Flow-Through Membrane Accumulator to Prevent Coolant Stagnation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid cooling systems, accumulators used in liquid cooling systems have a liquid chamber that is not part of the main fluid flow path, leading to stagnant liquid that can degrade and cause contamination, corrosion, and blockages.

Innovation Solution

A flow-through accumulator design with a flexible membrane forming a liquid channel that is integrated into the liquid flow path, allowing continuous recirculation of liquid and incorporating an air cavity surrounding the membrane to absorb pressure fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the liquid chamber is not part of the main fluid flow path, then the accumulator can effectively absorb pressure fluctuations, but the liquid becomes stagnant leading to degradation and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure regulationVSAvoidliquid stagnation and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure absorption function with the fluid flow path by integrating the liquid channel through the membrane into the main cooling loop. This allows the liquid to continuously flow through the accumulator while the membrane still absorbs pressure fluctuations, eliminating stagnation while maintaining pressure regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary element that separates the pressure absorption function from the fluid flow path. It allows pressure fluctuations to be absorbed in the air cavity while the liquid flows continuously through the liquid channel, resolving the contradiction between pressure regulation and preventing stagnation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a traditional bladder or diaphragm accumulator is used, then pressure fluctuations can be absorbed, but the liquid surrounding the bladder/diaphragm becomes stagnant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure fluctuation absorptionVSAvoidliquid circulation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the liquid chamber around the membrane as in traditional accumulators, the patent inverts the configuration by routing the liquid channel through the membrane itself. This inversion ensures that the liquid flows continuously through the accumulator rather than stagnating around it, while the membrane still performs its pressure absorption function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If the liquid cooling loop operates with thermal expansion, then cooling efficiency improves, but pressure spikes may burst pipes without an accumulator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidpressure spikes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air cavity in the accumulator provides beforehand cushioning for pressure spikes caused by thermal expansion. The compressible air absorbs sudden pressure increases before they can damage the cooling loop, while allowing the liquid to expand freely during normal thermal cycles, maintaining cooling efficiency while protecting against harmful pressure spikes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Prevents liquid stagnation, maintaining liquid chemistry integrity and preventing contamination, while effectively managing pressure changes in the cooling system.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible membrane formed into a tube-like shape... an air cavity extending circumferentially around and radially outward from the liquid channel... the air cavity radially surrounding the flexible membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

liquid cooling techniques may use flows of liquid coolant to remove heat from the system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12593423B2Flow-through folding membrane accumulator for liquid cooling system

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

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.