Server Rack Fluid Connector With Magnetic Leak Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling solutions for high-performance servers in data centers are inefficient and unreliable, particularly in managing fluid leaks, as they often require additional fluid parts or individual pumps, which are not suitable for large-scale deployment and do not effectively minimize the impact of leakage.
Innovation Solution
A modular server rack component with two-sided fluid connectors, including a blind mating side and a manual mating side, an electromagnet, and a spring structure, which allows for self-regulated fluid cutoff in case of leakage, using a DC power source to control the magnetic field and disengage the fluid connection, preventing further fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid shutdown valves are used to cut the fluid circuit, then fluid leakage can be stopped, but additional fluid parts are introduced which increase system complexity and are not suitable for large-scale deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid cutoff function with the existing connector structure by integrating a magnetic coupling mechanism into the connector itself. The magnetic coupling acts as an automatic shutdown valve that is built-in rather than added-on, merging the leakage protection function with the connection component to avoid increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling mechanism automatically detects fluid leakage through sensors and shuts off the fluid circuit without requiring external intervention or additional control systems. The connector self-regulates by disengaging the magnetic coupling when leakage is detected, providing self-service leakage protection that eliminates the need for complex external valve systems.
2Reliability
If individual pumps are used for each loop with shutdown capability, then leakage impact can be minimized, but the solution increases device complexity and is not appropriate for server liquid cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid circuit into modular connector units, each with its own magnetic coupling shutdown mechanism. This allows individual segments to be isolated in case of leakage without requiring shutdown of entire loops or additional pump controls, achieving leakage containment through structural segmentation rather than complex pump control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pump shutdown systems with a simpler magnetic coupling disengagement mechanism. When leakage is detected, the magnetic coupling automatically disengages to stop fluid flow, substituting a simple magnetic-mechanical action for complex pump control systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining leakage protection.
3Loss of time
If quick shutdown capability is implemented, then fluid exposure in leakage incidents is minimized, but additional fluid parts and control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling mechanism is pre-positioned and pre-charged with magnetic force during normal operation, ready for immediate disengagement. When leakage is detected, the pre-positioned magnetic coupling can instantly disengage to stop fluid flow, achieving quick shutdown without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms that would increase system complexity.
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
This solution provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective liquid cooling system with quick shutdown capabilities in leakage scenarios, minimizing fluid exposure and enhancing server reliability and performance while being compatible with various use cases and easy to implement.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet device (115) attached to a server side of the main board, wherein, in response to a leakage signal received from the leaking sensor indicating that a fluid leakage occurs, a magnetic field associated with the electromagnet (115) is modified by a controller (not shown) coupled to the electromagnet (115), which causes the fluid connector (107) to disengage from the server fluid connector (125)
Data Source
AI summary
An adopting core device including a main board, a server connector module, a leaking sensor, and an electromagnet device is proposed in the current application. In an embodiment, a main board including a fluid channel assembled by a manual mating connector through hoses and a blind mating connector fixed on the other side. In an embodiment, the manual mating connector is connected to a rack connector of a rack manifold of an electronic rack coupled to an external cooling fluid source to receive and to return cooling fluid from and to the external cooling fluid source. For example, the blind mating connector is capable of being engaged with or disengaged from a server fluid connector of a server chassis. In an embodiment, the server chassis comprises a leaking sensor configured to detect leakage of the cooling fluid within the server chassis.