Liquid-Cooling Air Bubble Detection via Transient Pressure Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for detecting residual air bubbles in liquid-cooling systems are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring manual observation and prolonged coolant addition, and lack effective means to ensure optimal cooling performance.

Innovation Solution

A detection system incorporating a pressurizing device and pressure sensor to measure transient pressure responses, allowing for rapid detection of residual air bubbles by pressurizing the coolant and analyzing pressure variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If visual observation method is used to detect residual air bubbles, then the detection process is simple, but the detection time is long and detection precision is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical visual observation method with a pressure-based detection system. A pressure sensor measures pressure changes in the coolant, and a controller analyzes these changes to detect air bubbles. This substitution of mechanical observation with a sensor-based system resolves the contradiction by providing rapid, automated detection without increasing system complexity significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system enables the liquid-cooling system to self-diagnose the presence of air bubbles through pressure monitoring. The controller automatically analyzes pressure data and determines whether air bubbles are present, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and reducing detection time while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If visual observation method is used to detect residual air bubbles, then the detection system is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidair bubble detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise visual observation with a pressure sensor-based measurement system. The pressure sensor detects subtle pressure changes caused by air bubbles, and the controller analyzes these changes to determine bubble presence with high precision. This mechanical-to-sensor substitution directly addresses the measurement precision issue while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system uses feedback from pressure sensor measurements to accurately determine the presence of air bubbles. The controller continuously monitors pressure changes and uses this feedback to make precise detection decisions, significantly improving measurement precision over visual observation while maintaining acceptable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual coolant addition is used to remove residual air bubbles, then the process is simple, but the productivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant addition process complexityVSAvoidair bubble removal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based coolant addition control system. The pressure sensor continuously monitors for air bubbles, and the controller automatically controls coolant addition based on detection results. This feedback mechanism dramatically improves productivity by eliminating the need for prolonged manual coolant addition, while the automated control keeps the process relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service air bubble removal through automated coolant addition control. The controller automatically manages the coolant addition process based on pressure sensor feedback, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and significantly improving productivity while maintaining process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If automated pressure-based detection system is implemented, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair bubble detection precisionVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a pressure sensor-based detection system that replaces complex visual observation procedures with a simple sensor and controller combination. The pressure sensor measures pressure changes, and the controller analyzes these changes to detect air bubbles with high precision. This approach improves measurement precision while keeping device complexity relatively low by using straightforward pressure measurement technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system provides self-service functionality through automated pressure analysis. The controller automatically processes pressure sensor data and determines air bubble presence without requiring complex external analysis equipment or procedures, thereby improving precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

5Productivity

If automated pressure-based detection system is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair bubble removal efficiencyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based automated detection and control system. The pressure sensor provides real-time feedback on air bubble presence, and the controller automatically adjusts coolant addition based on this feedback. This feedback mechanism dramatically improves productivity by enabling rapid, accurate detection and response, while the automated control logic keeps the overall system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service air bubble removal through automated pressure-based detection and control. The controller automatically manages the entire process from detection to coolant addition adjustment, significantly improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through self-service operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient and accurate detection of residual air bubbles, ensuring optimal cooling performance and reducing installation and maintenance time by automating the detection process.

Implementation Method 1

pressurizing the coolant in the passage of the liquid-cooling system to generate a transient pressure response

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure wave propagation:

Implementation Method 2

measuring the transient pressure response to detect residual air bubbles in the liquid-cooling system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP4239448B1Detection system and transient pressure response detection method for detecting residual air bubbles in liquid-cooling system and flow rate control device for using the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 WISTRON CORP
  • EP4239448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4239448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4239448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A detection system (1) adapted for a liquid-cooling system (2) includes a pressurizing device (11) and at least one pressure sensor (13), the pressurizing device is configured to connect to and to pressure the liquid-cooling system, the pressure sensor is configured to measure a transient pressure response in response to detecting residual air bubbles in the liquid-cooling system.