Server Latch Mechanism for Precise Liquid Cooling Connector Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid cooling systems for data centers and telecommunication equipment, the fluid connection between servers and manifold assemblies is not precisely secured, leading to uneven flow rates, leakage, and reduced heat dissipation efficiency due to tolerances and elastic forces, which can cause server tilting and damage to the rack.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a fixing member, fixing frame, and hook member is used to securely couple fluid connectors of the server to manifold connectors, offsetting elastic forces and reducing torque, ensuring precise alignment and efficient fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a resilient plate is used to fix the server in the rack, then the server can be secured in the rack, but the fluid connectors cannot be precisely and firmly coupled due to tolerances between the resilient plate and engaging part
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the server fixation function from the fluid connector coupling function by introducing a dedicated latch mechanism. The resilient plate handles server positioning while the latch mechanism (comprising latch arms, pivots, and engagement features) specifically secures the fluid connectors, eliminating the dependency on resilient plate tolerance for precise connector alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the server and manifold assembly. It includes latch arms that pivot about pivots and engage with corresponding features on the fluid connectors, providing a dedicated coupling interface that ensures precise and firm connection independent of the resilient plate's tolerance.
2Ease of operation
If quick-disconnecting fluid connectors are used, then the connection can be easily made, but elastic forces cause torque that tilts the server and may damage the rack
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism counteracts the elastic forces generated by quick-disconnecting fluid connectors. The resilient latch arms are biased to engage with the fluid connectors, and the pivot arrangement allows the latch to absorb and neutralize the elastic forces, preventing them from creating tilting torque on the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates movable latch arms that pivot about fixed pivots. This dynamic design allows the latch arms to flex and absorb elastic forces during engagement and operation, converting static force problems into dynamic force management that prevents server tilting while maintaining easy connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If tolerances between resilient plate and engaging part are not controlled, then manufacturing is easier, but fluid connection state becomes uneven causing leakage and poor circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the coupling system into two independent functional segments: the resilient plate for rough positioning and the latch mechanism for precise connector alignment. This segmentation allows the resilient plate to be manufactured with standard tolerances while the latch mechanism provides the necessary precision for reliable fluid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the resilient plate's coarse positioning and the fluid connectors' precise alignment requirements. It includes engagement features that ensure consistent, leak-free connections regardless of variations in resilient plate dimensions.
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
The latch mechanism enhances the precision and heat dissipation efficiency of the liquid cooling system by firmly securing fluid connectors, reducing leakage, and preventing server tilting and rack damage.
Implementation Method 1
The hook member is rotatably disposed on the shaft of the fixing frame and includes a hook portion. By rotating the hook portion of the hook member to latch with the at least one fixing pin of the at least one fixing member, the fixing frame and fixing member are secured with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a latch mechanism, applied to a rack-mount server system. The rack-mount server system includes a server and a manifold, and the server includes a casing and a fluid connector. The manifold includes a manifold connector. The latch mechanism includes a fixing member, a fixing frame and a hook member. The fixing member is disposed on the manifold and includes a fixing pin. The fixing frame is secured to the server and includes a shaft. The hook member is rotatably disposed on the shaft and includes a hook portion. By rotating the hook portion to latch with the fixing pin, the fixing frame and fixing member are secured with each other, and the fluid connector of the server is coupled to and in fluid communication with the manifold connector of the manifold.