Rack-Mountable Drip Pan for Liquid Cooling Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid cooling systems in computing devices pose a risk of leaks, which can lead to damage and inefficiencies due to the limitations of air cooling and the need for precise installation and connection of liquid-filled conduits.
Innovation Solution
A rack-mountable chassis with a downwardly slanted drip pan and longitudinal liquid accumulation channels, equipped with fixed blind mating connectors and liquid detection units, that efficiently directs and detects liquid leaks from liquid-cooled electronics modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid cooling modules are used to cool high power density computing devices, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the risk of liquid leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drip pan and liquid accumulation channels are pre-installed in the chassis below the liquid cooling modules before the modules are installed. This preliminary preparation ensures that if a leak occurs, the liquid will be captured in the predetermined channels, preventing damage to the chassis and surrounding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid detection units act as intermediaries between the liquid cooling system and the control system. These detection units monitor the liquid accumulation channels and provide signals to the controller when liquid is detected, enabling early warning and preventive action before the leak causes damage.
2Reliability
If connection between liquid-filled conduits is made firmly and tightly, then liquid leak prevention is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid cooling system is divided into modular components with standardized connection interfaces. The drip pan, accumulation channels, and detection units are separate modules that can be independently installed and configured, reducing the complexity of the overall installation process while maintaining secure connections.
3Measurement precision
If multiple liquid detection units are installed in longitudinal accumulation channels, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent liquid detection units, each installed in separate longitudinal accumulation channels. Each detection unit operates independently and provides localized detection capability, allowing for accurate leak detection without requiring a single complex detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection units are distributed along the longitudinal dimension of the accumulation channels, creating a distributed detection network. This spatial distribution enables the system to detect leaks at multiple positions simultaneously, improving accuracy without requiring each individual detection unit to be overly complex.
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
Provides quick and accurate detection of liquid leaks, allowing for prompt identification of the source and prevention of damage by integrating power and signal contacts for reliable leak detection and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The drip pan has an upward-facing surface that is downwardly slanted in a lateral direction across the chassis. The upward-facing surface includes a plurality of longitudinal liquid accumulation channels
Implementation Method 2
Each of the fixed blind mating connectors includes a first contact for supplying power from an electrical power source to one of the liquid detection units and a second contact for carrying a signal to a controller from the liquid detection unit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a rack mountable chassis securable directly under a plurality of liquid cooled electronics modules. A drip pan in the chassis extends beneath the plurality of liquid cooling electronics modules and has an upward-facing surface that is downwardly slanted in a lateral direction across the chassis. The upward-facing surface includes a plurality of longitudinal liquid accumulation channels that are spaced apart. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of fixed blind mating connectors and one or more liquid detection units. One of the fixed blind mating connectors is securely positioned at the distal end of each of the longitudinal liquid accumulation channels. Each liquid detection unit has a detection unit blind mating connector for forming a connection with any one of the fixed blind mating connectors to supply power to the detection unit and to enable communication of a liquid detection signal to an external controller.