Lever Unit for Dual-Axis Server Thermal Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems for servers, particularly dry disconnect systems, face challenges with simple, single-action mechanisms as they disrupt thermal connections during server insertion and removal, which are typically aligned with electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A dual-axis mechanism using a lever unit with primary and secondary cam members and a hook member that allows servers to be inserted and removed along one axis while maintaining a perpendicular thermal connection, utilizing a spring member for tolerance compliance and secure mating with thermal modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple, single-action mechanism is used for server insertion and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but thermal connection stability deteriorates because the mechanism disrupts thermal connections during server insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into two independent axes: a first axis for electrical connections and a second axis for thermal connections. This allows server insertion/removal along the first axis without disrupting the thermal connections on the second axis, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and thermal connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a second axis perpendicular to the first axis of server insertion. Thermal connections are arranged on this second axis, allowing them to remain stable while the server is inserted or removed along the first axis, thus maintaining thermal connection stability while preserving ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If thermal connections are aligned with electrical connections along the same axis, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal connection stability deteriorates during server insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves this contradiction by positioning thermal connections on a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis used for electrical connections and server insertion. This spatial separation allows thermal connections to remain stable during server insertion/removal operations while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Reliability
If a dual-axis mechanism is used to maintain thermal connections during server insertion, then thermal connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional cam members and mechanism components
Solution Approach 1:
The lever unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it operates the primary cam member for electrical connection along the first axis, the secondary cam member for thermal connection along the second axis, and the hook member for securing the server. This merging of functions into a single integrated lever unit reduces device complexity while maintaining thermal connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever unit is a universal component that controls multiple aspects of the connection process: electrical connection, thermal connection, and server retention. By making the lever unit multi-functional, the invention achieves thermal connection stability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component performs multiple roles.
4Reliability
If a hook member is added to engage with the rail unit for perpendicular movement, then thermal connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member is integrated into the lever unit rather than being a separate component. This merging allows the lever unit to simultaneously control the primary cam member, secondary cam member, and hook member, achieving thermal connection reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
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
Enables secure and efficient electrical and thermal connections between servers and cooling modules, allowing for easy insertion and removal without disrupting thermal connections, thus enhancing the operational stability and reliability of server cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member provides tolerance compliance and controls mating of the at least one electronic component along the second axis
Implementation Method 2
The lever includes a primary cam member and a secondary cam member connected to the lever. The primary cam member and the secondary cam member rotate with the lever
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly to connect two electronic components is provided herein. The assembly includes a lever unit with a lever and a base. The lever includes a primary cam member and a secondary cam member connected thereto. The lever also includes a hook member extending therefrom. The base includes a guide structure to engage with a drive pin. Rotation of the lever to move a first electronic component along a y-axis towards a backplane. The secondary cam member to move the drive pin along the guide structure, and the hook member to engage with a second electronic component and mate the first electronic component and the second electronic component along the second axis.