Server Fluid Line Quick-Disconnect Assembly With Low-Force Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick-disconnect connectors (QD connectors) in server fluid lines require high mating forces for connection and disconnection, which can be exhausting and difficult, especially in confined spaces, due to their size and the pressure of the liquid cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A QD connector assembly with a manual mating actuator featuring a handle and buckle mechanism that reduces the force required for connection and disconnection, allowing the manifolds to be easily engaged and disengaged with less physical effort, using a hinge or pivot mechanism to facilitate fluid flow and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If QD connectors are used in server fluid lines, then connection and disconnection can be performed without tools, but high mating forces (12-15 kgF) are required that become exhausting and difficult to apply manually
Solution Approach 1:
A lever arm mechanism is introduced as an intermediary tool between the operator and the QD connector. The lever arm pivots on the connector body and uses mechanical leverage to amplify the operator's input force, reducing the effort needed to achieve the required 12-15 kgF mating force for connection and disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from direct linear force application to rotational moment application. By introducing a lever arm that rotates around a pivot point, the operator applies force perpendicular to the lever arm, creating a mechanical advantage through the moment arm distance that reduces the required input force.
2Temperature
If QD connectors are located in confined spaces within server chassis, then adequate airflow for cooling is maintained, but operator access for manual manipulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm mechanism is designed to nest within or adjacent to the existing QD connector assembly in the confined space. The lever arm can be stored along the body of the connector when not in use, and its compact design allows it to fit within the limited space available in the server chassis without interfering with cooling airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm extends the operator's reach and mechanical advantage into confined spaces where direct manual manipulation would be difficult. By pivoting on the connector body, the lever arm provides leverage while maintaining a compact footprint that fits within the restricted spatial envelope of the server chassis.
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 solution significantly reduces the manual force needed for connecting and disconnecting QD connectors to less than 5 kgF, making it easier to service servers, even in tight spaces, while ensuring reliable fluid flow and leak prevention.
Implementation Method 1
A manual mating actuator includes a handle and a buckle. In response to the handle being moved from a first position to a second position, the buckle moves the removable manifold into the connected state with fixed manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-disconnect (QD) connector is configured for a server having electronic modules and an internal fluid circulation system for circulating fluid to cool the electronic modules. The QD connector comprises a first manifold, a second manifold, and a mating actuator. The second manifold is removably connected to the first manifold. The fluid is flowable within the internal fluid circulation system of the server in response to the first manifold and the second manifold being in a connected state. The mating actuator includes a handle and a buckle attached to the handle. The handle is movably coupled to the first manifold so as to be movable from a first position to a second position. The buckle is configured to engage the second manifold and to move the first and second manifolds into the connected state in response to the handle being moved from the first position to the second position.