Quick-connect coupling with conical spring for liquid cooling systems

Abstract

A quick-connect coupling (200) includes a straight portion (204) formed as a valve actuator (203) having a flat face (214) with a first through-passage, and a latching mechanism (218). An elbow portion (206) has a second through-passage and detachably connects to the straight portion (204) via the latching mechanism (218). When connected, the through-passages form a contiguous passage. The elbow portion (206) includes a plug valve (210) with a plug valve body and seat. A conical helical spring (208) biases the plug valve body in the seat. In an open state, the spring (208) reconfigures to create a channel in the contiguous through-passage.

Description

PJN105492QUICK-CONNECT COUPLING WITH CONICAL SPRING FOR LIQUID COOLING SYSTEMS FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to liquid cooling systems, and more particularly to a quick-connect coupling for use in liquid cooling systems of data centers.BACKGROUND

[0002] Heat removal is a significant factor in computer system and data center design. The number of high-performance electronics components, such as high-performance processors packaged inside servers, has steadily increased, thereby increasing the amount of heat generated and dissipated during ordinary operation of the servers. With the development of artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing related business and applications, high-performance computing has become increasingly prevalent. Consequently, thermal management for high-density servers and electronic racks has become a challenge.

[0003] Generally, for thermal management of high-density servers and electronic racks, an air-cooling system including cooling fans, blowers, pumps, and chiller compressors is used. Such air-cooling systems consume a significant amount of power. The energy required to operate the air-cooling system may increase with an increase of rack density, which makes high-density server and rack thermal management challenging. Traditional air-cooling systems may not satisfy the cooling requirement for high density racks. In addition, traditional air-cooling systems using either a computer room air handler, computer room air conditioner, rear door heat exchanger, or any other type of solution, may not be able to provide sufficient cooling air flow rate due to capability limitations of fans and blowers.

[0004] Liquid cooling systems offer another type of solution for thermal management of data centers. A liquid cooling system in data centers uses a liquid coolant to absorb and dissipate heat from electronic components, offering a cooling solution for high-density servers and high-performance computing workloads. The liquid cooling system typically includes aPJN105492coolant distribution unit, a plurality of cold plates, a plurality of rack-mounted manifolds, a plurality of row distribution manifolds, a plurality of liquid-cooled server racks, a plurality of pumps, tubes, and fittings such as quick-connect couplings, and a suitable cooling fluid, all working together to remove heat from the equipment.

[0005] Quick-connect couplings are used for connecting cooling equipment like manifolds, cold plates, and coolant distribution units to cooling loops, and are used for connection and disconnection of the cooling loops. In general, quick-connect couplings connect flexible tubes carrying coolant to servers and central manifolds. These couplings may stay connected for long periods, but also may be disconnected easily without failure.

[0006] In conventional quick-connect couplings, a quick connection is provided between a female part and a male part, wherein the female part is located in a straight portion, and the male part is a plug valve of an elbow portion. The elbow portion is structured with a compression spring, the plug valve, and a plug valve guide. In a connected stage, the plug valve is pushed in the direction of coolant flow, and the conical end of the plug valve compresses the spring, thereby allowing the coolant to flow through the gaps of coils of the spring and exit from the elbow portion.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description.

[0008] In a first aspect, a quick-connect coupling is provided. The quick-connect coupling comprises a straight portion formed as a valve actuator having a flat face at a rear end thereof, the flat face having a first through-passage having a first inlet and a first outlet, the straight portion further having a first latching mechanism; and an elbow portion having a second through-passage having a second inlet and a second outlet, the elbow portion detachably connected to the straight portion by the cooperation of the first latching mechanism, wherein, in connected state, the first through-passage and the second through-passage form a contiguous through-passage between the first inlet of the straight portion and the second outlet of the elbowPJN105492portion, the elbow portion comprising: a plug valve positioned in the second through-passage to control opening of the contiguous through-passage, the plug valve having: a plug valve body; a plug valve seat to receive the plug valve body, the plug valve seat provided in the elbow portion; and a conical helical spring having a first face and a second face, wherein the first face of the conical helical spring is operably coupled to the plug valve body and the second face of the conical helical spring is operably coupled to the elbow portion, the conical helical spring being designed to bias the plug valve body to retain the plug valve body in the plug valve seat and the bias to be overcome by the valve actuator to cause actuation of the plug valve body with respect to the plug valve seat to bring the plug valve in an open state, wherein, in the open state of the plug valve, the conical spring is reconfigured to create a channel with the elbow portion in the contiguous through-passage.

[0009] The conical helical spring provides reduced resistance to coolant flow compared to cylindrical springs. When the conical spring is compressed in the open state, the conical configuration allows coolant to flow outside the spring rather than through gaps between coils, thereby reducing pressure drop and improving thermal efficiency of the liquid cooling system.

[0010] The straight portion may be formed as a valve actuator having a flat face at a rear end.

[0011] The valve actuator configuration enables the straight portion to engage and actuate the plug valve when the coupling transitions to the connected state, providing a mechanism for opening the contiguous through -pas sage.

[0012] The quick-connect coupling may include a plug valve guide configured to guide movement of the plug valve.

[0013] The plug valve guide ensures controlled and consistent movement of the plug valve during connection and disconnection operations, improving reliability of the coupling.

[0014] The valve actuator may be configured to move in a direction of coolant flow under pressure exerted by the coolant to engage the flat face of the valve actuator with the flat face of the plug valve.PJN105492

[0015] This configuration allows the coolant pressure to drive the connection process, enabling automatic engagement of the coupling components when coolant flow is initiated.

[0016] In a disconnected stage, the flat face of the valve actuator and the flat face of the plug valve may prevent flow of coolant through the quick-connect coupling.

[0017] The flat face configuration in the disconnected stage prevents spillage or leakage of coolant, protecting electrical equipment in the data center from coolant exposure.

[0018] The coolant may comprise water or a mixture of water and glycol.

[0019] Water and water- glycol mixtures provide effective heat transfer properties suitable for liquid cooling applications in data centers.

[0020] In the connected stage, the flat face of the plug valve may be latched by the latching mechanism to maintain the connected stage.

[0021] The latching mechanism maintains the connected stage during operation, ensuring reliable coolant flow through the coupling without unintended disconnection.

[0022] A conical front end of the plug valve may be configured to pass through the plug valve guide and compress the conical spring when the quick-connect coupling transitions from a disconnected stage to the connected stage.

[0023] The conical front end facilitates smooth transition between disconnected and connected stages by guiding the plug valve through the plug valve guide and engaging the conical spring.

[0024] The conical spring may provide reduced resistance to coolant flow.

[0025] The reduced resistance to coolant flow results in lower pressure drop across the quick-connect coupling, which reduces load on the flow discharge pump and improves overall efficiency of the liquid cooling system.

[0026] Each quick-connect coupling may be configured for connection to a cold plate of the liquid cooling system in a data center.PJN105492

[0027] This configuration enables integration of the quick-connect coupling into existing liquid cooling infrastructure of data centers, facilitating efficient heat removal from high-density servers and electronic racks.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0028] Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0029] FIGURE 1 illustrates a general architecture of a rack of a data center with a quickconnect coupling, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGURE 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional quick-connect coupling in a disconnected stage, representing prior art.

[0031] FIGURE 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the conventional quick-connect coupling of FIGURE 2A in a connected stage, representing prior art.

[0032] FIGURE 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a quick-connect coupling in a disconnected stage, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGURE 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the quick-connect coupling of FIGURE 3A in a connected stage, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate similar features.DETAIEED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the apparatuses, systems, and operational aspects described herein. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, after reading and understanding this disclosure, that various changes, modifications, and equivalents may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The described aspects are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Descriptions of well-knownPJN105492components, materials, or processes have been omitted for brevity and conciseness, and the sequence of operations described herein may be varied except where a particular order is inherently required.

[0036] Reference throughout this specification to “an example,” “another example,” “an implementation,” “another implementation” , “an embodiment,” “another embodiment” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example / embodiment is included in at least one example / embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an example,” “in another example,” “in an embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” “in one implementation,” “in another implementation,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0037] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more apparatus or devices or sub-systems or elements or structures proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or additional devices or additional sub- systems or additional elements or additional structures.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The apparatus, system, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0039] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

[0040] The subject matter described herein is directed towards examples of a quickconnect coupling with conical spring for liquid cooling systems.PJN105492

[0041] Liquid cooling systems in data centers employ various components to transfer heat away from electronic equipment. Among these components, quick-connect couplings serve to establish and release fluid connections between cooling infrastructure elements such as manifolds, cold plates, and coolant distribution units. Quick-connect couplings enable connection and disconnection of cooling loops without requiring tools or causing coolant spillage during maintenance or reconfiguration operations.

[0042] In data center environments, quick-connect couplings connect flexible tubes carrying coolant to servers and central manifolds. These couplings are designed to remain connected for extended periods during normal operation while also permitting disconnection when servicing or replacing equipment. The couplings are operatively controlled by a coolant distribution unit that manages coolant flow throughout the liquid cooling system.

[0043] A consideration in the design of quick-connect couplings for liquid cooling applications is the pressure drop experienced by coolant flowing through the coupling. Pressure drop affects the efficiency of the liquid cooling system, as higher pressure drops place increased load on pumps that circulate the coolant. Reducing pressure drop through quickconnect couplings contributes to improved thermal efficiency of the overall liquid cooling system.

[0044] The present disclosure describes a quick-connect coupling configured to reduce pressure drop during coolant flow. The quick-connect coupling includes structural features that reduce resistance to coolant flow when the coupling is in a connected state, thereby maintaining coolant pressure and reducing the energy required to circulate coolant through the liquid cooling system.

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a general architecture of a rack of a data center and a zoomedin top view of a computer chassis of a rack-mounted manifold. The left portion of Figure 1 shows server racks with a circled region highlighting a specific area containing quick-connect couplings. The right portion of Figure 1 shows an enlarged circular inset providing a detailed top view of the computer chassis, which includes a conventional quick-connect coupling 100. The conventional quick-connect coupling 100 is shown as part of the cooling infrastructurePJN105492within the rack-mounted manifold, with visible tubing connections representing coolant flow paths.

[0046] A liquid cooling system in a data center includes a coolant distribution unit (CDU), a plurality of cold plates, a plurality of rack-mounted manifolds, a plurality of row distribution manifolds, a plurality of liquid-cooled server racks, a plurality of pumps, tubes, and fittings. These components work together to transfer heat away from electronic equipment within the data center.

[0047] The CDU is a central component that manages the flow, temperature, and filtration of coolant to ensure performance and reliability of the liquid cooling system. During operation, the CDU starts or stops the plurality of pumps according to the cooling requirements of the system. The pumps create pressure over the coolant to circulate the coolant through different tubes and fittings of the liquid cooling system, ensuring a steady flow to absorb heat from the equipment.

[0048] The pressurized coolant flows through the plurality of row distribution manifolds, which distribute the coolant to the plurality of rack-mounted manifolds across multiple rows of racks. The row distribution manifolds facilitate cooling for the data center by directing coolant to individual racks. The plurality of rack- mounted manifolds distributes the coolant through the plurality of tubes and fittings to the plurality of cold plates within each server rack.

[0049] The cold plates are heat-conducting plates that come into direct contact with heatgenerating components such as central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) to absorb heat. The cold plates transfer heat from the electronic components to the coolant flowing through the cold plates.

[0050] The coolant comprises water or a mixture of water and glycol. The coolant absorbs heat from the cold plates and carries the absorbed heat away from the electronic components for dissipation elsewhere in the liquid cooling system.

[0051] A conventional quick-connect coupling is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. While the conventional quick-connect coupling 100 of Figure 2 A is in a disconnected stage, thePJN105492conventional quick-connect coupling 100 of Figure 2B is in a connected stage. The conventional quick-connect coupling 100 shown in Figure 2 A includes a straight portion 104 and an elbow portion 106. The straight portion 104 includes a female part 103 having a flat face 114 at a rear end of the female part 103. The flat face 114 is provided with a latching mechanism 118 for securing connection between the straight portion 104 and the elbow portion 106.

[0052] The elbow portion 106 is structured with a cylindrical spring 108, a plug valve 110, and a plug valve guide 112. The plug valve 110 has a flat face 116 at a rear end of the plug valve 110 and a conical front end. The plug valve guide 112 is configured to guide movement of the plug valve 110 within the elbow portion 106.

[0053] In a disconnected stage of the conventional quick-connect coupling 100 as shown in Figure 2A, the coolant 102 does not enter from a front end of the straight portion 104. The flat face 114 of the female part 103 and the flat face 116 of the plug valve 110 prevent flow of the coolant 102 through the conventional quick-connect coupling 100, thereby preventing spillage or leakage when the straight portion 104 and the elbow portion 106 are separated.

[0054] In a connected stage of the conventional quick-connect coupling 100 as shown in Figure 2B, the female part 103, under pressure exerted by the coolant 102, moves in a direction of flow of the coolant 102. The movement of the female part 103 results in the flat face 114 coming into contact with the flat face 116 of the plug valve 110 and pushing the plug valve 110 in the direction of flow of the coolant 102. The flat face 116 of the plug valve 110 becomes latched by the latching mechanism 118 of the flat face 114, maintaining the connected stage.

[0055] The conical front end of the plug valve 110, under the pressure of the coolant 102, compresses the cylindrical spring 108, thereby allowing the coolant 102 to flow through gaps between coils of the cylindrical spring 108 and exit from the elbow portion 106. The latching mechanism 118 keeps the flat face 116 of the plug valve 110 locked in place, maintaining the connected stage of the conventional quick-connect coupling 100.PJN105492

[0056] A problem exists with pressure drop when the coolant 102 passes through the cylindrical spring 108 in the connected stage. The pressure drop occurs due to resistance offered by the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical spring 108. This resistance develops due to reduced gaps between the coils of the cylindrical spring 108 in a compressed stage. The reduced gaps between coils result in the coolant 102 coming into contact with more surface area of the cylindrical spring 108, which lowers the pressure of the coolant 102 while flowing through the cylindrical spring 108. This pressure drop reduces thermal efficiency of the liquid cooling system.

[0057] Figure 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a quick-connect coupling 200 in a disconnected stage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The quickconnect coupling 200 comprises a straight portion 204 and an elbow portion 206. The straight portion 204 is formed as a valve actuator 203 having a flat face of valve actuator 214 at a rear end thereof.

[0058] The flat face of valve actuator 214 has a first through-passage extending through the valve actuator 203. The first through -passage has a first inlet 220 and a first outlet 222. The first inlet 220 is positioned at a front end of the straight portion 204 and is configured to receive coolant 102 entering the quick-connect coupling 200. The first outlet 222 is positioned at the rear end of the straight portion 204 and is configured to discharge the coolant 102 from the straight portion 204 toward the elbow portion 206.

[0059] The straight portion 204 further has a latching mechanism 218. The latching mechanism 218 is positioned adjacent to the flat face of valve actuator 214. The latching mechanism 218 is configured to secure connection between the straight portion 204 and the elbow portion 206 when the quick-connect coupling 200 transitions from a disconnected stage to a connected stage.

[0060] The valve actuator 203 is configured to engage with a plug valve positioned in the elbow portion 206 when the quick-connect coupling 200 is in the connected stage. The flat face of valve actuator 214 provides a sealing surface that contacts a corresponding flat face of the plug valve to control flow of the coolant 102 through the quick-connect coupling 200.PJN105492

[0061] In the disconnected stage shown in Figure 3 A, the flat face of valve actuator 214 is separated from the elbow portion 206. The first through -pas sage of the straight portion 204 is blocked at the first outlet 222, preventing the coolant 102 from exiting the straight portion 204 and thereby preventing spillage or leakage when the straight portion 204 and the elbow portion 206 are separated.

[0062] The elbow portion 206 has a second through-passage extending through the elbow portion 206. The second through-passage has a second inlet 224 and a second outlet 226. The second inlet 224 is positioned at a front end of the elbow portion 206 and is configured to receive the coolant 102 from the straight portion 204. The second outlet 226 is positioned at a rear end of the elbow portion 206 and is configured to discharge the coolant 102 from the quick-connect coupling 200.

[0063] The elbow portion 206 is detachably connected to the straight portion 204 by the cooperation of the latching mechanism 218. The latching mechanism 218, as described previously, is positioned adjacent to the flat face of valve actuator 214 on the straight portion 204. When the straight portion 204 and the elbow portion 206 are brought together, the latching mechanism 218 engages with corresponding features on the elbow portion 206 to secure the connection between the straight portion 204 and the elbow portion 206. The detachable connection permits the straight portion 204 and the elbow portion 206 to be separated when servicing or reconfiguring the liquid cooling system.

[0064] In a connected state of the quick-connect coupling 200, the first through-passage and the second through-passage form a contiguous through-passage between the first inlet 220 of the straight portion 204 and the second outlet 226 of the elbow portion 206. The contiguous through-passage provides an uninterrupted fluid path for the coolant 102 to flow from the first inlet 220, through the first outlet 222, into the second inlet 224, and out through the second outlet 226. The first outlet 222 of the straight portion 204 aligns with the second inlet 224 of the elbow portion 206 when the quick-connect coupling 200 is in the connected state, thereby establishing fluid communication between the first through-passage and the second through-passage.PJN105492

[0065] The elbow portion 206 comprises components configured to control the flow of the coolant 102 through the second through-passage. These components include a plug valve and a conical spring, which are described in subsequent sections.

[0066] The elbow portion 206 comprises a plug valve 210 positioned in the second through-passage to control opening of the contiguous through-passage. The plug valve 210 regulates the flow of the coolant 102 through the quick-connect coupling 200 by selectively blocking or permitting fluid communication between the first through-passage of the straight portion 204 and the second through-passage of the elbow portion 206.

[0067] The plug valve 210 has a plug valve body. The plug valve body is the portion of the plug valve 210 that moves within the elbow portion 206 to open or close the contiguous through-passage. The plug valve body is configured to translate along an axis of the second through-passage in response to engagement with the valve actuator 203.

[0068] The elbow portion 206 includes a plug valve seat configured to receive the plug valve body. The plug valve seat is provided in the elbow portion 206 and defines a seating surface against which the plug valve body rests when the quick-connect coupling 200 is in the disconnected stage. When the plug valve body is seated in the plug valve seat, the plug valve 210 blocks the second through-passage and prevents the coolant 102 from flowing through the elbow portion 206.

[0069] The plug valve 210 has a flat face of plug valve 216 at a rear end of the plug valve 210. The flat face of plug valve 216 faces toward the straight portion 204 and is configured to contact the flat face of valve actuator 214 when the quick-connect coupling 200 transitions to the connected stage. The flat face of plug valve 216 provides a sealing surface that, together with the flat face of valve actuator 214, prevents leakage of the coolant 102 when the straight portion 204 and the elbow portion 206 are separated.

[0070] The elbow portion 206 further comprises a plug valve guide 212 configured to guide movement of the plug valve 210. The plug valve guide 212 is positioned within the elbow portion 206 and defines a path along which the plug valve body translates when the quick-PJN105492connect coupling 200 transitions between the disconnected stage and the connected stage. The plug valve guide 212 maintains alignment of the plug valve 210 during actuation and ensures that the plug valve body moves in a controlled manner relative to the plug valve seat.

[0071] The plug valve 210 has a conical front end opposite the flat face of plug valve 216. The conical front end of the plug valve 210 is configured to pass through the plug valve guide 212 and compress a conical spring 208 when the quick-connect coupling 200 transitions from the disconnected stage to the connected stage. When the valve actuator 203 engages the flat face of plug valve 216 and pushes the plug valve 210 in the direction of coolant flow, the conical front-end advances through the plug valve guide 212 and contacts the conical spring 208, causing compression of the conical spring 208. The conical front end facilitates smooth engagement with the conical spring 208 during the transition to the connected stage.

[0072] The elbow portion 206 comprises a conical helical spring 208 positioned within the second through-passage. The conical helical spring 208 has a first face of conical spring 228 and a second face of conical spring 230. The first face of conical spring 228 and the second face of conical spring 230 are located at opposite ends of the conical helical spring 208 along the axis of the conical helical spring 208.

[0073] The first face of conical spring 228 is operably coupled to the plug valve body. The operable coupling between the first face of conical spring 228 and the plug valve body permits the conical helical spring 208 to exert a biasing force on the plug valve body. When the plug valve body moves within the elbow portion 206, the first face of conical spring 228 moves correspondingly with the plug valve body.

[0074] The second face of conical spring 230 is operably coupled to the elbow portion 206. The operable coupling between the second face of conical spring 230 and the elbow portion 206 anchors the conical helical spring 208 within the elbow portion 206. The second face of conical spring 230 remains in a fixed position relative to the elbow portion 206 while the first face of conical spring 228 moves with the plug valve body during actuation of the plug valve 210.PJN105492

[0075] The conical helical spring 208 is designed to bias the plug valve body to retain the plug valve body in the plug valve seat. The biasing force exerted by the conical helical spring 208 urges the plug valve body toward the plug valve seat, maintaining the plug valve 210 in a closed position when the quick-connect coupling 200 is in the disconnected stage. The biasing force prevents unintended opening of the plug valve 210 and maintains the seal between the flat face of plug valve 216 and the plug valve seat.

[0076] The bias exerted by the conical helical spring 208 is overcome by the valve actuator 203 to cause actuation of the plug valve body with respect to the plug valve seat to bring the plug valve 210 in an open state. When the valve actuator 203 engages the flat face of plug valve 216 and applies force in the direction of coolant flow, the force applied by the valve actuator 203 exceeds the biasing force of the conical helical spring 208. The plug valve body then moves away from the plug valve seat, compressing the conical helical spring 208 and opening the contiguous through-passage for the coolant 102 to flow through the quick-connect coupling 200.

[0077] In the open state of the plug valve 210, the conical helical spring 208 is reconfigured to create a channel with the elbow portion 206 in the contiguous through-passage. When the conical helical spring 208 is compressed by the plug valve body, the conical shape of the conical helical spring 208 permits the coils to nest within one another. This nesting configuration positions the compressed conical helical spring 208 adjacent to an inner wall of the elbow portion 206, thereby creating a channel between the conical helical spring 208 and the elbow portion 206. The coolant 102 flows through this channel rather than through gaps between individual coils of the conical helical spring 208. The channel created by the reconfigured conical helical spring 208 provides reduced resistance to coolant flow compared to a cylindrical spring configuration, thereby reducing pressure drop through the quick-connect coupling 200.

[0078] In the disconnected stage of the quick-connect coupling 200, the flat face of valve actuator 214 and the flat face of plug valve 216 are separated from one another. The straightPJN105492portion 204 and the elbow portion 206 are not engaged, and the latching mechanism 218 does not secure the straight portion 204 to the elbow portion 206.

[0079] In the disconnected stage, the flat face of valve actuator 214 of the valve actuator 203 and the flat face of plug valve 216 of the plug valve 210 prevent flow of coolant 102 through the quick-connect coupling 200. The flat face of valve actuator 214 blocks the first outlet 222 of the first through-passage in the straight portion 204, preventing the coolant 102 from exiting the straight portion 204. The flat face of plug valve 216 is seated against the plug valve seat in the elbow portion 206, blocking the second inlet 224 of the second through-passage and preventing the coolant 102 from entering the elbow portion 206.

[0080] The configuration of the flat face of valve actuator 214 and the flat face of plug valve 216 in the disconnected stage prevents spillage or leakage of the coolant 102. When the straight portion 204 and the elbow portion 206 are separated during maintenance, reconfiguration, or replacement of cooling equipment, the coolant 102 remains contained within the respective portions of the quick-connect coupling 200. The flat face of valve actuator 214 retains the coolant 102 within the straight portion 204 and associated tubing, while the flat face of plug valve 216 retains the coolant 102 within the elbow portion 206 and associated tubing.

[0081] Prevention of coolant spillage or leakage protects electrical equipment of the data center. Data centers contain electronic components such as servers, processors, and networking equipment that are susceptible to damage from liquid contact. By preventing the coolant 102 from escaping the quick-connect coupling 200 during disconnection, the flat face of valve actuator 214 and the flat face of plug valve 216 maintain the integrity of the liquid cooling system and protect the electronic equipment from exposure to the coolant 102.

[0082] The conical helical spring 208, as described previously, biases the plug valve body to retain the plug valve body in the plug valve seat during the disconnected stage. This biasing force maintains the flat face of plug valve 216 in a sealed position against the plug valve seat, ensuring that the second through-passage remains blocked and that the coolant 102 does not leak from the elbow portion 206.PJN105492

[0083] Figure 3B illustrates a section view of the quick-connect coupling 200 in a connected stage, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. In the connected stage, the straight portion 204 and the elbow portion 206 are engaged, and the contiguous through-passage permits the coolant 102 to flow from the first inlet 220 through to the second outlet 226.

[0084] The valve actuator 203 is configured to move in a direction of coolant flow under pressure exerted by the coolant 102 to engage the flat face of valve actuator 214 with the flat face of plug valve 216. When the coolant 102 enters the first inlet 220 of the straight portion 204, the pressure of the coolant 102 acts on the valve actuator 203. This pressure causes the valve actuator 203 to advance toward the elbow portion 206 in the direction of coolant flow. As the valve actuator 203 advances, the flat face of valve actuator 214 contacts the flat face of plug valve 216.

[0085] The engagement between the flat face of valve actuator 214 and the flat face of plug valve 216 causes the plug valve 210 to move in the direction of coolant flow. The force applied by the valve actuator 203 overcomes the biasing force of the conical helical spring 208, as described previously, and pushes the plug valve body away from the plug valve seat. The plug valve 210 transitions from a closed position to an open position, permitting the coolant 102 to flow through the contiguous through-passage.

[0086] In the connected stage, the flat face of plug valve 216 is latched by the latching mechanism 218 to maintain the connected stage. When the flat face of valve actuator 214 engages the flat face of plug valve 216 and the plug valve 210 moves to the open position, the latching mechanism 218 engages with the flat face of plug valve 216. The latching mechanism 218 secures the flat face of plug valve 216 in the engaged position, preventing the plug valve 210 from returning to the closed position while the quick-connect coupling 200 remains in the connected stage.

[0087] The latching mechanism 218 keeps the flat face of plug valve 216 locked in place to maintain the connected stage of the quick-connect coupling 200. The latching mechanism 218 resists the biasing force of the conical helical spring 208, which would otherwise urge thePJN105492plug valve body back toward the plug valve seat. By securing the flat face of plug valve 216 in the engaged position, the latching mechanism 218 maintains the plug valve 210 in the open state and ensures continuous fluid communication through the contiguous through-passage.

[0088] With the latching mechanism 218 maintaining the connected stage, the coolant 102 flows from the first inlet 220 of the straight portion 204, through the first outlet 222, into the second inlet 224 of the elbow portion 206, and exits through the second outlet 226. The conical helical spring 208, in the compressed and reconfigured state as described previously, creates a channel with the elbow portion 206 that permits the coolant 102 to flow with reduced resistance. The latching mechanism 218 maintains this configuration throughout the duration of the connected stage, ensuring stable and uninterrupted coolant flow through the quickconnect coupling 200.

[0089] The conical spring provides reduced resistance to coolant flow compared to a cylindrical spring due to an outward configuration of the conical spring when compressed. In a cylindrical spring configuration, compression of the spring reduces the gaps between adjacent coils. When coolant flows through a compressed cylindrical spring, the coolant passes through these reduced gaps between the coils, contacting a larger surface area of the spring material. This increased contact between the coolant and the spring material creates resistance to coolant flow, resulting in pressure drop.

[0090] In contrast, the conical spring, when compressed, assumes a configuration wherein the coils nest within one another due to the tapered geometry of the conical spring. This nesting configuration positions the compressed conical spring adjacent to an inner wall of the elbow portion, creating a channel between the conical spring and the elbow portion. The coolant flows through this channel outside the conical spring rather than through gaps between individual coils of the conical spring. The outward configuration of the compressed conical spring directs the coolant flow path around the exterior of the conical spring, thereby reducing the surface area of the spring material that contacts the coolant during flow.

[0091] The channel created by the compressed conical spring and the elbow portion provides a flow path with reduced obstruction compared to the flow path through a compressedPJN105492cylindrical spring. The coolant flowing outside the conical spring encounters less resistance than coolant flowing through the coils of a cylindrical spring, as the coolant does not need to navigate through multiple narrow gaps between coils. This reduced resistance to coolant flow results in lower pressure drop through the quick-connect coupling.

[0092] The conical spring configuration reduces spring vibration in addition to reducing pressure drop. When coolant flows through the coils of a cylindrical spring, the interaction between the flowing coolant and the coils induces vibration in the spring. This vibration results from turbulent flow patterns created as the coolant passes through the gaps between coils. The conical spring, by directing coolant flow outside the spring rather than through the coils, reduces the interaction between the flowing coolant and the spring coils. The reduced interaction between the coolant and the conical spring results in reduced spring vibration during operation of the quick-connect coupling.

[0093] The reduction in pressure drop achieved by the conical spring configuration prevents the need to increase diameter of the spring to accommodate coolant flow requirements. In systems employing cylindrical springs, the pressure drop through the spring may necessitate increasing the spring diameter to provide larger gaps between coils and reduce resistance to coolant flow. Increasing the spring diameter correspondingly requires increasing the diameter of the elbow portion to accommodate the larger spring. This increase in elbow portion diameter propagates through the liquid cooling system, diminishing the need to increase the size of tubes and manifolds connected to the quick-connect coupling.

[0094] By maintaining reduced pressure drop without requiring increased spring diameter, the conical spring configuration permits the quick-connect coupling to operate with existing tube and manifold dimensions. This dimensional compatibility prevents the need for larger tubes and manifolds, which would occupy additional space within the data center and require additional material. The conical spring configuration thereby contributes to space efficiency and cost reduction in the liquid cooling system.PJN105492EXPERIMENTAL DATA AND PRESSURE DROP COMPARISON

[0095] The reduction in pressure drop by use of the conical spring in quick-connect couplings is substantiated by the observations tabulated in Table 1 below -

[0096] The Table 1 above shows test data obtained while testing and comparing pressure drops through conventional quick-connect coupling 100 (having the cylindrical spring 108) and the quick-connect coupling of the present disclosure (having the conical spring 208). During experiment, the coolant 102 was made to flow in two different directions that is, in first instance from plug to socket and in the second instance socket to plug, as shown in Table 1.

[0097] Experimental testing measured pressure drop values across multiple samples of each spring type under controlled flow conditions. The coolant was directed through the quickconnect couplings at a flow rate of 1.26 gallons per minute, equivalent to 4.6 liters per minute, and pressure readings were recorded for each sample.

[0098] The testing was performed in two flow directions to characterize pressure drop behavior under different operational configurations. In a first flow direction, designated as plug to socket flow, the coolant entered through the plug portion of the quick-connect coupling and exited through the socket portion. In a second flow direction, designated as socket to plug flow, the coolant entered through the socket portion of the quick-connect coupling and exited through the plug portion. Multiple pressure readings were taken for each sample in each flow direction to establish average pressure drop values.

[0099] For the plug to socket flow direction, three samples of quick-connect couplings employing cylindrical springs were tested. The average pressure drop across the cylindricalPJN105492spring samples was 11.25 psi. Three samples of quick-connect couplings employing conical springs were tested under the same conditions. The average pressure drop across the conical spring samples was 9.81 psi. The difference between the average pressure drop of the cylindrical spring configuration and the average pressure drop of the conical spring configuration in the plug to socket flow direction was 1.44 psi.

[0100] For the socket to plug flow direction, three samples of quick-connect couplings employing cylindrical springs were tested. The average pressure drop across the cylindrical spring samples was 12.11 psi. Three samples of quick-connect couplings employing conical springs were tested under the same conditions. The average pressure drop across the conical spring samples was 9.92 psi. The difference between the average pressure drop of the cylindrical spring configuration and the average pressure drop of the conical spring configuration in the socket to plug flow direction was 2.19 psi.

[0101] The experimental data demonstrates that the conical spring configuration achieves reduced pressure drop compared to the cylindrical spring configuration in both flow directions. The pressure drop reduction is attributable to the flow path characteristics of the conical helical spring when compressed, wherein the coolant flows outside the conical spring through a channel formed between the conical spring and the elbow portion rather than through gaps between coils of the spring. The reduced pressure drop achieved by the conical spring configuration contributes to improved thermal efficiency of the liquid cooling system by reducing the load on pumps that circulate the coolant.INTEGRATION WITH DATA CENTER LIQUID COOLING SYSTEM

[0102] Each quick-connect coupling is configured for connection to a cold plate of the liquid cooling system in a data center. The cold plates, as described previously, are heat-conducting plates that come into direct contact with heat-generating components such as central processing units and graphics processing units to absorb heat. The quick-connect coupling provides a detachable fluid connection between the cold plate and the coolantPJN105492distribution infrastructure, permitting coolant to flow through the cold plate to absorb heat from the electronic components.

[0103] The quick-connect coupling connects to the cold plate through tubing that carries coolant to and from the cold plate. The straight portion of the quick-connect coupling receives coolant from the coolant distribution infrastructure, and the elbow portion of the quick-connect coupling directs the coolant toward the cold plate or receives coolant returning from the cold plate. The detachable connection provided by the quick-connect coupling permits the cold plate to be disconnected from the coolant distribution infrastructure during maintenance, replacement, or reconfiguration of server equipment without draining the entire liquid cooling system.

[0104] In the liquid cooling system of a data center, multiple quick-connect couplings are employed throughout the cooling infrastructure. Each cold plate within a server rack includes at least one quick-connect coupling for coolant supply and at least one quick-connect coupling for coolant return. The quick-connect couplings connect the cold plates to rack-mounted manifolds, which in turn connect to row distribution manifolds and the coolant distribution unit. The quick-connect couplings at each connection point in the liquid cooling system provide the same detachable connection capability and pressure drop reduction characteristics described previously.

[0105] The integration of the quick-connect coupling into the liquid cooling infrastructure facilitates efficient heat removal from high-density servers and electronic racks. The reduced pressure drop achieved by the conical spring configuration, as described previously, reduces the load on pumps that circulate coolant through the liquid cooling system. This reduced pump load permits the liquid cooling system to maintain adequate coolant flow rates to the cold plates while consuming less energy for coolant circulation. The quick-connect coupling thereby contributes to the thermal efficiency of the liquid cooling system in the data center environment.

[0106] The configuration of the quick-connect coupling for connection to cold plates permits servicing of individual servers or cold plates without interrupting coolant flow to otherPJN105492components in the liquid cooling system. When a quick-connect coupling is disconnected, the flat faces of the valve actuator and the plug valve prevent coolant spillage, as described previously, protecting the electronic equipment in the data center from liquid exposure. The quick-connect coupling thus provides both operational efficiency through reduced pressure drop and serviceability through detachable connections with spillage prevention.Technical Advantages

[0107] The quick-connect coupling of the present disclosure is advantageous in the following manner- 1. Prevents spillagedeakage during disconnected stage.2. Mitigates pressure drop of the coolant, thereby increasing overall thermal efficiency the liquid cooling system.3. Prevents requirement of increase in size of tubes and manifolds, thereby preventing requirement of large space and material, thus cost-effective.Industrial Applicability:

[0108] The quick-connect coupling having the conical helical spring of the present disclosure can be employed in the cold plates of the rack-manifolds of the liquid cooling systems employed at data centers.Reference NumeralsS.No. F eature / component Reference numeral1 Conventional quick-connect coupling 1002 Coolant 1023 Female part 103Straight portion of quick-connect4 104couplingElbow portion of quick-connect5 106coupling6 Cylindrical spring 1087 Plug valve 1108 Plug valve guide 1129 Flat face of female part 11410 Flat face of plug valve 11611 Catching mechanism 11812 Quick-connect coupling 200Straight portion of quick-connect13 204couplingP_IN10549214 Valve actuator 203Elbow portion of quick-connect15 206coupling16 Conical helical spring 20817 Plug valve 21018 Plug valve guide 21219 Flat face of Valve actuator 21420 Flat face of plug valve 21621 Latching mechanism 21822 first inlet of first through -pas sage 22023 first outlet of first through-passage 22224 second inlet of second through -pas sage 224second outlet of second through- 25 226passage26 first face of conical spring 22827 second face of conical spring 230

[0109] Features of any of the examples or embodiments outlined above may be combined to create additional examples or embodiments without losing the intended effect. It should be understood that the description of an embodiment or example provided above is by way of example only, and various modifications could be made by one skilled in the art. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that numerous further modifications and combinations of various aspects are possible. Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to encompass all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

PJN105492WE CLAIM:

1. A quick-connect coupling (200) comprising:a straight portion (204) formed as a valve actuator (203) having a flat face (214) at a rear end thereof, the flat face (214) having a first through -passage having a first inlet (220) and a first outlet (222), the straight portion further having a first latching mechanism (218); andan elbow portion (206) having a second through-passage having a second inlet (224) and a second outlet (226), the elbow portion (206) detachably connected to the straight portion (204) by the cooperation of the first latching mechanism (218), wherein, in connected state, the first through-passage and the second through -pas sage to form a contiguous through-passage between the first inlet (220) of the straight portion (204) and the second outlet (226) of the elbow portion (206), the elbow portion (206) comprising:a plug valve (210) positioned in the second through-passage to control opening of the contiguous through-passage, the plug valve (210) having:a plug valve body;a plug valve seat to receive the plug valve body, the plug valve seat provided in the elbow portion (206); anda conical helical spring (208) having a first face (228) and a second face (230), wherein the first face of the conical helical spring (208) is operably coupled to the plug valve body and the second face (228) of the conical helical spring (208) is operably coupled to the elbow portion (206), the conical helical spring (208) being designed to bias the plug valve body to retain the plug valve body in the plug valve seat and the bias to be overcome by the valve actuator (203) to cause actuation of the plug valve body with respect to the plug valve seat to bring the plug valve (210) in an open state, wherein, in the open state of the plug valve (210), the conical spring (208) is reconfigured to create a channel with the elbow portion (206) in the contiguous through-passage.

2. The liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the straight portion (204) formed as a valve actuator (203) having a flat face (214) at a rear end.PJN1054923. The liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plug valve guide (212) configured to guide movement of the plug valve (210).

4. The liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve actuator (203) is configured to move in a direction of coolant flow under pressure exerted by the coolant (102) to engage the flat face (214) of the female part (203) with the flat face (216) of the plug valve (210).

5. The liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a disconnected stage, the flat face (214) of the female part (203) and the flat face (216) of the plug valve (210) prevent flow of coolant (102) through the quick-connect coupling (200).

6. The liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coolant (102) comprises water or a mixture of water and glycol.

7. The liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 4, wherein in the connected stage, the flat face (216) of the plug valve (210) is latched by the latching mechanism (218) to maintain the connected stage.

8. The liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a conical front end of the plug valve (210) is configured to pass through the plug valve guide (212) and compress the conical spring (208) when the quick-connect coupling (200) transitions from a disconnected stage to the connected stage.

9. The liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conical spring (208) provides reduced resistance to coolant (102) flow.

10. The liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each quick-connect coupling (200) is configured for connection to a cold plate of the liquid cooling system in a data center.

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