Configurable Liquid Manifold for Variable-Width Server Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-cooled server racks face challenges in efficiently accommodating servers of different sizes due to the difficulty in creating influent and effluent plumbing that can adapt to varying server dimensions, leading to costly and time-consuming fabrication of new manifolds when server sizes change.
Innovation Solution
A configurable liquid manifold system with rotating fittings allows for a single design to interface with servers of varying widths by enabling relative rotation between manifold portions, accommodating both 21 inch and 19 inch servers through two configurations, reducing the need for multiple manifold designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single manifold design is used for all server sizes, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the manifold cannot adapt to different server dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold incorporates rotating fittings that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the manifold's geometry. The fitting enables the manifold to rotate between different orientations, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different server sizes without requiring multiple manifold designs.
Solution Approach 2:
A single manifold design serves multiple functions by accommodating both 19-inch and 21-inch servers through the rotating fitting mechanism. The manifold can be configured in different orientations to interface with servers of varying widths, making one universal design applicable to multiple server types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manifold designs are fabricated for different server sizes, then adaptability to server compositions is improved, but fabrication cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fabricating multiple static manifold designs, the invention uses a dynamic rotating fitting that allows the same manifold to reconfigure itself. This eliminates the need for time-consuming fabrication of multiple manifolds and enables quick adaptation to different server compositions through simple rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating fitting enables a single manifold to perform multiple functions by adapting its geometry to match different server configurations. This universal design reduces the number of manifolds that need to be fabricated and installed, saving time and resources.
3Manufacturing precision
If the manifold structure is made fixed and rigid, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but the ability to accommodate varying server dimensions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold transitions from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic configuration where the rotating fitting allows controlled movement. The fitting maintains precise connections while enabling the manifold to rotate to different orientations, combining manufacturing precision with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is divided into segments connected by rotating fittings, allowing different portions of the manifold to be precisely manufactured and then assembled through rotation. This segmentation enables precise manufacturing of individual components while maintaining overall configurability.
Data Source
AI summary
The manifold includes a first portion including first liquid connectors arranged in a first linear array parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first portion. The manifold also includes a second portion including second liquid connectors arranged in a second linear array parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second portion and third liquid connectors arranged in a third linear array parallel to the second longitudinal axis and on a different side of the second portion than the second liquid connectors. The manifold also includes a fitting connecting the first portion and the second portion that allows relative rotation about a rotation axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axes. The first and second liquid connectors may be used for a first width of servers and the third liquid connectors may be used for a second width of servers.