Fan Tachometer Outputs for Multi-Rope Coolant Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid detection systems in information handling systems require multiple leak detection ropes, necessitating numerous connectors on the motherboard, which is inefficient use of real estate and complicates implementation.
Innovation Solution
Repurpose fan tachometer connectors to encode leak detection rope identifiers and statuses using square wave pulses, allowing a single pair of outputs to emulate fan tachometer signals, reducing the need for multiple connectors by encoding rope IDs and statuses on existing fan tachometer outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple leak detection ropes are used to detect leaks across different locations, then leak detection coverage is improved, but the number of connectors required on the motherboard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repurposes existing fan tachometer connectors to serve dual functions: their original function for fan speed monitoring and a new function for leak detection. The leak detection controller uses these same connectors to transmit encoded leak status information, eliminating the need for dedicated leak detection connectors and reducing motherboard space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines leak detection functionality with the existing fan control infrastructure by merging the leak detection signal transmission into the fan tachometer output channels. Multiple leak detection rope statuses are multiplexed through a limited number of connectors, consolidating what would otherwise require separate dedicated connections.
2Reliability
If dedicated leak detection connectors are added for each leak detection rope, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan tachometer connectors are designed to perform multiple functions - original fan speed monitoring and new leak detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated connectors and simplifies the overall system implementation by leveraging existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing connector infrastructure (fan tachometer outputs) to serve the additional function of leak detection, rather than requiring external or dedicated resources. The fan connectors essentially serve themselves by carrying both fan control and leak detection signals.
3Loss of information
If multiple separate connectors are used for leak detection, then leak detection rope identification is improved, but ease of operation and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leak detection controller encodes rope identifiers using periodic square wave pulse patterns on the fan tachometer outputs. Each unique rope identifier is represented by a distinct pulse frequency or pattern, allowing multiple ropes to be identified through a single connector channel. This periodic encoding simplifies installation by eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors while preserving full rope identification capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A leak detector for detecting liquid coolant leaks includes a leak detector controller coupled to leak detection ropes. The leak detector controller associates a leak detector identifier with each of the leak detection ropes, encodes each leak detector identifier as a first pattern of square wave pulses on a first output of the leak detector controller, and encodes a rope status as a second pattern of square wave pulses on a second output of the leak detector controller.