Server Coolant Joint Module With Auto Disconnect on Leak Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coolant leakage from the connection between a server and a rack can cause damage to the server if not promptly addressed, leading to potential system failure.

Innovation Solution

A joint module with a folding mechanism and sensor system is integrated into the server chassis to detect coolant leakage and automatically disconnect the plug connectors, preventing further coolant ingress by moving the plug connectors to a disconnected position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a plug connector is used to connect the server and rack for coolant flow, then cooling function is provided, but coolant leakage occurs causing potential server damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling functionVSAvoidserver safety

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sensor is installed in the plug connector to detect coolant leakage in advance. When leakage is detected, the system automatically triggers the folding mechanism to disconnect the plug connector from the rack plug, preventing further coolant ingress and potential server damage before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The folding mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sensor detection and the plug connector disconnection. When the sensor detects coolant leakage, it activates the folding mechanism, which then moves the plug connector to a disconnected position, serving as a mechanical mediator to isolate the server from the leaking coolant circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a folding mechanism is added to automatically disconnect the plug connector, then server protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver protectionVSAvoidjoint module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The folding mechanism is designed to automatically respond to coolant leakage detection without requiring external intervention. The sensor directly triggers the folding mechanism, which self-actuates to disconnect the plug connector, making the protection system self-service and eliminating the need for manual disconnection or complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The folding mechanism replaces complex electrical or software-based disconnection systems with a simple mechanical folding action. The plug connector is designed to fold away from the rack plug through a straightforward mechanical movement, simplifying the overall system while providing reliable automatic disconnection protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12591278B2Joint module, server, and computing system

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 FULIAN PRESION ELECTRONICS (TIANJIN) CO LTD

AI summary

A joint module for cutting coolant circuit in server comprises a shell, a plug connector, folding mechanism, and a switch. The plug connector is placed on the shell and movable in a first direction between a first position and a second position for connecting a plug. The folding mechanism is connected to the shell and the plug connector and is used for moving the plug connector. The switch is placed on the shell with a first condition and a second condition. When the switch is in the first condition, the folding mechanism is unfolded, the plug connector is on the first position and is connected to the plug, when the switch is in the second condition, the folding mechanism is folded, the plug connector is on the second position and is disconnected to the plug. A server and a computing system with the joint module is also disclosed.