Liquid Cooling Plates for Storage Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional large-capacity storage apparatuses face issues with high fan noise and power consumption due to large air cooling requirements, prompting the need for an alternative cooling method for heat-generating electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device system comprising a first cooling device integrated into each large-capacity storage apparatus and an external second cooling device connected via a flexible tube, where the external cooling device includes a pump, coolant tank, heat sink, and fan to circulate coolant through the storage apparatus, effectively cooling heat-generating devices while reducing the need for internal cooling components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air cooling is used for heat-generating devices, then cooling function is provided, but fan noise and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic cooling by circulating coolant through cooling plates that contact the heat-generating devices. The coolant flow paths are formed within the cooling plates, allowing efficient heat transfer from the devices to the coolant, thereby providing cooling function while eliminating or reducing the need for noisy fans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical air cooling system (fans blowing air) with a fluid-based cooling system. The coolant circulation system substitutes for the mechanical fan operation, reducing moving parts and mechanical noise while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
2Temperature
If air cooling is used for heat-generating devices, then cooling function is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic cooling where coolant is pumped through cooling plates in contact with heat-generating devices. This liquid cooling method is more energy-efficient than air cooling with fans, as the coolant has higher heat capacity and thermal conductivity, requiring less energy for the same cooling effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cooling medium from air to liquid coolant, fundamentally altering the thermal transfer parameters. The coolant's superior thermal properties enable more efficient heat removal, reducing the energy required for cooling operations.
3Temperature
If water cooling is implemented, then cooling efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function directly into the device housing by integrating cooling plates that form part of the structural assembly. The cooling plates are positioned to directly contact heat-generating devices, combining structural support and thermal management functions into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coolant as an intermediary substance that facilitates heat transfer between the heat-generating devices and the external cooling system. The coolant circulates through channels in the cooling plates, acting as a mobile heat exchange medium that simplifies the overall thermal management architecture.
4Temperature
If cooling system is integrated into each storage apparatus, then cooling function is provided, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal cooling system where a single external coolant circulation system can serve multiple storage apparatuses. The cooling plates and coolant channels are designed with standardized interfaces that allow the same cooling infrastructure to be applied across different device types and configurations, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses coolant as an intermediary that enables a shared cooling infrastructure. Instead of each device requiring its own independent cooling system, the coolant circulation acts as a common platform that can be distributed to multiple devices, simplifying manufacturing and reducing overall system complexity.
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
This solution reduces fan noise and power consumption by utilizing a water-cooling system, enhancing cooling efficiency and simplifying the storage apparatus structure, while allowing for scalable heat capacity by adjusting the coolant tank capacity according to the number of storage apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant flow path that is connected to one end of the flexible tube, the coolant flow path cooling both side surfaces of each of the plurality of slots
Implementation Method 2
a cooling unit that cools the coolant, which enters the second cooling device through the flexible tube
Implementation Method 3
a pump that feeds out the coolant, which has been cooled, to the flexible tube through the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling device for heat-generating devices that are removably inserted into a plurality of slots formed in a cabinet of an electronic apparatus, the cooling device includes: a first cooling device provided in the electronic apparatus; a second cooling device provided outside the electronic apparatus; and a flexible tube that interconnects the first cooling device and the second cooling device so that a coolant is circulated; wherein the first cooling device includes a coolant flow path that is connected to one end of the flexible tube, the coolant flow path cooling both side surfaces of each of the plurality of slots, wherein the second cooling device includes a connector connected to another end of the flexible tube, a cooling unit that cools the coolant, which enters the second cooling device through the flexible tube, and a pump that feeds out the coolant, which has been cooled, to the flexible tube.