Leak Sensor Drip Tray for Liquid Cooling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid cooling systems in Information Handling Systems (IHS) often experience leaks due to vibration, thermal cycles, and aging, leading to corrosion and damage to electrical or electronic circuitry, as components like hose fittings and cold plates develop leaks over time.
Innovation Solution
A leak sensor drip tray system is implemented, featuring a drip tray with a concave shape and drains that funnel any leaks towards a microstrip differential trace moisture sensor, allowing for effective detection of fluid leaks and minimizing damage by directing them to a specific area for sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid cooling systems are used to cool IHS components, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but the risk of leaks and subsequent damage to circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
A drip tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the liquid cooling system and the circuit board. The tray captures any leaks from fittings or cold plates before they can reach and damage the circuitry, effectively mediating the harmful interaction between cooling fluid and electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The drip tray provides beforehand protection by being positioned to intercept potential leaks before they cause damage. This preventive measure cushions the circuit board against the harmful effects of liquid leakage that may occur due to vibration, thermal cycles, or aging of cooling system components
2Reliability
If leak detection sensors are added to detect fluid leaks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical leak detection systems with a simple microstrip differential trace moisture sensor that uses electrical field principles. This sensor detects leaks through changes in electrical properties caused by moisture presence, substituting mechanical sensing with an electrical field-based approach that is simpler and more reliable
3Measurement precision
If a concave drip tray with drains is used to direct leaks to sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drip tray employs a concave curved surface geometry that naturally directs liquid leaks toward the sensor through gravitational flow and surface tension effects. This curvature design achieves precise leak focusing without requiring complex precision machining, as the curved shape can be effectively formed through standard molding or fabrication processes
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 system provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for detecting leaks in liquid cooling systems, preventing corrosion and damage by focusing leaks onto a sensor, thus extending the lifespan of IHS components.
Implementation Method 1
a microstrip differential trace moisture sensor
Implementation Method 2
a drip tray with a concave shape and drains that funnel any leaks towards a microstrip differential trace moisture sensor
Implementation Method 3
drains that funnel any leaks towards
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a leak sensor drip tray. In some embodiments, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include: a component; a cold plate disposed above the component; a leak sensor board disposed above the cold plate; and a drip tray disposed above the leak sensor, wherein the drip tray is configured to capture a fluid leak from a fitting coupled to the cold plate.