Modular Fluid Heat Exchange System with Detachable Cold Plate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid heat exchange systems lack improved thermal performance and modular, interchangeable components suitable for small form factors and evolving cooling requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular heat exchange system comprising a fluid receiver unit, a fluid transfer unit, and a cold plate, where the components are detachably engageable and configurable by replacing individual units with different versions to meet specific design requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid heat exchange systems use fixed, non-modular components, then system stability and reliability are maintained, but adaptability to different cooling requirements and form factors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid heat exchange system is divided into separate modular components including a pump assembly, fluid receiver, and cold plate that can be independently selected and configured. This segmentation allows different component versions to be combined to meet varying cooling requirements while maintaining reliable connections through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection features that allow the same component types to serve multiple applications and configurations. The pump assembly and fluid receiver can be paired with different cold plate versions to address diverse cooling needs across various electronic devices.
2Volume of moving object
If heat exchange systems are designed for small form factors, then space constraints are addressed, but thermal performance and cooling capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is positioned within or adjacent to the fluid receiver in a nested arrangement, maximizing space utilization. The fluid passageway winds through the available volume efficiently, allowing adequate cooling capacity within a compact footprint suitable for small form factor electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently with vertical and horizontal fluid passageways, and the cold plate extends in multiple dimensions to maximize thermal contact area with electronic components while maintaining a compact overall volume.
3Ease of operation
If fluid connectors are designed for detachable engagement, then ease of assembly and component replacement is improved, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connector features asymmetric engagement surfaces with complementary male and female interfaces that guide proper alignment during assembly. The asymmetric design includes positioning features such as protrusions and recesses that ensure repeatable, reliable sealing connections while maintaining ease of detachable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal element or gasket acts as an intermediary between the mating connector surfaces, providing reliable sealing while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. The intermediary seal compensates for minor manufacturing variations and ensures fluid-tight connections without requiring precision machining of the connector interfaces.
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 system enhances thermal performance and flexibility by allowing for the interchange of components such as pumps and cold plates, thereby tailoring the cooling capacity to specific needs while reducing costs and maintaining compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid heat exchange systems and associated components are used to cool electronic and other devices by accepting and dissipating thermal energy therefrom
Implementation Method 2
The cold plate can define a finned surface having a plurality of microchannels
Implementation Method 3
one fluid receiver unit may include a pump assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A modular heat exchange assembly includes a cold plate defining a finned surface and a corresponding plurality of microchannels. Selected ones of the plurality of microchannel extend from a first end to an opposed second end. A fluid receiver unit defines an inlet port and a first fluid connector fluidically coupled with the inlet port. A fluid transfer unit defines an outlet port and a second fluid connector matingly engageable with and disengageable from the first fluid connector to fluidly couple the fluid receiver unit and the fluid transfer unit together. The fluid transfer unit defines a distribution manifold configured to distribute coolant among the selected microchannels at a position between the first ends and the second ends of the selected microchannels. The fluid transfer unit further defines a collection manifold configured to receive coolant from the selected microchannels. The collection manifold and the outlet port are fluidically coupled together.