Server Coolant Joint With Leak-Triggered Folding Disconnect

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coolant leakage from the connection between a server plug and a rack plug can cause damage to the server if not promptly addressed.

Innovation Solution

A computing system with sensors and joints that disconnect the plug connectors upon detecting coolant leakage, using a folding mechanism with an electromagnet switch to sever the coolant circuit and prevent further leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a plug connector is used to connect the server and rack for coolant flow, then coolant can be supplied to cool the server, but coolant may leak from the connection causing damage to the server

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectVSAvoidconnection reliability
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 switch changes state to trigger the folding mechanism, which proactively disconnects the plug connector from the rack plug, preventing further coolant ingress and damage to the server

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The folding mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sensor detection and the disconnection action. It translates the sensor's electrical signal into mechanical motion, folding the plug connector away from the rack plug to sever the coolant circuit and stop leakage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the plug connector remains connected for continuous coolant supply, then cooling is maintained, but leakage risk increases causing potential server damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous coolingVSAvoidcoolant leakage damage
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor continuously monitors the connection for coolant leakage and provides feedback to the switch. When leakage is detected, the switch changes state to activate the folding mechanism, which disconnects the connector. This feedback loop enables continuous cooling while automatically responding to leakage conditions to prevent damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a folding mechanism with electromagnet switch is added to detect and disconnect upon leakage, then server protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveserver protectionVSAvoidconnector system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-protection by using the sensor to automatically detect leakage and trigger the folding mechanism without human intervention. The electromagnet switch and folding mechanism work together to autonomously disconnect the plug connector, protecting the server from coolant damage without requiring external control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual or complex mechanical disconnection system is replaced with an electromagnet-based actuation mechanism. The electromagnet switch converts electrical signals from the sensor into mechanical folding motion, simplifying the control system while enabling reliable automatic disconnection upon leakage detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Effectively prevents coolant ingress into the server, protecting it from damage by quickly disconnecting the coolant flow upon detection of leakage.

Implementation Method 1

a folding mechanism (130) connected to the first shell (110) and the second shell (120), the folding mechanism (130) being used for moving the second shell (120)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250331130A1Joint, server, and computing system
Publication Date: 2025.10.23 FULIAN PRECISIN ELECTRONICS (TIANJIN) CO LTD
  • US20250331130A1 patent drawing
  • US20250331130A1 patent drawing
  • US20250331130A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A joint for cutting coolant circuit in a server comprises a first shell, a second shell, and a folding mechanism. The first shell has a tunnel and a seal ring in the tunnel. The second shell has a first tube section and a second tube section. The folding mechanism can move the second shell. The first tube section and the second tube section are movably inserted in the tunnel, an outer diameter of the first tube section is larger than an outer diameter of the second tube section, when the second shell is on a first position, the seal ring surrounds the first tube section and is compressed by the first tube section, when the second shell is on a second position, the seal ring surrounds the second tube section and is uncompressed. A server and a computing system with the joint are also disclosed.