Quick Connector Cooling System for Server Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electronic components face limitations due to inflexible and costly plumbing options, inadequate cooling capacity, and inefficiencies in using liquid coolants, particularly in densely populated server racks, where air cooling is insufficient and traditional connectors are bulky and restrictive.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a quick connector with a data reader, pneumatic interlock, and a breaker box with a pump and reservoir, allowing for flexible and efficient liquid coolant distribution using refrigerant or water, with a software monitoring and control system to manage coolant flow and temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If pressurized metal pipes and corrugated hose are used for coolant distribution, then cooling capacity is provided, but flexibility is limited and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible hoses with integrated quick-connectors that can bend and route coolant through complex paths while maintaining sealing integrity. These flexible conduits replace rigid metal piping, enabling adaptive plumbing configurations for densely packed server racks without compromising cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is divided into modular segments with standardized quick-connect interfaces. Each server or rack unit can be independently connected and disconnected, allowing flexible reconfiguration of coolant distribution paths while maintaining system-wide cooling capacity.
2Ease of operation
If standard quick connectors are used, then connection simplicity is achieved, but pressure drop increases and capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-connectors are engineered with optimized bore sizes, streamlined internal geometries, and precision-toleranced sealing surfaces that minimize flow resistance. By carefully selecting connector dimensions and materials with low flow restriction characteristics, the system maintains high coolant flow rates while preserving the ease of quick-connect operation.
3Device complexity
If circulated water is used as cooling medium, then simpler connections are accommodated, but cooling efficiency for high heat loads is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes hybrid coolant approaches where refrigerants or specialized cooling fluids with superior heat transfer properties are employed in critical high-heat-density zones, while water-based coolants are used in lower-demand areas. This composite coolant strategy optimizes both cooling efficiency and connection simplicity across the entire 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 flexible and efficient coolant distribution, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems by providing simple, user-friendly connections and improved cooling performance, allowing for scalable cooling solutions that can handle high heat loads in densely packed electronic environments.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the water line, the supply line, and the return line
Implementation Method 2
at least one pump; a supply line connected to the breaker box system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A system of cooling and method of use that includes a connector (106) having a data reader capable of reading a wireless identifier and/or a breaker box (108) capable of routing liquid cooling to at least one server (100). In a preferred i embodiment, both the quick connector and the breaker box are used in conjunction with a liquid coolant such as refrigerant or water.