Modular Fluid Cooling Coupling for Expandable Serviceable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid cooling systems for electronic components are often non-expandable and serviceable, limiting their utility beyond CPU cooling and requiring direct heat transfer, which restricts installation space and cooling capacity.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid cooling system with a coupling device allowing for axial and lateral connection of sub-housings, enabling expansion and flexible configuration of fluid and signal connections, along with a control unit for ensuring system compatibility and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fluid cooling systems are used, then cooling function is provided, but the systems are non-expandable and non-serviceable, limiting utility beyond CPU cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple sub-housings (first sub-housing and second sub-housing) that can be separately assembled and disconnected. Each sub-housing can be independently serviced or replaced, enabling serviceability and expandability while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through standardized connection interfaces.
2Area of stationary object
If direct heat transfer is used in air cooling systems, then heat transfer to ambient air occurs, but installation space and weight restrictions are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid cooling system separates the heat transfer function into a dedicated radiator component that can be positioned in three-dimensional space away from the heat source. The coupling device enables spatial distribution of cooling components, allowing large radiator surfaces to be installed in optimal locations without constraining the heat source position, thus resolving the conflict between radiator surface area and installation space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular coupling devices are used, then expansion and flexible configuration are enabled, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device integrates multiple functions into a single standardized component: fluid connection, signal interface connection, and mechanical coupling are combined in one assembly unit. This merging reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need to separately connect multiple components, while still providing the flexibility and repairability benefits of modular design.
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 modular design enhances cooling capacity, allows for larger radiators, and ensures correct assembly and compatibility, reducing production and maintenance costs while increasing flexibility and repairability.
Implementation Method 1
The first end face and the second end face are shaped complementary to one another such that the first sub-housing and the second sub-housing are axially connectable to one another
Implementation Method 2
one of the side surfaces of the sub-housings comprises at least one projection and the other side surface respectively comprises at least one recess shaped complementarily thereto. The projection engages in the recess in the laterally connected state
Implementation Method 3
The second heat exchanger is, for example, a radiator through which the heated coolant flows. Here, the heat from the coolant is released into the ambient air via a radiator
Implementation Method 4
This heat transfer can be improved by the airflow from a fan
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for a fluid cooling system may have a first coupling unit having a first housing, which has a first sub-housing and a second sub-housing connectable to the first sub-housing. The first sub-housing may have a first axial passage opening connectable to a first fluid line, a first signal interface and a first end face. The second sub-housing may have a second axial passage opening connectable to a second fluid line, a second signal interface and a second end face. The first sub-housing and the second sub-housing are axially connectable to one another and the passage openings are fluidically connected to one another and the signal interfaces are connected to one another. The two sub-housings may be laterally connectable to one another, so that in the laterally coupled state, the two sub-housings are arranged parallel next to one another.