Blind-Mate Liquid Cooling Connector With Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
High failure rates of barbed fittings in liquid cooling systems for data centers due to large pipe sizes and hose bending angles, exacerbated by challenges in transportation, handling, and assembly, necessitate a more reliable connection method.
Innovation Solution
A complete blind-mate interface design with a self-engaging mechanism and full segregation, eliminating flexible hoses and barbed fittings by using a holder to couple blind-mate interfaces between the rack manifold and room manifold, ensuring secure and vibration-isolated connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barbed fittings are used to connect electronic room manifold port and electronic rack manifold port, then connection can be established, but connection failure rate increases due to large pipe size and hose bending angle
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a holder mounted on the electronic rack, a manifold assembly with integrated connectors, and distinct supply/return lines. Each component can be independently manufactured, assembled, and replaced, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the electronic rack and the manifold assembly. The holder provides a stable mounting structure that positions the manifold connectors accurately, eliminating the need for flexible hoses and barbed fittings while maintaining secure connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If barbed fittings with flexible hoses are used, then connection flexibility is provided, but failure rate increases due to transportation, handling, and assembly challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with movable and adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different rack configurations and positions. The holder can be mounted at various locations on the electronic rack and adjusted to accommodate different manifold positions, providing flexibility without requiring flexible hoses.
3Device complexity
If rigid blind-mate interfaces are used without holder, then connection simplicity is achieved, but mechanical stress and connection integrity are compromised during rack movement
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses before they reach the blind-mate connectors. By providing a compliant mounting structure, the holder protects the rigid connectors from excessive forces during rack movement, vibration, and thermal expansion, maintaining connection integrity without adding significant complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for an electronic rack includes a pivot point and a first end of the holder having a first blind-mate connector to be coupled to a second blind-mate connector at a first engagement interface. The first blind-mate connector and the second blind-mate connector are coupled in response to the holder moving to the second position in response to contact with the electronic rack. The holder additionally includes a second end of the holder having a third blind-mate connector to be coupled to a fourth blind-mate connector at a second engagement interface. The third blind-mate connector and the fourth blind-mate connector are coupled in response to the holder moving to the second position in response to contact with the electronic rack.