System-level architecture for blind-mate connections

Abstract

A blind-mate connection structure for a server is disclosed. On the server side, a connector module has a fluid connector that blind-mates with a fluid connector on a rack manifold in a server rack. The connector module is coupled to a slide channel on the server. The connector module slides horizontally and vertically in response to movement of a positioning slider on the connector module. On the rack manifold side, a guide module has an opening that receives the positioning slider when the server is installed in the server rack. The guide module tapers downward to a center point midway between each rack manifold. When the server slides into the server rack, the positioning slider follows the guide module to the center point, moving the connector module into alignment with the fluid connector on the rack manifold for blind mating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to server and electronics cooling. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to server racks, including the installation and removal of server equipment connected to liquid cooling modules. Background Art

[0002] Cooling is a prominent factor in computer system and data center design. The number of high-performance electronic components, such as high-performance processors, housed within servers has steadily increased, increasing the amount of heat generated and dissipated during normal server operation. If the temperature of the data center's operating environment is allowed to rise over time, the reliability of the servers used within the data center decreases. Maintaining a proper thermal environment is crucial to the proper operation, performance, and lifespan of these servers within the data center. This necessitates more efficient and effective cooling solutions, particularly for cooling these high-performance servers.

[0003] Server racks in a data center may contain servers and / or cooling distribution units with liquid coolant connections of different types, sizes, and locations. Typically, in a server rack, the coolant distribution unit is connected to a coolant distribution manifold at the back of the server rack. Each server that requires liquid cooling will be connected to the coolant distribution manifold. The coolant distribution manifold typically includes a variety of interconnected hoses or a distribution manifold in the form of pairs of sealed square tubes, with fluid connectors placed at fixed intervals along the tubes of the manifold. There are different types of rack manifold designs depending on the server rack equipment connection size, location, and connector type. The servers and cooling distribution units in the server rack require regular maintenance, which makes it necessary to disconnect the liquid coolant connections at the back of the server rack to remove and maintain the servers. These connections are often deep in the back of the server rack and are not easily accessible. Blind mating of the connectors requires very high design and manufacturing precision, which means very low tolerances, deviations, and errors to ensure a correct blind mating. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a blind-mate structure, which includes a connector module and a guide module, wherein the connector module is configured to be connected to a sliding channel on a server, the sliding channel being configured to slide the connector module in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, the connector module having: one or more fluid connectors connected to the connector module, the first end of each of the one or more fluid connectors being configured to fluidically connect to a coolant line inside the server, and the second end of each fluid connector being configured to blind-mate to one of one or more corresponding fluid connectors in one or more coolant distribution manifolds in the server rack when the server is installed in the server rack, and a positioning slider connected to the connector module, the positioning slider being configured to apply a horizontal force, a vertical force, or both a horizontal force and a vertical force to the connector module when the server is installed in the server rack; the guide module is configured to be connected to the one or more coolant distribution manifolds, the guide module having a tapered portion, the tapered portion having an opening at a first end of the guide module, and the guide module gradually becoming thinner from the first end to a center point at the second end of the guide module.

[0005] The present invention also provides an electronic rack, comprising a plurality of coolant distribution manifolds, a server and a guide module, wherein each of the plurality of coolant distribution manifolds comprises one or more fluid connectors; the server comprises: a cooling module having a coolant supply line, a coolant return line and a heat transfer unit, wherein the first end of the coolant supply line and the first end of the coolant return line are connected to the heat transfer unit; a connector module coupled to a sliding channel, the sliding channel coupled to the server, the sliding channel being configured to slide the connector module in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, the connector module having a plurality of fluid connectors and a positioning slider, a plurality of fluid connectors coupled to the connector module, wherein the plurality of Each of the fluid connectors is coupled to a second end of the coolant supply line or a second end of the coolant return line, and each fluid connector is configured to blind-mate to a corresponding fluid connector on a coolant distribution manifold of the plurality of coolant distribution manifolds in the electronics rack, a positioning slider is coupled to the connector module, the positioning slider being configured to apply a horizontal force, a vertical force, or both a horizontal force and a vertical force to the connector module; a guide module is coupled to the plurality of coolant distribution manifolds, the guide module having a tapered portion having an opening at a first end of the guide module, and the guide module gradually tapers from the first end to a center point at the second end of the guide module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a cooling module in a server chassis with a system-level architecture for blind mating according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 A plan view of an embodiment of a server rack with a system-level architecture for blind mating is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0009] Figures 3A-3D A cross-sectional view of a server chassis blind-mated to a coolant distribution manifold using a system-level structure for blind-mate, according to some embodiments, is shown.

[0010] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of a coolant distribution manifold with a pilot module for blind mating using a system-level architecture is shown, according to some embodiments. Figure 4A is a side view, and Figure 4B This is the front view.

[0011] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of a coolant distribution manifold in a server rack supporting blind mating using system-level architecture is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of a server blind-mated to a coolant distribution manifold having a guide module with a spring element is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 7 A rear view showing details of components of a server system-level architecture for blind mating according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8A and Figure 8B A rear view of a server rack receiving servers with a system-level configuration for blind mating is shown according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to the details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. Many specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention. However, in some cases, in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present invention, well-known or conventional details are not described.

[0016] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0017] A blind-mate connection structure for a server is disclosed. On the server side, a connector module has a fluid connector that blind-mates with a fluid connector on a rack manifold in a server rack. The connector module is coupled to a slide channel on the server. The connector module slides horizontally and vertically in response to movement of a positioning slider on the connector module. On the rack manifold side, a guide module has an opening that receives the positioning slider when the server is installed in the server rack. The guide module tapers downward to a center point midway between each rack manifold. When the server slides into the server rack, the positioning slider follows the guide module to the center point, moving the connector module into alignment with the fluid connector on the rack manifold for blind mating.

[0018] In a first aspect, a blind-mate structure includes a connector module and a guide module. The connector module is configured to be coupled to a sliding channel on a server. The sliding channel is configured to slide the connector module in a horizontal (x-axis) direction and / or a vertical (y-axis) direction. The connector module includes one or more fluid connectors coupled to the connector module. The first end of each of the one or more fluid connectors is configured to be coupled to a coolant line within the server. When the server is installed in the server rack, the second end of each fluid connector is configured to blind-mate to one of one or more corresponding fluid connectors of one or more coolant distribution manifolds in the server rack. A positioning slider is coupled to the connector module. The positioning slider is configured to apply a horizontal force, a vertical force, or both a horizontal and vertical force to the connector module when the server is installed in the server rack. In an embodiment, the distance between the center of the positioning slider on the connector module and the position of each of the one or more fluid connectors on the connector module is adjustable. In an embodiment, the orientation of the one or more fluid connectors on the connector module is selectable or adjustable.

[0019] The guide module is configured to couple to one or more coolant distribution manifolds. The guide module has a tapered portion having an opening at a first end of the guide module. The guide module tapers from the first end to a center point at a second end of the guide module. The center point is aligned with the center of the first end. The tapered portion is configured to receive a positioning slider from a connector module of a server installed in a server rack. The tapered portion is further configured to guide the positioning slider toward the center point of the second end of the guide module as the server is further inserted into the server rack. Installing the server into the server rack causes one or more fluid connectors on the server's connector module to align with one or more fluid connectors on one or more coolant distribution manifolds. In an embodiment, the blind-mate structure further includes a sliding channel. The sliding channel may slide using roller bearings or ball bearings. In an embodiment, the blind-mate structure further includes coupling the sliding channel to a support frame of the server. The positioning slider may include a ball head to facilitate smooth sliding motion of the positioning slider along the guide module. One or more fluid connectors on the connector module may be quick-disconnect fluid connectors.

[0020] The length of the positioning slider can be determined by the length of one or more fluid connectors connected to the connector module, the length of one or more corresponding fluid connectors on the coolant distribution manifold, the engagement depth of one or more fluid connectors connected to the connector module and one or more corresponding fluid connectors on the coolant distribution manifold, and the depth of the guide module connected to the coolant distribution manifold. In an embodiment, the positioning slider can be replaced with a positioning slider of a different length or a different shape at the connector module. The positioning slider can be designed into different shapes. In an embodiment, the positioning slider can be rod-shaped. In an embodiment, the head portion of the positioning slider is shaped to be received by the tapered portion of the guide module at the center point of the guide module. In an embodiment, the positioning slider can have substantially the same shape as the guide module, so that the base of the positioning slider is shaped to be substantially the same as the opening shape of the guide module, and the positioning slider gradually tapers from the base to the head, which corresponds to the center point at the farthest depth of the guide module.

[0021] In some embodiments, the blind-mate structure may further include an elastic connection assembled between the guide module and the one or more coolant distribution manifolds. In response to the server's positioning slider contacting the center point of the guide module, the elastic connection may be compressed when the server is further inserted into the server rack, causing the center point to move further away from the first end of the guide module. The elastic connection can be designed to be compressible within different ranges, depending on the requirements of the particular server and / or server rack installation. In embodiments, the guide module can be made of stainless steel, epoxy-coated steel, or high-impact plastic. The center point may include a flexible stop that at least partially secures the ball head of the positioning slider to the center point when the one or more fluid connectors on the one or more coolant distribution manifolds are blind-mated to the one or more fluid connectors on the connector module.

[0022] In a second aspect, an electronics rack may include multiple coolant distribution manifolds, each coolant distribution manifold including one or more fluid connectors. The electronics rack may include a server having a connector module as described in the first aspect. The server may also include a cooling module having a coolant supply line, a coolant return line, and a heat transfer unit. The first end of the coolant supply line and the first end of the coolant return line may be coupled to the heat transfer unit. The server may also include a pilot module as described in the first aspect above. The connector module and the pilot module together align the multiple fluid connectors on the connector module with the multiple corresponding connectors on the coolant distribution manifold to blind-mate the server coolant circulation system to the coolant distribution manifold.

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a cooling module in a server chassis having a system-level architecture for blind mating according to one embodiment. The cooling module 100 may include a processor / cold plate assembly that removes heat from the processor chip 101. Figure 1 , the processor 101 is inserted into a processor socket mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) or motherboard 102 that is connected to other electronic components or circuits of the data processing system or server. The processor 101 includes a cold plate 103 attached thereto, which is connected to a rack manifold (not shown) via a liquid supply line 131 and / or a liquid return line 132 and a blind-mate connection structure 300 described herein. A portion of the heat generated by the processor 101 is removed via the liquid supply line 131 and the liquid return line 132 via the cold plate 103. The remainder of the heat enters the air space below or above, which can be removed by airflow generated by a cooling fan (not shown). As described herein, the blind-mate connection structure 300 can be connected to the server chassis 105 using a frame (not shown). Referring below Figure 2 、 Figures 3A-3D 、 Figure 4A-4B 、 Figure 5A-5B 、 Figure 6A-6B 、 Figure 7 8 , a blind-mate structure 300 including a positioning slider 310 is described in detail. The liquid supply line 131 and the liquid return line 132 can be coupled to the blind-mate connection structure 300 mounted on a frame on the server chassis 105 so that the liquid supply line 131 and the liquid return line 132 of the server can be blind-mated to one or more coolant distribution manifolds (not shown) in a server rack (not shown) that houses the server chassis 105. The liquid supply line 131 and the liquid return line 132 can be hoses with fluid connectors 120 or hose barb fittings. The cooling module 100 included in the server chassis 105 can be used in different types of servers and server racks. The blind-mate connection structure 300 can ensure proper fit and configuration of the fluid system between the server rack and the cooling modules in the server.

[0024] Figure 2 A plan view of an embodiment of a server 203 having a blind-mate connection structure according to some embodiments is shown. The blind-mate connection structure enables a piece of information technology (IT) equipment, such as server 203, to be slid into the server rack 200 via the blind-mate connection structure and blind-mate to portions of the fluid connectors 212 on the coolant distribution manifolds 201 and 202 (collectively, 201 / 2). The blind-mate connection structure can include two parts. A first part includes a connector module 320 that mounts to the chassis of the server 203. A second part includes a guide module 250 that mounts between the coolant distribution manifolds 201 and 202. When the server is slid into the server rack, the connectors 120 on the server's connector module 320 blind-mate to corresponding mating fluid connectors 212 on the coolant distribution manifolds 201 and 202.

[0025] The fluid connectors 120 on the connector module 320 are initially configured to align horizontally, diagonally, or vertically with corresponding fluid connectors on the coolant distribution manifold 201 / 2. In an embodiment, the connector module 320 can have pre-drilled holes, or "punched holes" for commonly used orientations of the fluid connectors, such as 0° (horizontal), 45°, 180° (vertical), or 225°. In an embodiment, the connector module 320 can include a rotatable plate with a slot that allows the fluid connectors 120 of the connector module 320 to be positioned at any angle from 0° to 360° and within a slidable spacing along the slot, such as 3" to 6" center to center between the fluid connectors 120. Once the orientation (i.e., the rotation angle, if any, and the distance between the fluid connectors) is set for the fluid connectors 120 on the connector module 320, the server can be repeatedly removed from the server rack and reinstalled by blind mating without further adjustment. The connector module 320 is connected to a slide channel 330 that enables the connector module 320 to slide horizontally (x-axis) and / or vertically (y-axis) into the server rack 200 relative to the insertion direction (z-axis) of the server 203. Figure 2 The reference is shown by the dashed arrow below "Server 203". A positioning slide 310 coupled to the connector module 320 extends from the connector module 320 in the same direction as the server slides into the server rack 200. The head of the positioning slide 310 can have a ball end to facilitate sliding along the guide module 250, which is coupled to the coolant distribution manifolds 201 and 202 (collectively referred to as 201 / 2) in the server rack 200. In embodiments, the positioning slide 310 can be replaced at the connector module 320 with a different positioning slide 310, such as a positioning slide 310 that is longer or wider or has a different cross-sectional profile. The cross-sectional profile of the positioning slide can be circular, oval, triangular, square, hexagonal, or other cross-sectional shapes.

[0026] As server 203 slides into a server rack (not shown), positioning slider 310 moves toward the first end of the tapered portion of guide module 250. The tapered portion is open at its widest point in the direction facing server 203 and is inclined toward a center point (not shown) at the deepest recess of guide module 250. If there is any misalignment between positioning slider 310 and the center point of guide module 250, the head of positioning slider 310 contacts the inclined side of guide module 250. As server 203 slides further toward coolant distribution manifold 201 / 2, the inclined side of guide module 250 causes positioning slider 310 to follow the inclination of guide module 250. The inclined edge of guide module 250 applies one or more forces to positioning slider 310. These one or more forces are transmitted by positioning slider 310 to connector module 320, causing connector module 320 to slide along sliding channel 330. The sliding action of the connector module 320 serves to align the fluid connectors 120 on the connector module 320 with the corresponding fluid connectors 212 on the coolant distribution manifold 201 / 2 .

[0027] exist Figure 2 , a server 203 is shown, and the server 203 has a cooling module (not shown) included inside the server 203. Figure 1 The cooling module is described. The cooling module inside the server 203 may include one or more hoses, tubes, or pipes (such as for the coolant supply line 131 and the coolant return line 132, or other coolant lines). The liquid supply line 131 and the liquid return line 132 may be fluidly coupled to a cooling module (not shown) in the server 203 at one end. The other end of each of the coolant supply line 131 and the coolant return line 132 may be coupled to a fluid connector 120 on the connector module 320. In embodiments, the liquid supply line 131 and the liquid return line 132 may also include a fluid connector 120 on their ends.

[0028] Figures 3A to 3D A cross-sectional view of a server 203 is shown blind-mated to a coolant distribution manifold 201 / 202 using a blind-mate connection structure, according to an embodiment. Figures 3A to 3D The view in FIG is a side or cross-sectional view of a server rack (not shown) including a coolant distribution manifold (or "rack manifold") 201 / 2 and a server 203 to be inserted into the server rack (not shown). Figures 3A to 3D In the view of FIG, the coolant distribution manifold 201 / 2 is located at the rear side (left side, at the Figures 3A-3D ), and the server 203 is mounted from the front side (right side, in the Figures 3A-3D) toward the coolant distribution manifold 201 / 2 being inserted into a server rack (not shown). Guide module 250 is shown coupled to rack manifold 201 / 2 with center point 251 located at the deepest portion of guide module 250. Guide module 250 is mounted to and between coolant distribution manifold 201 and coolant distribution manifold 202. Center point 251 is equidistant between the centerline of fluid connectors 212 on coolant distribution manifold 201 (e.g., coolant supply distribution manifold) and the centerline of fluid connectors 212 on coolant distribution manifold 202 (e.g., coolant return distribution manifold). Servers 203 are installed from right to left, as indicated by the dashed arrows labeled "Install Servers."

[0029] Figure 3A The key components of the blind mate structure are shown. Figure 3A The state of the blind-mate structure is shown before the servers are populated into the server rack (not shown). The key components of the server side of the blind-mate structure include a positioning slider 310, a connector module 320, and a sliding channel 330. In an embodiment, the positioning slider 310 may include a ball at the head of the positioning slider 310 that facilitates the movement of the positioning slider 310 over the surface of the guide module 250 on the rack manifold side of the blind-mate structure. The connector module 320 includes one or more fluid connectors 120. Each fluid connector 120 corresponds to a coolant line inside the server 203. One end of the coolant line is connected to a cooling module inside the server 203. The other end of the coolant line is connected to the fluid connector 120. The connector module 320 is connected to the sliding channel 330, which enables the connector module 320 to slide in the horizontal and vertical directions in the plane behind the server 203. When the server 203 is installed in a server rack (not shown), the connector module 320 slides along the slide channel 330 in response to a force applied to the positioning slider 310 by the positioning slider 310 contacting the inner surface of the guide module 250 .

[0030] On the rack manifold side, a guide module 250 is installed between two rack manifolds 201 / 202 (collectively, 201 / 2), each having one or more fluid connectors 212 associated with the rack manifold. Rack manifolds 201 / 2 may be coolant supply distribution manifolds and coolant return manifolds for circulating coolant through the cooling modules of servers 203. Guide module 250 may include a guide surface that may include guide channels formed in a surface of guide module 250. For example, guide module 250 may have a rectangular opening at a first end of guide module 250. When server 203 is installed in a server rack (not shown), the opening on the first end of guide module 250 faces server 203. The opening on the first end of guide module 250 tapers to a center point 251 on the second end of guide module 250. Center point 251 is the deepest point within guide module 250 (i.e., farthest from server 203). The center point 251 is located on the guide module 251 between the two rack manifolds 201 / 2 , at a point equidistant from each of the two rack manifolds 201 / 2 .

[0031] Figure 3B The operation of the blind-mate structure is shown during the populating of the server 203 into the server rack (not shown). Figure 3B , it can be seen that the fluid connector 120 is not aligned with the fluid connector 212. When the server 203 is installed in the rack, the positioning slider 310 first contacts the guide channel inside the guide module 250. The positioning slider 310 contacts the inclined surface of the guide module 250, and the positioning slider 310 slides along the surface of the guide module 250 toward the center point 251. The inclined surface in the guide module 250, combined with the force sliding the server 203 into the server rack (not shown), generates a vector force component on the positioning slider 310 in one or more of the horizontal (x-axis) and vertical (y-axis) directions relative to the rear surface of the server 203. As shown by the label "Slider Movement" and the corresponding dashed arrow facing diagonally downward and to the left, when the server 203 is installed in the server rack (not shown), the positioning slider 310 moves along the inclined surface of the guide module 250. The force on the positioning slide 310 is transferred by the positioning slide 310 to the connector module 320, causing the connector module 320 to slide along the sliding channel 330 indicated by the label "Connector Module Move" and the dashed arrow pointing downward.

[0032] Now refer to Figure 3C, shows an intermediate position during population of servers 203 in a server rack (not shown). In one embodiment, the positioning slide 310 can be directly aligned with, for example, the vertical centerline of the guide module 250. The positioning slide 310 can continue to move toward the guide module 250 and then along the surface of the guide channel 250. It is rare that the connector module 320, and therefore the positioning slide 310, is initially in this configuration, wherein the positioning slide 310 is nearly centered on the center point 251 before the server rack (not shown) is completely populated with servers 203. However, this may be a common situation after the server rack (not shown) is first populated with servers 203. After the initial installation of the server 203 in the server rack, the positioning slide 310, and therefore the connector module 320, can remain in a position reasonably close to being aligned with the center point 251 to facilitate subsequent installation of the server 203 into the server rack.

[0033] The movement of the connector module 320 aligns the fluid connector 120 with the corresponding mating fluid connector 212 on the coolant distribution manifold 201 / 202. The positioning slider 310 is coupled to the connector module 320. The connector module 320 is coupled to the slide channel 330. When the server 203 is installed in the server rack (not shown), the slide channel 330 slides horizontally and / or vertically in response to the position of the head of the positioning slider 310. When the ball head of the positioning slider 310 reaches the center point 251, the connector module 320 is aligned with the center point 251. The fluid connector 120 of the connector module 320 is now aligned with the fluid connector 212 of the rack manifold, ready to perform a blind mating of the fluid connector 120 and the fluid connector 212.

[0034] Now refer to Figure 3D , the server 203 is shown in position slid fully into the server rack (not shown). The fluid connector 120 on the connector module 320 is fully aligned and blind-mated to the fluid connector 212 on the coolant distribution manifold 201 / 2. The positioning slider 310 is mounted in the center point 251 of the guide module 250 in a "locked position". In an embodiment, the center point 251 may include a stop that at least partially secures the ball head of the positioning slider 310 to the center point 251. Further locking force is generated by the action of mating the fluid connector 120 to the fluid connector 212. Once the positioning slider reaches the center point 251, the fluid connectors 120 and 212 can be perfectly blind-mated. However, due to many factors, this may not always happen. The blind-mate structure disclosed herein addresses the situation of providing a complete and precise blind-mate.

[0035] Figure 4A and Figure 4BA cross-sectional view of a coolant distribution manifold with a pilot module for blind mating using a system-level architecture is shown, according to some embodiments. Figure 4A A side view of a guide module 250 mounted to a coolant distribution manifold ("rack manifold") 201 / 2 is shown. Figure 4B An end view is shown looking from a server 203 in a server rack (not shown) toward a rack manifold 201 / 2 mounted in the rear of the server rack (not shown).

[0036] A resilient connection 253 may be installed between the guide module 250 and the rack manifold 201 / 2. As is known in the art, server racks are typically provided with mechanical "stop" tabs or ears on the frame of the server rack that prevent a server from being inserted into the frame beyond a "stop" point. The stop point is the maximum distance a server can be installed into the server rack (not shown) relative to the front of the server rack. However, the distance from the front of the rack manifold facing the server rack may not be precise enough for the fluid connectors 120 on the server 203 to fully mate with the fluid connectors 212 on the rack manifold 201 / 2. In Figure 4A and Figure 4B In an embodiment, the resilient connection 253 can absorb small differences in distance between the fluid connectors 120 on the connector module 320 to ensure complete and proper mating with the fluid connectors 212 on the rack manifold 201 / 202. When the server 203 is pushed into the server rack (not shown), if the positioning slide 310 contacts the center point 251 of the guide module 250 before the server 203 reaches the "stop" tab in the server rack and before the fluid connectors 120 and 212 are completely blind mated, the positioning slide 310 pushes the center point 251 of the guide module 250 and compresses the resilient connection 253 slightly until the fluid connectors 120 and 212 are completely blind mated. The entire guide module 250, including the center point 251, can be pushed toward Figure 4A , resulting in compression of the elastic connection 253. The compression rate of the elastic connection 253 can be varied to adapt to different situations.

[0037] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of a coolant distribution manifold ("rack manifold") 201 / 202 in a server rack (not shown) supporting a blind-mate connection structure is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe blind-mate connection structure described in

[15] is expanded to illustrate four guide modules 250, each having a resilient connection 253 secured between the guide module 250 and the rack manifold 201 / 202. In embodiments, the resilient connection 253 may be a low-density, compressible foam rubber or a strip of low-density, compressible rubber. In embodiments, the resilient connection 253 may be in the form of a strip of material applied to the surface of the rack manifold. In embodiments, a single strip of material, such as with an adhesive or self-adhesive adhesive, may be applied to accommodate multiple guide modules 250. Each guide module 250 is configured to receive a positioning slider (not shown) of a connector module (not shown) to facilitate blind-mateing a plurality of fluid connectors (not shown) on a connector module (not shown) attached to a server (not shown) to a paired fluid connector 212 on a paired rack manifold 201 / 202. The blind-mate operation and functionality of the guide modules 250, center point 251, resilient connection 253, rack manifolds 201 / 202, and fluid connectors 212 have been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0038] The boot module can be attached to an existing rack manifold to add boot features to an existing server rack. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In FIG, the guide modules 250 are shown as being similar or identical, but need not be. Different configurations of the guide modules 250 may be implemented for different server types installed or to be installed in a server rack and for different configurations of the server rack.

[0039] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of a server 203 blind-mates with a fluid connector 212 of a coolant distribution ("rack") manifold 201 / 202 having a guide module 250 with a resilient connection 253 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Figure 6A When the server 203 is installed in a server rack (not shown), the positioning slide 310 can reach the center point 251 of the guide module 250 before the fluid connectors 120 on the connector module 320 of the server 203 are fully connected ("blind-mate") to the corresponding fluid connectors 212 on the rack manifold 201 / 202. Figure 6A In FIG, this is illustrated by the label “Fluid Disconnect” pointing to the gap between fluid connector 212 and fluid connector 120 .

[0040] Now refer to Figure 6B , in order to completely blind-mate the fluid connectors 120 and 212, additional movement may be provided to further push the server 203 into the server rack (not shown). The additional movement is represented by the dashed arrows, Figure 6BThe additional movement is further indicated by the compression of the elastic connection 253, Figure 6B This is labeled "Additional Movement" in the figure. This additional movement causes the positioning slider 310 to push the guide module 250, thereby slightly compressing the elastic connection 253. The fluid connectors 120 and 212 are now completely blind-mated, forming a complete fluid connection. In embodiments, the center point 251 can have a small stop that captures or partially captures the ball end on the head of the positioning slider 310 to help keep the fluid connectors mated.

[0041] Figure 7 An end view of components of a system-level architecture for blind mating is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 7 Portions of a blind-mate connection structure attached to the rear of the server 203 are shown. The server side of the blind-mate structure includes one or more fluid connectors 120 coupled to a connector module 320. Inside the server, one end of a coolant supply line and one end of a coolant return line (not shown) are coupled to a heat transfer unit (not shown) of a cooling module (not shown). The other end of the coolant supply line (not shown) is coupled to one of the fluid connectors 120, and the other end of the coolant return line (not shown) is coupled to another of the fluid connectors 120 on the connector module 320. The connector module 320 is coupled to a sliding channel 330. The connector module 320 can slide along the sliding channel 330 in a vertical direction (y-axis), as indicated by the two vertical arrows at the connector module 320. The sliding channel 330 also enables the connector module 320 to slide horizontally (x-axis), as indicated by the two horizontally opposing arrows. In an embodiment, the sliding channel 330 can be secured to the server 203 using a support frame 302. In an embodiment, the sliding channel 330 may be configured such that the sliding channel 330 may be attached to the chassis of a server without the use of the support frame 302 .

[0042] The sliding channel 330 can be constructed from a formed channel material with roller bearings, ball bearings, lubricants, and / or other materials to facilitate the sliding action of the sliding channel 330. The formed channel material can be a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or other materials. The channel material can be cut from known shapes, such as a C-shaped channel or a box-shaped channel, or can be cut or machined from other known shapes. In embodiments, the channel material can be formed by extrusion or press forming to construct, for example, a furniture drawer, rack, or other slide rail.

[0043] The positioning slider 310 is an elongated member that is fixed to the connector module 320 perpendicular to the plane of the rear of the server 203. In embodiments, the positioning slider 310 can be removed from the connector module 320 and replaced, for example, to accommodate the installation of a positioning slider 310 of the appropriate length and / or type for a particular installation. The cross-section of the positioning slider 310 can be circular, oval, square, rectangular, or other shapes. The length of the positioning slider 310 can be determined based on the distance between the "stop" tabs in the server rack (or, when installed in the rack, the appropriately designed fixed rear end points for the server). The length of the positioning slider 310 is further determined based on the depth of the connector module 320 from the rear of the server 203, the distance from the surface of the connector module to the end of the fluid connector 120 coupled to the connector module 320, the length of the fluid connector 212 on the rack manifold 201 / 2, and the depth of the guide module 250 from the surface of the rack manifold 201 / 2 to the deepest point of the guide module 250 at the center point 251. The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the positioning slider 310 can be selected based on the determined length of the positioning slider 310. The cross-sectional shape of the positioning slider 310 can be further selected based on the steepness of the sloped sides of the guide module, the horizontal and vertical forces applied to the positioning slider 310 during installation of the server 203 into the server rack, and the resistance to movement of the sliding channel 330. The design of the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the positioning slider 310 ensures that the positioning slider 310 remains straight, rigid, and does not substantially bend during use in the position of the sliding connector module 320.

[0044] Figure 8A and Figure 8B FIG2 shows a rear view of a server rack 200 receiving a server 203 having a system level architecture for blind mating according to one embodiment. Figure 8A and Figure 8B , the view is a perspective view from the front of (looking through) the server rack 200 toward the rear of the server rack 200. Components of both the server 203 side of the blind-mate connection structure and the rack manifold 201 / 2 side of the blind-mate connection structure are shown.

[0045] refer to Figure 8A , a server rack 200 has two servers 203 mounted in the server rack 200. Two rack manifolds 201 / 202 are mounted at the rear of the server rack 200. The rack manifolds 201 / 2 can be, for example, a coolant supply distribution manifold and a coolant return collection manifold. The rack manifolds 201 / 2 can each be configured as a sealed elongated tube, such as a square tube, having a plurality of fluid connectors 212 connected at predetermined intervals. Typically, the paired fluid connectors 120 on the connector module 320 on the server 203 will blind mate to the corresponding paired rack manifolds. In Figure 8A In the configuration of FIG. 1 , the two rack manifolds 201 / 2 are sufficiently close together that a single connector module 320 having a fluid connector 120 on each server 203 can be blind-mated to a corresponding fluid connector 212 on the rack manifold 201 / 2. Each connector module 320 is coupled to a slide channel 330, which in turn is connected to the chassis of the server 203. The connector module 320 also includes a positioning slide 310. The details and operation of the connector module 320 and its components are described above with reference to at least Figure 2 、 Figures 3A-3D 、 Figure 4A-4B 、 Figure 6A-6B and Figure 7 has been described and will not be described again here.

[0046] Each pair of fluid connectors 212 that blindly mate with one server has a guide module 250 mounted between the pair of fluid connectors 212 on the rack manifold 201 / 2. Each guide module 250 has a center point 251 and may optionally have an elastic connection 253 mounted between the guide module 250 and the rack manifold 201 / 2. Figure 2 、 Figures 3A-3D 、 Figure 4A-4B 、 Figure 5A-5B 、 Figure 6A-6B and Figure 7 The guide module 250, the center point 251 and the elastic connection 253 are described in detail and will not be described again here.

[0047] Now refer to Figure 8B , two servers 203 are installed in the rack server 200. Here, the rack manifold 201 and the rack manifold 202 are separated, one for coolant supply and one for coolant return. One rack manifold is installed on the far left of the server rack 200, and the second rack manifold is installed on the far right of the server rack 200. In this embodiment, two connector modules 320 can be used, each connector module 320 having a single fluid connector 120 and a positioning slider 310. The single fluid connector 120 can correspond to either the coolant supply line or the coolant return line (not shown) inside the server 203. Each connector module 320 is fixed to its own sliding channel 330, which allows the connector module 320 to slide in the horizontal (x-axis) direction and the vertical (y-axis) direction in response to the positioning slider 310 contacting the inner surface of the guide module 250. Similarly, in Figure 8BOn the right side, the single fluid connector 120 is coupled to another connector module 320 for the server 203. The single fluid connector 120 corresponds to, for example, another of a coolant supply line or a coolant return line (not shown) inside the server 203. In other respects, the operation of the connector module 320 having the single fluid connector 120 is similar to that in Figure 8B The connector module with a single fluid connector 120 has been described in Figure 8B In the embodiment, the manner in which the guide module 250 is attached to the rack manifold 201 or 202 can have additional rigidity in its design to ensure that the guide module 250 does not substantially bend at its connection point with the rack manifold 201 or 202. In other respects, the design and function of the guide module 250 and the connector module 320 are substantially the same as in the previously described embodiments. Figure 8B In FIG. 2 , a resilient connection 253 may be coupled between the guide module 250 and the rack manifold 201 or 202 .

[0048] In the foregoing description, embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. A person skilled in the art, in possession of this disclosure, may implement different choices of connector types, hoses, tubes, conduits, and structural frame members and orientations of assemblies. Different server rack orientations, such as vertical or up / down, may be implemented using this disclosure. Obviously, various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims. The description and drawings are, therefore, to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A blind fit structure comprising: A connector module configured to be coupled to a sliding channel on a server, the sliding channel configured to slide the connector module in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, the connector module having: one or more fluid connectors coupled to the connector module, a first end of each of the one or more fluid connectors being configured to fluidly couple to a coolant line inside the server and a second end of each fluid connector being configured to blind-mate to one of one or more corresponding fluid connectors in one or more coolant distribution manifolds in the server rack when the server is installed in the server rack, and a positioning slider coupled to the connector module, the positioning slider configured to apply a horizontal force, a vertical force, or both a horizontal force and a vertical force to the connector module when the server is installed in the server rack; as well as a guide module configured to be coupled to the one or more coolant distribution manifolds, the guide module having a tapered portion with an opening at a first end of the guide module, and the guide module tapering from the first end of the guide module to a center point at a second end of the guide module; wherein the center point is positioned aligned with the center of the first end of the guide module, wherein the tapered portion is configured to receive the locating slide from the connector module of the server inserted into the server rack, and wherein the tapered portion is configured to guide the locating slide toward the center point at the second end of the guide module as the server is further inserted into the server rack, the one or more forces applied by the locating slide to the connector module causing the connector module to slide along the sliding channel, thereby aligning the one or more fluid connectors on the connector module of the server with the one or more fluid connectors on the one or more coolant distribution manifolds.

2. The blind-mate structure of claim 1, further comprising a support frame coupling the sliding channel to the server.

3. The blind-fit structure according to claim 1, wherein: The positioning slide block includes a ball head.

4. The blind-fit structure according to claim 1, wherein: The head portion of the positioning slide is shaped to be received by the tapered portion of the guide module at the center point of the guide module.

5. The blind-fit structure according to claim 1, wherein: The sliding channel includes a roller bearing or a ball bearing.

6. The blind-fit structure according to claim 1, wherein: The length of the positioning slider is determined by the length of the one or more fluid connectors connected to the connector module, the length of the one or more corresponding fluid connectors on the coolant distribution manifold, the engagement depth of the one or more fluid connectors connected to the connector module and the one or more corresponding fluid connectors on the coolant distribution manifold, and the depth of the guide module connected to the coolant distribution manifold.

7. The blind-fit structure according to claim 1, wherein: The positioning slider can be replaced with a positioning slider of different length or shape at the connector module.

8. The blind-mate structure of claim 1 , further comprising an elastic connection portion assembled between the guide module and the one or more coolant distribution manifolds, so that when the server is further inserted into the server rack, in response to the positioning slider of the server contacting the center point, the elastic connection portion is compressed to move the center point further away from the first end of the guide module.

9. The blind-fit structure according to claim 1, wherein: The orientation of the one or more fluid connectors on the connector module may be selectable or adjustable.

10. The blind-fit structure according to claim 9, wherein: The distance between the center of the positioning slide on the connector module and the location of each of the one or more fluid connectors on the connector module is adjustable.

11. The blind-fit structure according to claim 1, wherein: The center point includes a flexible stop that at least partially secures the ball head of the positioning slide to the center point when the one or more fluid connectors on the one or more coolant distribution manifolds are blind-mated with corresponding fluid connectors on the connector module.

12. An electronic rack comprising: a plurality of coolant distribution manifolds, each of the plurality of coolant distribution manifolds comprising one or more fluid connectors; A server, comprising: a cooling module having a coolant supply line, a coolant return line, and a heat transfer unit, wherein a first end of the coolant supply line and a first end of the coolant return line are coupled to the heat transfer unit; a connector module coupled to a sliding channel coupled to the server, the sliding channel configured to slide the connector module in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, the connector module having: a plurality of fluid connectors coupled to the connector module, wherein each fluid connector of the plurality of fluid connectors is coupled to a second end of the coolant supply line or a second end of the coolant return line, and each fluid connector is configured to blind-mate to a corresponding fluid connector on a coolant distribution manifold of the plurality of coolant distribution manifolds in the electronics rack, and a positioning slider coupled to the connector module, the positioning slider configured to apply a horizontal force, a vertical force, or both a horizontal force and a vertical force to the connector module; a guide module coupled to the plurality of coolant distribution manifolds, the guide module having a tapered portion with an opening at a first end of the guide module, and the guide module tapering from the first end of the guide module to a center point at a second end of the guide module; wherein the center point is positioned aligned with a center of a first end of the guide module, wherein the tapered portion is configured to receive the locating slide from the connector module of the server inserted into the electronics rack, and wherein the tapered portion is configured to guide the locating slide toward the center point at the second end of the guide module as the server is further inserted into the electronics rack, the one or more forces applied by the locating slide to the connector module causing the connector module to slide along the sliding channel to align the plurality of fluid connectors on the connector module of the server with the plurality of corresponding fluid connectors on the plurality of coolant distribution manifolds.

13. The electronics rack of claim 12 , further comprising an elastic connector assembled between the guide module and the plurality of coolant distribution manifolds, such that when the server is further inserted into the server rack, in response to the positioning slider of the server contacting the center point, the elastic connector is compressed to move the center point further away from the first end of the guide module.

14. The electronic rack according to claim 12, wherein: The length of the positioning slider is determined by the length of the plurality of fluid connectors coupled to the connector module, the length of the plurality of corresponding fluid connectors on the coolant distribution manifold, and the depth of the guide module coupled to the plurality of coolant distribution manifolds.

15. The electronic rack according to claim 14, wherein: The width or diameter of the positioning slider is determined by the length of the positioning slider and the magnitude of the horizontal force and the vertical force applied to the positioning slider when the server is inserted into the electronics rack.

16. The electronic rack according to claim 12, wherein: The positioning slider can be replaced with a positioning slider of different length or shape at the connector module.

17. The electronic rack according to claim 12, wherein: The head portion of the positioning slide is shaped to be received by the tapered portion of the guide module at the center point of the guide module, and wherein the orientation and position of the plurality of fluid connectors on the connector module are selectable or adjustable.

18. The electronic rack according to claim 12, wherein: The center point includes a flexible stop that partially secures the ball head of the positioning slide to the center point when the one or more fluid connectors on the plurality of coolant distribution manifolds are blind-mated with corresponding fluid connectors on the connector module.

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