Rack Cooling Quick Disconnect for Leak Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of data processing systems using liquid cooling systems is prone to liquid damage due to leaks, which can negatively impact hardware components and the computer-implemented services they provide.
Innovation Solution
A controllable connection mechanism is employed to disconnect quick connections between the chassis and the manifold, utilizing a disconnection mechanism that includes a sliding horizontal tube, seal plate, and a spring mechanism to automatically sever fluid communication upon leak detection, preventing further circulation of cooling fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a liquid cooling system is used to dissipate heat from hardware components, then the cooling performance is improved, but the risk of liquid damage to hardware components increases due to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a liquid cooling circuit and a hardware component chamber separated by a fluid communication disconnect mechanism. When a leak is detected, the mechanism disconnects the fluid communication, segmenting the liquid cooling system from the hardware components to prevent liquid damage while maintaining cooling functionality through alternative means or system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
A leak detection sensor acts as an intermediary between the liquid cooling system and hardware components. The sensor detects leaks in the liquid cooling circuit and triggers a disconnect mechanism that separates the fluid communication path, preventing liquid from reaching hardware components while allowing the cooling system to continue operating in a controlled manner.
2Reliability
If a disconnect mechanism is implemented to prevent liquid damage, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect mechanism is designed to automatically respond to leak conditions without requiring external intervention. The leak detection sensor continuously monitors the liquid cooling circuit and autonomously triggers the disconnect mechanism when a leak is detected, enabling the system to protect itself and reducing the need for complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnect mechanism replaces complex mechanical linkages with a more simplified system using magnetic actuators or shape memory alloys to actuate the fluid communication disconnect. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the safety function of preventing liquid damage to hardware components.
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
This mechanism effectively mitigates the risk of hardware damage by automatically disconnecting fluid communication upon leak detection, thereby protecting the functionality of hardware components and the computer-implemented services.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism to automatically sever fluid communication upon leak detection
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for managing a data processing system that provides computer implemented services are disclosed. To provide the computer implemented services, a system may include a chassis adapted to house hardware components of the data processing system. To dissipate heat generated by the hardware components, the system may further include a quick connection adapted to place the chassis in fluid communication with a manifold through which cooling fluid flows, and a disconnection mechanism adapted to disconnect the quick connection while the chassis is positioned at a first location in a rack, the quick connection being inaccessible while the chassis is at the first location.