Blind Mating Connector Alignment via Guided Slider

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Solution Overview

Problem

Server racks in data centers face challenges with inaccessible liquid coolant connections, requiring precise blind mating that is difficult to achieve due to the deep location and varying sizes and orientations of connectors, leading to potential misalignment and errors during service and installation.

Innovation Solution

A blind mating connection structure comprising a connector module with sliding channels and a guiding module that uses a positioning slider to align fluid connectors with coolant distribution manifolds, allowing for horizontal and vertical movement and adjustable orientation, along with an elastic connection to ensure secure mating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If connectors are placed deep in the back of the server rack, then connection density is improved, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection densityVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A positioning slider acts as an intermediary component between the server and the coolant distribution manifold. The slider engages with a guiding module to automatically align and position the connector, enabling accurate connection without requiring deep manual intervention into the rack interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If blind mating is used to simplify connection, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces purely mechanical blind mating with a guided positioning system. The positioning slider works with the guiding module to provide mechanical guidance that ensures accurate alignment, substituting the need for high-precision blind mating with a controlled positioning mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If connectors are made adjustable to accommodate varying orientations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector orientation flexibilityVSAvoidconnector module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning slider is designed to move dynamically along the guiding module during the connection process. This dynamic positioning capability allows the connector to adapt to varying orientations and locations without requiring multiple fixed-position connectors, thereby achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11672099B2System level structure for blind mating connections

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 BAIDU USA LLC

AI summary

A blind mating connection structure for servers is disclosed. On the server side, a connector module has fluid connectors to be blind mated to fluid connectors on rack manifolds in a server rack. The connector module is coupled to a sliding channel on the server. The connector module slides horizontally and vertically in response to movement of a positioning slider on the connector module. On the rack manifold side, a guiding module has an opening that receives the positioning slider when the server is installed in the server rack. The guiding module tapers down to a centering point midway between each rack manifold. As the server is slid into the server rack, the positioning slider follows the guiding module to the center point, moving the connector module into alignment with the fluid connectors on the rack manifold for blind mating.