Blind Mate Liquid Distributor for Server Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid cooling systems for IT equipment face challenges such as high maintenance effort, risk of damage, and limited interoperability due to the use of flexible hoses and manual connection methods, particularly for high power density applications and devices like PCI-E devices, which require a more efficient and modular solution that integrates blind mate connectors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design featuring a two-tiered blind mating connection system that eliminates flexible hoses by using first and second blind mate connectors to automatically connect with the IT rack and electronic devices, allowing for efficient liquid distribution without manual twisting or turning, and incorporating a sliding channel and leverage mechanism for secure mating without damaging electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible hoses are used for liquid cooling connections, then the system can accommodate various configurations, but the maintenance effort increases and the risk of snagging and leaking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes flexible hoses from the liquid cooling system by integrating rigid connectors directly into the chassis structure. The chassis includes integrated connectors that mate with rack connectors and device connectors, eliminating the need for separate flexible hoses and thereby removing the associated risks of snagging and leaking while maintaining configuration flexibility through the modular connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the liquid cooling connection function with the chassis structure by integrating connectors directly into the chassis. The chassis integrates both the structural support function and the liquid cooling connection function, eliminating the need for separate flexible hoses and reducing maintenance effort while improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If manual twisting or turning of connectors is required to mate, then the connection can be made, but the overall effort required to maintain the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning connectors on the chassis at the correct orientations and locations before installation. The integrated connectors are already aligned and ready to mate with the rack and devices, eliminating the need for manual twisting or turning during installation and reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design enables self-alignment and self-mating through the integrated chassis structure. The connectors are positioned and oriented automatically by the chassis geometry, allowing for tool-free installation and reducing both installation effort and maintenance time without requiring manual manipulation.
3Device complexity
If flexible hoses are used, then the system can be assembled, but additional space is occupied within the chassis which limits the availability of cooling solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts flexible hoses from the chassis interior by using rigid, integrated connectors that are part of the chassis structure. This eliminates the space-consuming flexible hoses while maintaining the cooling solution's adaptability through the modular connector design that can accommodate various device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cooling connection function with the chassis structure, eliminating the need for separate flexible hoses. This integration frees up space within the chassis that would otherwise be occupied by hoses, making more space available for cooling components and devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing server level liquid cooling solutions designed for mezzanine connectors are used, then the solution can be applied to mezzanine devices, but it cannot be applied to PCI-E devices due to form factor limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal connector system that can interface with multiple device form factors including both mezzanine devices and PCI-E devices. The integrated connectors on the chassis are designed with universal compatibility, allowing the same cooling solution to serve different device types without requiring form factor-specific implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connector system into modular components that can be independently configured for different device types. The chassis includes multiple sets of integrated connectors that can be selectively mated with different device forms, allowing a single cooling solution to accommodate various form factors through modular connection design.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A chassis can include a sliding liquid distributor that has blind mate connectors. The blind mate connectors mate with an IT rack in one direction and one or more electronic devices in an opposite direction. The liquid distributor circulates fluid to-and-from the electronic devices from-and-to the IT rack. Other embodiments are described and claimed.