Cooling Device Flexible Tube Vertical Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices that utilize a phase change phenomenon for electronic devices face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat due to space constraints, as the configuration requires a significant increase in the diameter of flexible tubes and bending radius, leading to increased installation space needs, which limits the number of devices that can be installed in data centers with limited space.
Innovation Solution
The cooling device incorporates multiple evaporators connected to a refrigerant relay, with a flexible tube configuration that allows the refrigerant relay to be positioned above the casing, enabling the tube to cross over and maintain a compact installation space by utilizing surplus length and flexibility, allowing the device to be installed in a more compact area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the diameter of the flexible tube is increased to dissipate more heat, then the heat dissipation capability is improved, but the bending radius of the flexible tube increases, requiring the cooling bath to be distanced from the rear door, which increases the installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a refrigerant relay unit positioned above the casing, creating a vertical (third dimension) arrangement. The flexible tube extends from the rear door, loops upward to the refrigerant relay unit, and returns downward. This vertical positioning allows the tube to achieve the necessary length for adequate heat dissipation without increasing the horizontal footprint, thus resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation capability and installation space.
2Reliability
If the flexible tube is made longer to accommodate a larger diameter and greater bending radius, then the heat dissipation is improved, but the space for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning the refrigerant relay unit above the casing. The flexible tube is routed upward to the relay unit and then downward, creating a loop that achieves the necessary tube length for heat dissipation without extending the horizontal dimensions. This three-dimensional routing allows the tube to be sufficiently long for thermal performance while maintaining a compact installation footprint.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple evaporators are connected to a single refrigerant relay, then the space for installation is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent connects multiple evaporators (first and second evaporators) to a single refrigerant relay unit through flexible tubes. This merging approach allows multiple cooling zones to be served from a centralized relay position, reducing the overall installation space compared to having separate relay units for each evaporator. The single relay unit simplifies the system architecture while maintaining the ability to independently control multiple evaporator circuits.
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 configuration effectively suppresses the increase in installation space requirements, enabling more cooling devices to be installed in data centers with limited space while maintaining efficient heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
technologies relating to a phase change cooling method in which a phase change phenomenon of refrigerant is used
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator 127, disposed on a rear-surface door 122, that covers substantially the entire rear surface of the casing 121
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To minimize any increase in space for installation. [Solution] A cooling device 120 according to the present invention is provided with: an evaporator 127 positioned on a rear-surface door provided in a casing 121 in such a manner as to allow opening and closing; a refrigerant relay 112 provided above the casing 121 to connect with the evaporator; and a bendable flexible tube 123, one end of which being connected to the evaporator 127 and the other end of which being connected to a side of the refrigerant relay 112 that is different from the side in which the evaporator 127 is positioned. At least a part of the flexible tube 123 is positioned below the refrigerant relay 112 so as to cross the refrigerant relay 112.