Blind Docking Quick Connect for Liquid Cooling Compute Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluidic couplings for coolant systems in high heat-density computer systems require substantial time and effort to connect and disconnect, especially when located in difficult-to-access areas, such as the back of a computer chassis.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a compliant connector assembly with quick connect connectors and spring biasing mechanisms that allow for blind mating and alignment, enabling fluidic coupling despite angular and linear misalignments, and facilitating easy installation and removal of compute nodes within a chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluidic couplings (threaded fittings or flanges) are used to connect coolant conduits, then the fluidic connection is secure and reliable, but the time and effort required to connect and disconnect these couplings increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a male connector attached to the compute node and a female connector attached to the chassis. This segmentation allows for quick, tool-free connection by simply pushing the male connector into the female connector, eliminating the time-consuming threading or bolting operations while maintaining secure fluidic connection through the complementary mating surfaces and O-ring seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages the male and female connectors when pushed together. The spring provides the necessary force to overcome any misalignment and ensures positive engagement, while also maintaining constant contact pressure for a reliable seal. This dynamic mechanism enables rapid connection without requiring manual tightening or complex alignment procedures.
2Productivity
If quick disconnect couplings are used to reduce connection time, then the connection speed improves, but substantial effort and time are still required to align and secure the couplings, especially in difficult-to-access locations
Solution Approach 1:
A bay structure serves as an intermediary mechanism between the compute node and chassis. The bay includes guide rails that automatically align the male connector with the female connector as the compute node is inserted. This intermediary alignment mechanism eliminates the need for manual positioning efforts, especially beneficial in difficult-to-access locations, while maintaining quick connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning features where the male and female connectors automatically find their correct relative positions through mechanical guidance structures. The compute node's insertion into the bay automatically positions the connectors for mating, and the spring-loaded mechanism automatically engages them without requiring user intervention for alignment or securing operations.
3Device complexity
If the connectors are positioned at the back of the bay for compact design, then the chassis structure is optimized, but the accessibility for connection and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector positions and alignment features are pre-configured during manufacturing. The male and female connectors are pre-positioned on the compute node and chassis respectively, with guide rails and alignment pins already installed. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the compute node is inserted into the bay, the connectors automatically align and engage without requiring any on-site adjustment or complex manual operations, making maintenance accessible despite the rear positioning.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment procedures are used for quick disconnect couplings, then connection accuracy can be achieved, but the process requires multiple steps including alignment, insertion, and securing
Solution Approach 1:
The manual alignment and securing process is replaced by a spring-loaded automatic engagement mechanism. When the male connector is pushed into the female connector, the spring automatically provides the force needed for precise alignment and secure engagement in a single motion. This eliminates the need for multiple manual steps (alignment, insertion, securing) while maintaining high connection accuracy through the mechanical guidance structures and spring force control.
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
This solution significantly reduces the effort required for connecting and disconnecting fluidic couplings, allowing for efficient assembly and maintenance of compute nodes while maintaining a secure fluidic circuit, even in challenging access conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring biasing the third quick connect connector in the rearward direction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a rigid structure having first and second collars, a quick connect connector having first and second shoulders, and a spring biasing the connector toward an extended position with the first shoulder against the first collar and the second shoulder against the second collar. The first collar and the first shoulder form an inwardly and rearwardly angled contact surface there between, and the second collar and the second shoulder form an inwardly and rearwardly angled contact surface there between. The connector is centered in the first and second collars unless acted upon by a force overcoming the spring and pushing the connector to a retracted position with the first and second shoulders out of contact with the first and second collars. When retracted, the connector may adjust its position longitudinally, vertically, laterally or angularly to facilitate coupling with a mating fixed quick connect connector.