Motor-Operated Blade Fluid Connection Module for Leakage Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current server and rack-level liquid cooling systems are prone to leakage, which can cause damage to IT equipment and are challenging to design without creating single failure points, with existing solutions failing to effectively manage fluid leakage incidents.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection module with a switching unit that includes a motor-operated blade mechanism for asynchronous fluid supply and return management, allowing for efficient disengagement of fluid connectors in case of leakage, featuring elastic members and sector-shaped blades for controlled disengagement times to minimize damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If rack-level liquid cooling systems are implemented to remove heat from IT equipment, then heat removal capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to leakage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into rack-level cooling infrastructure and individual IT equipment internal cooling systems. The fluid connection module serves as an interface between these segments, allowing each to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality. This segmentation isolates potential failure points and enables targeted leakage response without compromising the entire cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid connection module incorporates preliminary leakage detection and response mechanisms that activate before significant damage can occur. The system monitors fluid connections and can isolate泄漏 sources proactively, preventing catastrophic failures before they impact IT equipment or data center infrastructure.
2Productivity
If fluid distribution components are added to the rack to improve cooling distribution, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connection module is designed as a universal interface that handles multiple functions: fluid connection, leakage detection, disengagement control, and coordination between rack-level and equipment-level cooling systems. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, maintaining cooling efficiency while limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid connection module nests multiple functional elements within a compact structure: the fluid connector, switching unit, and control mechanisms are integrated into a single module that interfaces between the rack cooling system and IT equipment internal cooling systems. This nesting approach improves cooling distribution efficiency while containing device complexity within a manageable form factor.
3Ease of operation
If the fluid connection module uses motor-operated switching units for precise fluid control, then fluid management capability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-operated switching units operate periodically rather than continuously, activating only when fluid connection changes are required or when leakage events occur. This periodic operation maintains precise fluid management capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous motor operation or active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid connection module incorporates leakage detection and response capabilities that operate autonomously without requiring continuous external control. The switching unit can automatically respond to detected leakage conditions, and the system self-regulates fluid connections based on operational states, reducing the energy required for active management while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enhances system reliability and robustness by enabling efficient fluid management during leakage scenarios, reducing the risk of damage and supporting hyperscale and edge computing deployments with adaptable designs compatible with various server architectures and power systems.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-operated blade mechanism for asynchronous fluid supply and return management
Implementation Method 2
featuring elastic members and sector-shaped blades for controlled disengagement times
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed of a fluid connection module. The module includes a holder coupled to a connector having an axis, and the holder is translatable in both directions of the axis so that the holder and the connector can translate between an engaged and disengaged positions. The holder is biased toward the disengaged position. A switching unit adjacent to the holder includes an electric motor. A blade is coupled to the electric motor and is rotatable through a range of angular positions. The blade has a contact surface that contacts a bearing surface of the holder in a first subrange of angular positions and stops contacting the bearing surface in a second subrange of angular positions. When the contact surface is in contact with the bearing surface, the holder is in its engaged position. An elastic torque member is coupled to the motor and the blade and biases the blade to an angular position in the second subrange.