Blind Mating Adapter for Liquid Cooling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server rack cooling systems face challenges in efficiently and effectively connecting and disconnecting liquid coolant connections, which are often deep and inaccessible, leading to difficulties in servicing high-performance servers in data centers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a blind mating adapter unit that allows for tool-free, self-aligning fluid coupling between servers and coolant distribution manifolds using an elliptical frame and plate configuration, enabling adjustable and rotatable fluid connectors for secure and easy mating and demating processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If liquid coolant connections are placed deep in the back of the server rack for compact design, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility for servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connector is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow it to adapt its position and orientation. The connector can be adjusted to different angles and positions to accommodate various manifold configurations, making it accessible for servicing while maintaining compact rack design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates adjustable parameters including angle of insertion, position along the connection path, and orientation. These adjustable parameters allow the connector to reach manifold connections deep in the rack while maintaining accessibility from the front or side of the rack.
2Reliability
If traditional fluid connectors are used that require tools for connection, then connection security is improved, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connector is designed as a self-aligning, tool-free connection system. The connector automatically aligns with the manifold connection and secures itself without requiring external tools, enabling easy installation and removal while maintaining reliable connections through inherent mechanical engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary between the server and the coolant distribution manifold, providing a self-contained mating mechanism that includes alignment features and secure engagement elements, eliminating the need for external tools while ensuring reliable connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-position fluid connectors are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different server configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow it to adapt to different manifold positions and orientations. The adjustable angle and position capabilities enable a single connector design to work with various server and manifold configurations without requiring custom-manufactured connectors for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid connector is designed as a universal connection device that can interface with multiple types of manifold configurations. Through its adjustable features, a single connector design serves multiple functions and accommodates different server rack layouts, connection types, and manifold positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A blind mating adapter unit is disclosed that is adjustably locatable on a server chassis. The blind mating adapter unit is rotatably adjustable to align the orientation of one or more fluid connectors on the blind mating adapter unit to a corresponding one or more mating fluid connectors on a coolant distribution manifold installed in a server rack. An elliptical frame having an elliptical orbit, coupled to an elliptical plate having a connector channel, can be rotated about a rotation axis continuously or in fixed increments. The connector channel and elliptical orbit define a rotation path for the aligning the fluid connectors and the rotation axis defines the position of the fluid connectors on the rotation path. When the server is slid into place in the server rack, the fluid connectors on the blind mating adapter fluidly couple to the corresponding mating fluid connectors on the coolant distribution manifold. The blind mating adapter unit functions as an intermediate layer for server and rack fluid mating.