Flow-Through Membrane Accumulator to Prevent Coolant Stagnation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid cooling systems, the liquid chamber of accumulators often remains stagnant, leading to chemical degradation, contamination, and potential corrosive effects that can spread throughout the cooling loop.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through accumulator design where the liquid channel is integrated into the main liquid flow path, ensuring continuous recirculation of the liquid and preventing stagnation. This design uses a flexible membrane formed into a tube-like shape with inlet and outlet openings, allowing liquid to flow through the accumulator while the membrane absorbs pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liquid chamber is isolated from the main flow path, then the accumulator can effectively absorb pressure fluctuations, but the liquid becomes stagnant leading to chemical degradation and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid chamber is divided into two functional zones: a flow-through channel that maintains continuous liquid circulation, and a stagnant region that provides pressure absorption capacity. The membrane separates these zones, allowing the flow channel to prevent contamination while the stagnant region maintains reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the liquid chamber have different functional qualities: the flow-through channel region has high fluidity to prevent stagnation, while the membrane-enclosed region has pressure absorption capability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between reliability and contamination prevention.
2Reliability
If a traditional bladder accumulator is used, then the liquid chamber can absorb pressure spikes, but the bladder material may degrade from chemical exposure and physical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane acts as an intermediary barrier between the coolant and the bladder material. It transmits pressure forces while preventing direct chemical contact, thus protecting the bladder from degradation and extending its service life while maintaining pressure spike absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin membrane film is used to separate the liquid chamber from the bladder. This flexible film allows pressure transmission while providing chemical protection, enabling the bladder to withstand pressure spikes without direct exposure to degrading coolant chemicals.
3Reliability
If the accumulator chamber volume is large, then it can accommodate thermal expansion, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane provides dynamic volume adjustment capability, allowing the liquid chamber to expand and contract with thermal fluctuations. This dynamic response enables effective thermal expansion accommodation without requiring a permanently large chamber volume, thus reducing overall device size and complexity.
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 continuous flow through the accumulator prevents liquid stagnation, maintaining the chemical integrity of the coolant and reducing the risk of contamination and corrosion within the liquid cooling loop.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane comprises a number of folds extending parallel to the axis and distributed circumferentially around the axis, wherein the folds alternate in their fold direction to form a series of folded portions... the folded portions are flexible
Implementation Method 2
a cold plate is thermally coupled with the component that needs cooling and a flow of liquid coolant can be used to transfer heat from the component to the liquid coolant
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow-through folding membrane accumulator comprises a hollow cylindrical housing and a folding flexible membrane disposed in an interior volume of the housing. The membrane defines an interior liquid channel extending through the membrane along a longitudinal axis, and liquid coolant flows from an inlet of the accumulator through the interior liquid channel to an outlet of the accumulator. The membrane is sealed to the housing such that an air-tight cavity filled with a gas is formed between the housing and the membrane. The cavity radially surrounds the internal liquid channel, with the membrane separating the cavity and the internal liquid channel. Volumes of the cavity and channel change in response to deformation of the membrane and based on pressures of the liquid coolant. The membrane may comprise multiple folds extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and distributed circumferentially around the axis.