Angled Rack Support Members for Aligned Liquid Cooling Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center enclosures face challenges in efficient installation and cooling of electronic equipment, with improper alignment leading to equipment failure and inadequate cooling solutions, particularly in large data centers with thousands of servers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rack with support members and components featuring liquid connectors for precise alignment and efficient liquid cooling, where the support members have angled plates with liquid connectors that mate with corresponding connectors on the components, and tubes for distributing cooling liquid to heat-generating units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If components are installed quickly in equipment racks, then installation speed improves, but alignment precision deteriorates leading to equipment failure or bad connections
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure includes pre-configured alignment guides and positioning features that automatically align components during insertion. The liquid cooling connectors are pre-positioned on the rack at specific locations that correspond to component connector positions, enabling automatic alignment upon component insertion without requiring manual adjustment or precise operator skill.
2Temperature
If water cooling is implemented in equipment racks, then cooling efficiency improves, but system complexity and leakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rack serves as an intermediary structure that integrates liquid cooling distribution. The rack includes a cooling manifold or distribution system with connectors that interface between the external cooling source and individual component cooling ports. This centralized intermediary system simplifies connections compared to individual tubing runs from each component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient cooling.
3Device complexity
If traditional air cooling is used in data centers, then system simplicity is maintained, but cooling capacity is insufficient for high-density racks
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements liquid (hydraulic) cooling instead of air cooling to provide superior heat removal capacity. Liquid cooling circuits are integrated into the rack structure with connectors that interface with component cooling ports, enabling efficient heat transfer from high-density electronic equipment while maintaining a manageable system through standardized connectors and routing.
4Temperature
If liquid connectors are added to support members and components, then cooling capability improves, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid cooling connectors are merged with the mechanical support structure of the rack and components. The connectors are integrated into the support members and component housings rather than being separate add-on elements. This integration ensures that mechanical installation and cooling connection occur simultaneously, reducing the number of separate steps and making the overall process more manageable despite the added cooling functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables precise alignment and efficient liquid cooling of electronic components, reducing the risk of equipment failure and improving data center operations by ensuring proper electrical and data connections while effectively managing heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
the feed tube and the return tube extend behind the plate of the support member for providing liquid cooling to the component
Implementation Method 2
providing liquid cooling to the component
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a rack, a support member, and a component configured for being supported in the rack by the support member. The support member is selectively insertable in the rack and comprises a plate at its rear end, the plate extending at an angle from a direction of insertion of the support member in the rack, the support member further comprising a first liquid connector mounted to the plate. The component comprises a second liquid connector mounted on a rear edge of the component, the second liquid connector being connectable to the first liquid connector when the support member and the component are inserted in the rack. A method comprises mounting the first and second liquid connectors to the support member and to the component, respectively, inserting the support member to the rack, and inserting the component in the rack until both liquid connectors are connected.