Combined Power-Data-Cooling Cable for High-Density Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communications systems face complexity and inefficiency due to separate cables for power, data, and cooling, with limited power capacity and inadequate cooling methods for high-powered devices, leading to increased costs and failure modes.
Innovation Solution
A combined cable system integrating power, data, and cooling through a central hub, using optical fibers for data, copper wires for power, and coolant tubes for cooling, with a control processor for centralized management and backup capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual cables are used for power, data, and cooling, then each utility can be delivered independently, but the system complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power conductors, data links, and coolant tubes into a single integrated cable assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate cables. This merging reduces installation complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver all utilities independently through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable serves multiple functions simultaneously - power transmission, data communication, and cooling fluid delivery - all within a single cable structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the system architecture.
2Device complexity
If PoE is used for combined power and data, then cable quantity is reduced, but power capacity becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and data transmission into a single cable assembly, similar to PoE, but overcomes the power limitation by using dedicated power conductors capable of handling high current loads, while data is transmitted separately through optical or electrical links within the same cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable uses composite construction with both electrical conductors for power and data, and fluid conduits for cooling, all integrated within a single protective jacket. This composite structure enables simultaneous high-power delivery and data transmission beyond what traditional PoE cables can achieve.
3Power
If power is increased for high-powered devices, then device capability improves, but traditional cooling methods become inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates coolant tubes within the integrated cable that deliver liquid cooling fluid directly to high-powered devices. This hydraulic cooling system efficiently removes heat from high-power devices, overcoming the limitations of traditional air cooling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is merged with power and data delivery in the same integrated cable, allowing cooling fluid to be delivered alongside power and data connections. This ensures that high-powered devices receive both the power they need and the cooling required to maintain reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate cables are used for power, data, and cooling, then each utility can be optimized independently, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power conductors, data links, and coolant tubes into a single pre-assembled cable unit, allowing all utilities to be installed simultaneously in one operation. This eliminates the need for multiple separate installation steps while maintaining the ability to optimize each utility independently through dedicated components within the integrated structure.
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
Simplifies installation, reduces complexity, and enhances efficiency by providing high power and cooling capacity while reducing costs and failure modes in high-density computing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a data link comprising at least one optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a coolant operable to cool the network device
Implementation Method 3
a coolant distribution system
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a system includes a central hub comprising a power source, a data switch, a coolant system, and a management module, a plurality of network devices located within an interconnect domain of the central hub, and at least one combined cable connecting the central hub to the network devices and comprising a power conductor, a data link, a coolant tube, and a management communications link contained within an outer cable jacket.