Pivoting Cold Plate for Pluggable Module Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for computing systems, particularly those with pluggable modules, face inefficiencies in heat removal due to suboptimal air cooling methods, which can lead to overheating and require complex user interactions for liquid cooling setups, posing risks of leakage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-cooled cold plate assembly with a pivoting support and engagement mechanism that automatically or manually engages and disengages from pluggable modules, allowing for efficient heat transfer without blind-mate liquid connectors, ensuring user-friendliness and leak-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If air cooling methods are used for pluggable modules, then the cooling system is simple to implement, but heat removal efficiency is insufficient leading to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements liquid cooling using a cold plate assembly with channels for coolant flow. The cold plate is thermally coupled to the pluggable module to efficiently remove heat through liquid circulation, replacing inadequate air cooling methods while maintaining ease of implementation through a straightforward liquid cooling architecture
2Temperature
If liquid cooling systems with blind-mate connectors are used, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases and leakage risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates blind-mate liquid connectors from the system by using a cold plate assembly that interfaces directly with the pluggable module through simplified mounting mechanisms. This extraction of complex connector components reduces system complexity and leakage risks while maintaining effective liquid cooling through direct thermal coupling
3Temperature
If liquid cooling systems requiring manual setup are used, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but user-friendliness decreases due to complex installation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The cold plate assembly is designed to be automatically positioned and thermally coupled to the pluggable module through the pivoting support mechanism. The system self-adjusts to maintain optimal thermal contact without requiring complex manual setup procedures, thereby improving user-friendliness while preserving efficient heat removal through liquid cooling
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 solution provides effective and user-friendly liquid cooling for pluggable modules, enhancing heat removal efficiency while minimizing user intervention and preventing potential leaks, thus improving system reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid-cooled cold plate assembly with a pivoting support and engagement mechanism that automatically or manually engages and disengages from pluggable modules, allowing for efficient heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An example computing device includes one or more bays to receive a pluggable module, and a cold plate assembly. The cold plate assembly includes one or more cold plates to engage with the pluggable modules and transfer heat from the modules to liquid coolant. The cold plate assembly also includes a pivoting support that supports the cold plate(s) and pivots relative to the system board, and an engagement mechanism comprising a mechanical linkage with mechanical advantage attached to the pivoting support such that moving a link of the mechanical linkage causes the pivoting support to pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the cold plate contacts is positioned to engaged with the pluggable module, while in the disengaged position the cold plate is disengaged from the pluggable module.