Collapsible Server Lift Gantry for Immersion Tank Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immersion cooling systems face challenges in efficiently and safely handling large computer hardware components due to their weight and bulk, requiring manual handling that is time-consuming and hazardous, and necessitate system shutdowns for cooling before access, disrupting operations in environments where protective equipment is unnecessary.
Innovation Solution
A gantry system with a frame, rails, and a winch for lifting and lowering components, allowing for motorized or manual operation, and a collapsible design to facilitate safe and efficient handling of hardware within immersion cooling tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of hardware components is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but handling becomes time-consuming and hazardous due to weight and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
A gantry system with connector acts as an intermediary between the hardware component and the immersion cooling tank. The gantry includes a frame movable along rails, a connector that can be positioned above the tank, and a winch for lifting and lowering components. This mechanical intermediary eliminates the need for personnel to manually carry heavy components into the tank, thereby reducing handling time and eliminating safety hazards associated with manual lifting.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of hardware components is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but handling becomes hazardous due to weight and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry system serves as a mechanical intermediary that assumes the burden of handling heavy hardware components. The system comprises a frame with wheels for movement along rails, a connector for attaching to components, and a winch mechanism for controlled lifting and lowering. By transferring the handling task from human operators to this mechanical intermediary, safety is improved while the added device complexity is justified by the elimination of manual lifting hazards.
3Productivity
If the system operates at normal temperature, then operational efficiency is maintained, but personnel cannot access the tank without protective equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry system extracts the personnel from the hazardous environment of the immersion cooling tank. By providing a mechanical lifting and positioning system, the invention eliminates the need for personnel to physically reach into the tank to install or remove components. The connector can be positioned above the tank and components can be lowered in without human exposure to the cooling fluid, thereby maintaining operational efficiency while ensuring access safety.
4Ease of operation
If hardware components are cooled before handling, then safety is improved, but system shutdown is required causing operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry system extracts the handling operation from the thermal environment constraint. By providing mechanical lifting and positioning capabilities, the invention allows components to be handled while the system remains operational and the cooling fluid remains at operating temperature. Personnel work from outside the tank environment, eliminating the need to shut down the system for cooling, thereby maintaining continuous operational availability while ensuring handling safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A gantry crane for attachment to an immersion cooling system includes rails attachable to a tank of the immersion cooling system. The gantry also includes a collapsible frame configured to travel along the rails. A connector is adapted for connecting to a computer hardware component intended to be cooled in the immersion cooling system, and the gantry includes a winch mounted to the frame and configured to raise and lower the connector.