Conductive Ink Chassis Leak Detection for Small Coolant Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leak detection systems in information handling systems, particularly those using leak detection ropes, fail to detect small leaks and provide insufficient coverage, posing a risk to electrical and electronic components due to water-based coolant leaks.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection system utilizing conductive ink or paint patterns on insulating materials within the chassis, which measure changes in resistance or capacitance to detect moisture, providing comprehensive coverage and early detection of leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If leak detection ropes are used, then the system can detect leaks, but the detection coverage is insufficient and small leaks cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical leak detection rope with an electrical resistance-based sensing system. Conductive traces are printed on insulating material that lines the chassis, creating an electrical circuit that changes resistance when moisture from leaks is detected. This substitution enables both higher sensitivity to small leaks and comprehensive coverage across the entire chassis surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from physical contact (rope-based) to electrical resistance measurement. By monitoring resistance changes in the conductive traces, the system can detect even small amounts of moisture, significantly improving leak detection sensitivity while covering the entire area where traces are applied.
2Area of stationary object
If conductive ink patterns are used on insulating material, then detection coverage is improved, but the complexity of manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manufacturing methods with printing technology. Conductive ink is printed directly onto insulating material to create sensing traces, similar to printing circuit boards. This printing approach simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling complex sensor networks, while enabling comprehensive coverage of large chassis surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction by combining conductive ink with insulating material. The conductive traces are integrated into the insulating material through printing, creating a unified structure that provides both electrical sensing capability and moisture barrier properties, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive coverage is achieved with conductive traces, then small leaks are detected, but the risk of false positives from condensation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the sensing system. Hydrophobic coating is applied to specific areas to repel condensation and prevent false positives, while other areas maintain normal conductivity for leak detection. This localized differentiation allows the system to distinguish between harmful leaks and benign condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydrophobic coating as an intermediary substance between the conductive traces and the moisture environment. This coating selectively interacts with different types of moisture: it repels condensation (preventing false positives) while allowing coolant leakage to be detected through resistance changes in the traces.
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
The system effectively detects small leaks and enhances coverage, preventing damage to components by alerting management controllers when resistance or capacitance thresholds are breached, ensuring timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The processor may measure resistance change between the first conductive ink and the second conductive ink
Implementation Method 2
In addition, the information handling system includes a capacitor coupled to the leak detection sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system includes a leak detection sensor that has an insulator with a first surface and a second surface. The information handling system also includes a first conductive ink formed to a first conductive pattern on the first surface and a second conductive ink formed to a second conductive pattern on the second surface. In addition, the information handling system includes a processor coupled to the leak detection sensor, the processor is configured to measure resistance change with the first conductive ink and the second conductive ink and in response to a determination that the resistance change is below a threshold, the processor transmit a signal indicating that a leak is detected.