Cold Plate Flex Regions for Complex Server Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex configurations of electronic components in server racks pose challenges for effective cooling, as conventional cooling systems struggle to efficiently manage heat dissipation in intricate arrangements while maintaining mechanical integrity and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A cold plate design featuring flexible regions between fin areas that can be bent or twisted at nonzero angles, connected in fluid communication, and supported by posts to maintain mechanical tolerance and fluid flow, allowing for efficient cooling of complex electronic component configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional cooling systems are used for complex electronic component configurations, then mechanical integrity is maintained, but thermal performance and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal performanceVSAvoidadaptability to complex configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cold plate is divided into multiple fin areas connected by flex regions, allowing each section to be independently positioned to match complex electronic component layouts while maintaining overall thermal performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flex regions enable the cold plate to dynamically adapt its shape through bending and twisting at nonzero angles, transforming a rigid structure into a adaptable one that can conform to various component configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If rigid cold plate structures are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of installation and adaptability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidmechanical tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flex regions provide controlled flexibility that allows the cold plate to be installed on complex configurations while the support posts maintain mechanical tolerance and ensure precise positioning during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flex regions act as flexible connections between fin areas, allowing the cold plate to bend and twist without compromising the structural integrity or precision of the fin areas themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate cold plates are used for complex configurations, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and material requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage of complex configurationsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fin areas that would traditionally require separate cold plates are merged into a single continuous structure connected by flex regions, reducing the number of components while maintaining adaptability to complex configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cold plate with flex regions serves multiple functions by adapting to various complex electronic component configurations, replacing the need for multiple specialized cold plates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design reduces material requirements, simplifies installation and removal of cold plates, enhances thermal performance, and achieves high packaging density at lower costs, effectively addressing the cooling needs of complex electronic component arrangements.

Implementation Method 1

The flex region is bent or twisted at a nonzero angle around at least one axis relative to the broadest surfaces of the first and second fin areas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

One or more support posts are disposed in the flex region, are connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall, and hold the top wall apart from the bottom wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support:

Implementation Method 3

The top wall and the bottom wall define and enclose a first fin area, a second fin area, and a flex region that joins the first fin area to the second fin area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11058030B2Cold plate with flex regions between fin areas

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An apparatus includes a top wall and a bottom wall. The top wall and the bottom wall define and enclose a first fin area; a second fin area; and a flex region joining the first fin area to the second fin area. The flex region is connected in fluid communication with the interior of the first fin area and the interior of the second fin area. The flex region is bent or twisted at a nonzero angle around at least one axis relative to the broadest surfaces of the first and second fin areas.