Helical Leak Detection Circuit for Flexible Liquid Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing leak detection systems in liquid-cooled information handling systems are ineffective and often expensive, with traditional solutions like leak detection cables and flexible PCBs failing to match mechanical properties needed for flexible bending and in-plane movement.

Innovation Solution

A helically shaped leak detection circuit with a moisture-sensitive portion and moisture wicking material is used to detect leaks, allowing for flexible bending and improved detection capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional leak detection cables or flexible PCBs are used, then leak detection functionality is provided, but mechanical flexibility and ability to bend in any direction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection functionalityVSAvoidmechanical flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The leak detection circuit is formed into a helical shape rather than a straight linear form. This helical configuration allows the circuit to bend and conform to curved surfaces while maintaining electrical connectivity and detection functionality, thereby improving mechanical flexibility without sacrificing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) as the substrate for the leak detection circuit. The FPC is a thin, flexible film that can be bent and shaped while maintaining electrical properties, enabling the circuit to adapt to various mechanical configurations and surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If long narrow flexible PCBs are used for best panelization efficiency, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but ability to bend in-plane is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanelization efficiencyVSAvoidin-plane bending capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By transforming the flat linear PCB into a helical three-dimensional structure, the design enables in-plane bending capability while maintaining the long narrow form factor needed for efficient panelization during manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Measurement precision

If moisture-sensitive portions are placed close to potential leak sources, then detection sensitivity is improved, but risk of corrosion and damage from fluid leaks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection sensitivityVSAvoidcorrosion and damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A hydrophobic barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the moisture-sensitive circuit portions and the liquid coolant. This barrier allows the circuit to detect moisture from leaks while protecting the electrical components from direct contact with corrosive fluids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct electrical contact-based detection with dielectric constant sensing through a hydrophobic barrier. This substitution allows moisture detection without requiring the circuit to be in direct contact with potentially harmful liquids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 helical design enhances leak detection sensitivity and mechanical flexibility, reducing the risk of corrosion and damage from fluid leaks in information handling systems.

Implementation Method 1

a moisture wicking material mechanically coupled to the leak detection circuit and configured to transport moisture within the moisture wicking material to the at least one moisture-sensitive portion of the leak detection circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS20260056079A1Systems and methods for leak detection in liquid-cooled information handling systems

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system may include an information handling resource, a liquid cooling system for providing cooling of the information handling resource, and a leak detection system for detecting a leak of fluid from the liquid cooling system. The leak detection system may include a leak detection circuit formed into a helical shape and having at least one moisture-sensitive portion configured to detect the presence of moisture proximate to the leak detection circuit and circuitry configured to communicate one or more electrical signals indicative of the presence or absence of moisture proximate to the leak detection circuit and a moisture wicking material mechanically coupled to the leak detection circuit and configured to transport moisture within the moisture wicking material to the at least one moisture-sensitive portion of the leak detection circuit.