Immersion Cooling Rack Flap Mechanism for Controlled Coolant Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing immersion cooling techniques for IT systems face challenges due to limited physical space and budget constraints, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A chassis design with a flap mechanism that controls coolant drainage, allowing accumulated coolant to be drained in an open position and preventing drainage in a closed position, utilizing a pivoting axis and a flap handle for operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If immersion cooling is implemented for IT systems, then cooling efficiency is improved, but physical space requirements and budget costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidphysical space

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components: a rack unit housing multiple chassis, each chassis being a self-contained cooling module. This segmentation allows the immersion cooling system to be deployed in distributed units rather than requiring a single large cooling infrastructure, optimizing space utilization while maintaining cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple chassis are nested within a single rack unit, with each chassis containing its own enclosure and coolant supply system. This nested configuration allows efficient use of vertical space in the rack, enabling high-density deployment of cooled IT components without proportionally increasing the footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Temperature

If immersion cooling is implemented for IT systems, then cooling efficiency is improved, but budget constraints are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidbudget costs

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modular chassis design allows organizations to deploy immersion cooling incrementally, starting with one or a few chassis and expanding as budget allows. Each chassis is a complete, standalone unit that can be manufactured and installed independently, reducing upfront capital expenditure while delivering immediate cooling benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each chassis is designed as a universal module that can accommodate different IT components and serves multiple functions: housing components, providing immersion cooling, and enabling independent drainage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized equipment, lowering overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If coolant is accumulated in the chassis, then cooling capacity is improved, but drainage control becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capacityVSAvoiddrainage control

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flap mechanism provides automatic, passive drainage control without requiring external power or complex control systems. When the coolant level rises above the flap, it automatically opens to allow drainage, and closes when the level drops, creating a self-regulating system that maintains cooling capacity while simplifying control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces active mechanical drainage control (pumps, valves, controllers) with a passive mechanical flap mechanism that uses buoyancy and gravity to automatically regulate coolant levels. This substitution eliminates complex control systems while maintaining effective drainage functionality.

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

Enhances coolant management efficiency and reduces operational costs by facilitating controlled drainage and reusability of coolant, optimizing space utilization in IT systems.

Implementation Method 1

a flap mechanism (134) attached to the downstream side near the rear opening. The flap mechanism is movable between an open position and a closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS12426205B2Immersion cooling rack with drain control

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

An information technology (IT) system is directed to immersion cooling and includes a chassis forming an enclosure between an upstream side and a downstream side. The chassis has a rear opening formed along the downstream side and is configured to receive heat-generating components of the IT system adjacent to the upstream side within the enclosure. The system further includes a supply conduit for delivering an immersion coolant to the upstream side within the enclosure, and a flap mechanism attached to the downstream side near the rear opening. The flap mechanism is movable between an open position and a closed position, which allows accumulated coolant to drain from the chassis in the open position and prevents the accumulated coolant from draining from the chassis in the closed position.