the flared annular portion 408 can apply a force that compresses the sleeve 400 and the nut 500 together to ensure that the sleeve 400 and the nut 500 are both fixed.

[0116] The connector 220 may be used for any connection, such as the second socket 218, the first socket 216, other things like manifolds (e.g., fittings, adapters, etc.), etc. Once the nut 500 and the sleeve 400 are properly tightened, the cooling liquid can flow through the internal perforations 406 and out of the cooling plate 114 at a rate that does not cause high pressure areas due to the smooth transition between the changes in the slope diameter of the connector 220. Therefore, for the liquid cooling system disclosed herein, the pumping pressure of the cooling liquid flowing through the cooling plate 114 can remain consistent.

[0117] Although the present invention is disclosed in conjunction with the above various embodiments, it should be understood that it is presented in an exemplary and non-limiting manner only. Various changes can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein according to the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above embodiments. On the contrary, the scope of the present invention should be defined according to the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0118] Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to one or more embodiments, equivalents and modifications will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. In addition, although a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, for any given or particular application, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments as may be required and advantageous.

[0119] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a, an, the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the terms "including, includes," "having, has, with," or variations thereof, for use in the embodiments and / or claims, such terms are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term "comprise."

[0120] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field, and unless explicitly defined herein, will not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal meanings.

Claims

1. A cooling device for a computing system, the cooling device comprising: a body, including a panel and an internal conduit; socket; as well as A connector extending from the panel, wherein the connector is removably coupled to the socket, the connector having: The outer end as well as the inner end; a nut having an outer surface and a tubular input, the outer surface being mated with a corresponding inner surface of the socket, the diameter of the tubular input gradually increasing from the outer end to the inner end; as well as a sleeve having an inner through-hole and an outer surface that abuts the tubular input of the nut, the outer surface comprising a flared annular portion, a first portion, and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion defining the inner through-hole, the flared annular portion extending out from the inner through-hole, wherein the inner through-hole widens from the outer end toward the inner end, Wherein, the internal conduit is coupled to the inner end of the connector to circulate cooling liquid through the body.

2. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the nut includes an inclined portion and the sleeve includes an outwardly flared portion to assist in securing the nut and the sleeve in the internal conduit. 3 . The cooling device of claim 1 , wherein the outer end of the connector is configured to be coupled to a pipeline.

4. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the nut of the connector comprises a plurality of threads configured to mate with a plurality of threads on the socket.

5. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve of the connector comprises an outer diameter and an inner diameter, and the inner diameter decreases from the inner end to the outer end of the connector. The cooling device as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the outer diameter of the sleeve is smaller than the inner diameter of the nut.

7. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the cooling device is formed of metal.

8. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the inner conduit is U-shaped.

9. A cooling assembly for reducing temperature in a computing system, the cooling assembly comprising: an input line configured to deliver liquid to the cooling assembly; an output line configured to convey liquid away from the cooling assembly; as well as Cooling plate, including: a body, including a panel and an internal conduit; A first socket and a second socket; and A first connector and a second connector extend from the panel, wherein each of the first connector and the second connector is configured to be coupled to the first socket or the second socket, and each of the first connector and the second connector has: The outer end as well as the inner end; a nut having an outer surface and a tubular input, the outer surface being mated with a corresponding inner surface of the first socket or the second socket, the diameter of the tubular input gradually increasing from the outer end to the inner end; and A sleeve having an internal bore and an outer surface that abuts the tubular input of the nut, the outer surface including a flared annular portion, a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion defining the internal bore, the flared annular portion extending from the internal bore, wherein the internal bore widens from the outer end toward the inner end, wherein the internal conduit is coupled to the inner ends of the first connector and the second connector to circulate cooling liquid between the first connector and the second connector, and wherein the input line is mated with the first connector and the output line is mated with the second connector.

10. A liquid cooling system comprising: an input line, couplable to a circulation system of the liquid cooling system, the input line conveying liquid from the circulation system; an output line, couplable to the liquid cooling system to transfer liquid to the circulation system; Electronic components, which generate heat; as well as A cooling plate is thermally connected to the electronic component, the cooling plate comprising: a body, including a panel and an internal conduit; A first socket and a second socket; and A first connector and a second connector extend from the panel, wherein each of the first connector and the second connector is configured to be coupled to the first socket or the second socket, and each of the first connector and the second connector has: The outer end as well as the inner end; a nut having an outer surface and a tubular input, the outer surface being mated with a corresponding inner surface of the first socket or the second socket, the diameter of the tubular input gradually increasing from the outer end to the inner end; and a sleeve having an inner through-hole and an outer surface that abuts the tubular input of the nut, the outer surface comprising a flared annular portion, a first portion, and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion defining the inner through-hole, the flared annular portion extending out from the inner through-hole, wherein the inner through-hole widens from the outer end toward the inner end, wherein the internal conduit is coupled to the inner ends of the first connector and the second connector to circulate cooling liquid between the first connector and the second connector, and wherein the input line is paired with the first connector, and the output line is paired with the second connector.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Cooling assembly

    CN108336050A

  • Pipe coupling

    US1733925A