Blind Mate Fluid Connector for Server Liquid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems for electronics and servers face reliability issues due to high failure rates of connectors, particularly in ensuring compatibility and easy connection between server cooling modules and rack manifolds, often requiring manual operation and suffering from human error.
Innovation Solution
A modular blind mate interface design for liquid cooling, featuring an adapter module with self-aligning connectors that can be secured without tools, ensuring compatibility between server chassis and rack manifolds, and allowing for easy assembly and reduced risk of damage during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used in liquid cooling systems, then connection reliability is improved, but manual operation is required and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with self-aligning features including guide pins that automatically align the connector with the receptacle during insertion, and self-latching mechanisms that automatically secure the connection without manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself during the connection process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical connection operations with an automated blind-mate interface that uses spring-loaded contacts and automatic latching mechanisms to establish electrical and fluid connections without requiring manual alignment or fastening operations
2Reliability
If traditional connectors are used in liquid cooling systems, then connection stability is improved, but assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates pre-positioned guide features and alignment pins that are already in place before insertion begins, and pre-loaded spring mechanisms that automatically engage upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic latching mechanism and self-aligning features enable the connector to complete the connection process autonomously upon insertion, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual connector assembly while maintaining connection stability
3Manufacturing precision
If manual connector operation is required, then connection precision can be controlled, but human error increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-aligning guide pins and automatic positioning features enable the connector to achieve precise alignment and connection automatically during insertion, eliminating reliance on human operator skill and consistency while maintaining high connection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual alignment and connection operations with automated mechanical guidance systems that use precision-machined guide surfaces and定位 features to ensure consistent, error-free connections every time
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector includes an adapter panel defining at least two mounting holes configured to be secured to a mounting rail of a server chassis. The fluid connector also includes an interior connector configured to fluidly communicate with a cooling module of a server, and a blind mate connector extending from the adapter panel and configured to fluidly connect with a port of a rack manifold.