Blind-Mating Fluid Connector for Liquid-Cooled IT Servers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid-cooled IT servers face challenges with fluid leaks due to numerous connections between on-board cooling systems and larger facility cooling systems, which are difficult to manage and assemble, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A connector interface with a blind-mating feature and flow distribution capabilities, eliminating the need for manual connection of liquid loops to a rack manifold, providing a universal design that works in multiple orientations and reduces leakage risks by acting as a mini-manifold within the server chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connections are used to couple cooling systems at multiple levels, then fluid transfer can be achieved, but the risk of fluid leaks increases and assembly becomes difficult in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enables self-aligning and self-mating operation through its symmetric design with complementary male and female interfaces. The connector automatically orients itself during insertion without requiring manual alignment, and the latching mechanism engages automatically when the connectors meet, eliminating the need for manual connection operations while preventing fluid leaks through sealed interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design provides a universal interface that can be used in multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) and at various connection points throughout the cooling system. The symmetric male and female interfaces can mate with each other regardless of orientation, allowing the same connector type to be deployed universally across different locations and orientations in the cooling system assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid connections are made to couple cooling systems at different levels, then cooling functionality is achieved, but the number of potential leak points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector acts as an intermediary component between different cooling system levels (data center cooling system, rack cooling system, and on-board cooling system). Each connector interface includes sealed mating surfaces and latching mechanisms that create reliable fluid-tight connections, reducing the leak risk at each connection point while enabling integration across multiple system levels.
3Manufacturing precision
If connectors are designed for specific orientations, then assembly precision can be maintained, but the connectors cannot be used in multiple orientations as needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric features within each connector type (male and female) that guide precise alignment during mating. The male connector has protruding alignment features that fit into corresponding recesses in the female connector, ensuring precise orientation and positioning. However, since both male and female connectors have identical external dimensions and mounting interfaces, the entire assembly can be rotated to multiple orientations while maintaining connection precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed of a fluid connector including a connector body having at least a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface. A male interface projects longitudinally from the first exterior surface and includes a male internal chamber bounded in part by a pair of spaced-apart laterally-moving fluid gates coupled to each other by a first elastic member. A female interface longitudinally adjacent to the male interface is recessed into the first exterior surface. The female interface includes a female internal chamber bounded in part by a longitudinally-moving fluid gate, the longitudinally-moving fluid gate being biased into its closed position by a second elastic member. A plurality of fluid distribution ports are positioned on the second surface, each being fluidly coupled to the male interface, the female interface, or both.