Multi-Chamber Cooling Connector With Pressure-Actuated Side Gate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems for data centers face challenges in accommodating diverse server configurations and fluid distribution designs, particularly in ensuring redundancy and efficient thermal management due to limited space and the need for high interoperability, as conventional connectors are often designed for single fluid streams and lack automatic operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A connector module with bidirectional connectors and a middle section featuring a side gate that opens only when a fluid pressure differential exceeds a predetermined threshold, allowing for automatic switching between main and backup fluid streams, ensuring redundant operation and adaptability to different fluid distribution systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used for single fluid streams, then the device structure is simple, but the system reliability and redundancy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber, fourth chamber) that can independently handle different fluid streams. Each chamber can be connected or disconnected independently through side gates, allowing the system to maintain functionality even when one chamber or fluid stream fails, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to handle multiple fluid streams (main fluid stream and backup fluid stream) simultaneously through its multi-chamber structure. The side gates enable the connector to automatically switch between different fluid streams based on pressure differentials, providing universal functionality that accommodates both normal and failure conditions within a single device.
2Reliability
If manual switching between fluid streams is implemented, then the system can achieve redundancy, but the operation complexity and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side gates are designed to automatically open or close based on pressure differential between chambers without requiring manual intervention. When the pressure differential exceeds a predetermined threshold, the side gate automatically opens to switch between main and backup fluid streams, enabling the system to self-regulate and maintain redundancy automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure differential feedback through the side gate mechanism. The side gate monitors the pressure difference between chambers and automatically responds by opening or closing to maintain balanced pressure and ensure proper fluid stream operation, providing continuous feedback-based control for redundant operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is designed to accommodate diverse server configurations, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector with its multi-chamber design and side gate mechanism can accommodate diverse server configurations by supporting multiple fluid stream connections. The same connector structure can handle different cooling requirements (single stream or dual stream, main or backup) making it a universal solution that adapts to various server and rack configurations without requiring multiple specialized connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The side gates provide dynamic adaptability by automatically adjusting the fluid flow paths based on operational conditions. The gates can open or close to accommodate different server configurations and cooling requirements, allowing the connector to dynamically adapt its fluid distribution pattern to match the specific needs of different server setups.
4Speed
If automatic switching mechanism is added to the connector, then the response time improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic switching mechanism operates autonomously based on pressure differential without requiring external control systems, sensors, or actuators. The side gate itself responds directly to pressure changes through its mechanical design, providing fast switching response while minimizing added complexity by avoiding electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism utilizes pneumatic/hydraulic principles where pressure differential directly actuates the side gate opening and closing. This pressure-driven automatic switching eliminates the need for complex electronic controls, sensors, or power systems, achieving fast response speed through purely mechanical means that leverage the existing fluid pressure in the system.
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
Enables full redundant operation and adaptability to various fluid streams, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of liquid cooling systems by automatically switching between main and backup fluid paths based on pressure differentials, thus preventing downtime and improving thermal management in data centers.
Implementation Method 1
The side gate is adapted to actuate to the first position when a fluid pressure differential between the first bidirectional connector and the second bidirectional connector exceeds a predetermined threshold
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a connector module, including a first bidirectional connector and a second bidirectional connector to fluidly interconnect between a cooling module of a server chassis and a rack manifold of an electronic rack; and a middle section positioned and connected between the first bidirectional connector and the second bidirectional connector. The middle section includes a side wall that separates the first bidirectional connector and the second bidirectional connector, and a side gate disposed on the side wall to place the first bidirectional connector and second bidirectional connector in fluid communication while in a first position and to fluidly isolate the first bidirectional connector from the second bidirectional connector while in a second position. The side gate is adapted to actuate to the first position when a fluid pressure differential between the first bidirectional connector and the second bidirectional connector exceeds a predetermined threshold.