Cooling Block Connector Design for Interference-Free Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling blocks for heat-generating electronic components are limited by size, shape, and configuration, which hinder efficient stacking and increase material usage, compromising space efficiency and thermal transfer surface area.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooling block design with connectors that allow for reduced thickness and interference-free piping connections, enabling multiple components to be stacked without increasing the overall footprint, while maintaining thermal transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If piping is directly connected to the cooling block, then fluid connection is achieved, but the piping interferes with thermal transfer surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling block is divided into separate functional modules: a cooling block body containing thermal transfer surfaces, and a connector module that handles fluid connections. This segmentation allows the piping to connect to the connector rather than directly to the cooling block body, preventing interference with thermal transfer surfaces while maintaining fluid connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the piping and the cooling block body. The connector has fluid pathways that receive cooling fluid from piping and direct it into the cooling block body, serving as a mediator that enables fluid connection without allowing piping to interfere with thermal transfer surfaces.
2Strength
If cooling block thickness is increased, then material strength is improved, but stacking efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector extends the fluid connection interface in a vertical dimension beyond the cooling block body thickness. This allows piping to connect to the top surface of the cooling block without requiring increased thickness, as the connector provides the necessary fluid pathways in the vertical direction while maintaining a compact overall profile for stacking.
3Reliability
If more material is used, then cooling block durability is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling block system is segmented into the cooling block body and a separate connector component. This allows each component to be optimized independently: the cooling block body uses material efficiently for thermal transfer functionality, while the connector uses material only where needed for fluid connection, reducing overall material usage while maintaining durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions: it provides fluid connection interfaces for piping, directs cooling fluid into the cooling block body, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and minimizes overall material usage while ensuring durability through a single integrated connector design.
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 design facilitates efficient cooling of multiple heat-generating components by minimizing material usage and maximizing thermal transfer surface area, allowing for cost-effective and space-efficient cooling solutions.
Implementation Method 1
water (or other fluid) is made to flow through a conduit in the cooling block to absorb heat from the heat-generating electronic component through the thermal transfer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for a cooling block having a connector body defining at least one connector passage. The connector is connectable to a top side of the cooling block body such that the at least one connector passage is in fluid communication with one or both of a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet of the cooling block. A cooling block comprising a cooling block body defining a fluid conduit therein for circulating a cooling fluid therethrough, the fluid conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet for receiving and discharging the cooling fluid respectively, and the connector connected to the top side of the cooling block body such that the at least one connector passage is in fluid communication with one or both of the conduit inlet and the conduit outlet of the cooling block.