Modular Fluid Cooling Assembly for Expandable Electronics Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid cooling systems are limited by their non-modular design, which restricts expandability, serviceability, and the ability to efficiently cool multiple electronic components beyond just the CPU.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid cooling system comprising a coupling device with interchangeable sub-housings and extension lines, allowing for flexible expansion and connection of multiple modules, each with its own heat exchanger and communication unit, to form a scalable cooling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-modular fluid cooling system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the expandability and serviceability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple sub-housings (first sub-housing, second sub-housing) that can be independently connected or disconnected. Each sub-housing can serve different components, enabling modular expansion of the cooling system without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device with multiple sub-housings serves multiple functions: it can connect different heat exchangers to various components (CPU, graphics card, etc.), provide both fluid connection and electrical connection, and enable both series and parallel system configurations through different connection arrangements.
2Ease of repair
If an encapsulated CPU cooling system is used, then the cooling capacity is sufficient for CPU, but the serviceability and expandability to other components are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into separate functional modules (heat exchangers, coupling devices, fluid lines) that can be independently serviced. Individual sub-housings can be removed or replaced without affecting other components, enabling easy maintenance and upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed encapsulated design to a dynamic reconfigurable system where sub-housings can be connected or disconnected based on service requirements, allowing the system to adapt between different operational states (full configuration, partial configuration, maintenance mode).
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular coupling device with multiple connection options is used, then the expandability increases, but the assembly complexity and risk of incorrect assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-housings feature asymmetric connection interfaces with specific orientations (axial and lateral connection directions). This asymmetry provides mechanical guidance that ensures correct assembly orientation, preventing incorrect connections while maintaining modular expandability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary component with standardized interfaces that mediate between different heat exchangers and components. This intermediary design simplifies assembly by providing uniform connection protocols while enabling diverse system configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the first sub-housing and second sub-housing are made laterally connectable, then the parallel connection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into separate sub-housings with distinct connection interfaces, allowing independent axial and lateral connections. This segmentation enables parallel connection capability while keeping each individual connection interface relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A first module for a fluid cooling system may have a control unit, a first communication unit, a pump for a cooling fluid, and a first heat exchanger. The first communication unit may be configured to receive signals from at least one second module, the signals having an identification feature of the second module. The control unit, on the basis of the identification feature, is designed for identifying the second module, checking whether the second module is system-compatible or authorized, and switching on the pump and/or the first heat exchanger depending on the presence of the system-compatible or authorized second module. A cooling fluid system may have the first module and a second module.