Liquid Leak Sensor and Programmable Logic Circuit for Server Power Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid leaks from liquid-cooling units in servers can go undetected, potentially damaging electronic components due to the poor heat dissipation properties of air and the direct contact with heat sources, necessitating a method to protect servers from such leaks.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a liquid leak sensor unit, a power supply unit, and a programmable logic circuit that detect and respond to liquid leaks by sequentially shutting off main power and then standby power to prevent further damage, utilizing a delay mechanism to ensure safe shutdown and event logging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If liquid cooling technology is used to improve heat dissipation efficiency, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but the risk of liquid leakage damaging electronic components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidliquid leakage damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid leak sensor unit continuously monitors for liquid leakage before damage can occur. When leakage is detected, the system proactively shuts off main power and standby power to prevent electronic component damage, rather than waiting for damage to manifest

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The programmable logic circuit acts as an intermediary between the liquid leak sensor and the power supply unit. It receives leakage detection signals and coordinates the sequential shutdown of main power and standby power, mediating the response between detection and protection action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If main power is immediately shut off upon liquid leak detection, then electronic component protection is improved, but system shutdown time increases due to sequential power cutoff requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic component protectionVSAvoidsystem shutdown time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures the power supply unit with the capability to sequentially shut off main power and standby power. When leakage is detected, this pre-established mechanism immediately activates, reducing decision and execution time compared to sequential manual shutdown procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The programmable logic circuit automatically manages the sequential power shutdown process without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates the cutoff sequence, minimizing human response time and ensuring consistent protection execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If standby power is continuously supplied for system readiness, then system availability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidstandby power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply unit implements periodic monitoring of liquid leak conditions while maintaining standby power readiness. The system transitions between active monitoring and power cutoff states based on leakage detection, creating a periodic operational pattern that balances availability with energy conservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the power supply state parameter based on liquid leak detection. When no leakage is detected, standby power is maintained for availability; when leakage occurs, power is completely cutoff to prevent damage, adjusting the energy consumption parameter according to environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively protects server components by detecting and responding to liquid leaks, preventing damage through controlled power shutdown and ensuring safe operation by using a combination of sensors and programmable logic to manage power states and log events.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid leak sensor unit to detect a liquid leak from the liquid-cooling unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11489328B2Method for protecting a server from damage by a liquid leak from a liquid-cooling unit

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 MITAC COMPUTING TECH

AI summary

A method for protecting a server from damage by a liquid leak from a liquid-cooling unit of the server is provided. The server further includes a liquid leak sensor unit, a programmable logic circuit, and a power supply unit that supplies main power and standby power for the server. When a liquid leak is detected, the liquid leak sensor unit generates a main-power-off signal to the programmable logic circuit that causes the power supply unit to stop outputting the main power accordingly. The liquid leak sensor unit sends a total-power-off signal to the power supply unit to stop supply of the standby power after the power supply unit has stopped outputting the main power.