Pumps with pre-charged fluid

Example implementations relate to pumps with pre-charged fluid. In some examples, a pump may comprise a first valve connected to an inlet of the pump by a first clip, a second valve connected to an outlet of the pump by a second clip, and a compression release mechanism to relieve compression forces generated on a fluid included in the pump in response to the pump being connected to a manifold, where the pump is pre-charged with the fluid.

BACKGROUND

A computing device can utilize liquid cooling to remove heat from components of a computing device. For example, components of a computing device may generate heat while in use. The components may be cooled utilizing a liquid, such as a heat transfer fluid, as a heat transfer mechanism.

Cooling computing device components using fluid can include moving fluid through the computing device via a transport mechanism such as a piping system to reach heat generating components. Moving the fluid through the computing device may be accomplished using pumps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Liquid cooling can be utilized to remove heat generated by components of a computing device. As used herein, the term “liquid cooling” can, for example, refer to a method of heat removal from components of a computing device. As used herein, the term “computing device” can, for example, refer to a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a server, storage and/or networking equipment, among other types of computing devices. Components of a computing device can include, for instance, a processor, graphics card, power supply, and/or any other heat generating component of a computing device.

A pump may be utilized to cause fluid used in a liquid cooling system to be distributed to and/or from the various heat generating components of a computing device. As used herein, the term “pump” can, for example, refer to a device that moves fluid by a mechanical action.

For example, a pump may cause fluid to be distributed to a heat generating component of a computing device. The fluid can absorb heat generated by the computing device component and be pumped back out of the computing device, where the fluid can be cooled before being pumped back into the computing device.

In some examples, a pump may malfunction or fail. In such an example, a computing device may have to be disassembled in order to access the pump for servicing or replacement. Removing the pump can cause the cooling system to become unpressurized, resulting in the cooling system having to be re-pressurized once the pump is serviced or replaced. In a pressurized system with multiple pumps, the entire cooling system may be shut down to replace a particular malfunctioning or failed pump.

In some implementations, pumps with pre-charged fluid can allow for servicing and/or replacement of a pump without depressurizing and/or shutting down the cooling system. The pumps may be disconnected from the cooling system while the cooling system is functioning. The pumps may be connected to the cooling system with fluid pre-charged so that the cooling system remains under pressure, preventing the pump from having to be primed when connected to the cooling system.

FIG. 1illustrates a side view100of an example of a pump consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the pump may include a first valve102, inlet104of the pump, first clip106, second valve108, outlet110of the pump, second clip112, and compression release mechanism114. First valve102can include slot116and second valve108can include slot120. Inlet104of the pump can include groove118and outlet110of the pump can include groove122.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the pump can include first valve102. As used herein, the term “valve” can, for example, refer to a device that regulates, directs, and/or controls a flow of fluid by opening, closing, and/or partially obstructing a passageway of the fluid. For example, first valve102can regulate, direct, and/or control a flow of fluid through first valve102.

As used herein, the term “fluid” can, for example, refer to a fluid having properties suitable for heat transfer such that the fluid can cool components of a computing device. Examples of a fluid for cooling components of a computing device can include propylene glycol, water, glycol/water solutions, and/or any other fluids suitable for heat transfer.

First valve102can be connected to inlet104of the pump. For example, first valve102can regulate, direct, and/or control a flow of fluid to inlet104of the pump.

First valve102can be connected to inlet104of the pump by first clip106. As used herein, the term “clip” can, for example, refer to a fastening device used to connect two pieces of material. As illustrated inFIG. 1, inlet104of the pump can include groove118. As used herein, the term “groove” can, for example, refer to a cut or indentation in a surface to receive a piece of material. First clip106can be received by groove118of the inlet104of the pump via slot116of first valve102. As used herein, the term “slot” can, for example, refer to an opening in a piece of material.

For example, first valve102can slide over inlet104of the pump. Slot116can align with groove118such that prongs107of first clip106can be received by groove118via slot116in order to secure first valve102to inlet104of the pump. As used herein, the term “prong” can, for example, refer to a projecting piece of material. For example, first clip106can include two projecting prongs107. When secured, prongs107of first clip106are received by groove118such that first clip106can prevent movement of first valve102when first valve102is connected to inlet104of the pump.

Second valve108can be connected to outlet110of the pump by second clip112. As illustrated inFIG. 1, outlet110of the pump can include groove122. Similar to first valve102, second clip112can be received by groove122of the outlet110of the pump via slot120of second valve108.

For example, second valve108can slide over outlet110of the pump. Slot120can align with groove122such that prongs113of second clip112can be received by groove1122via slot120in order to secure second valve108to outlet110of the pump. When secured, prongs113of second clip112are received by groove122such that second clip112can prevent movement of second valve108when second valve108is connected to outlet110of the pump.

The pump can include pre-charged fluid. As used herein, the term “pre-charged” can, for example, refer to a pump having cooling fluid pre-filled such that when the pump is connected to a system under pressure, vapors and/or gasses are not introduced to the system under pressure. For example, the pump can include cooling fluid pre-charged such that when the pump is connected to the cooling system, the pump can begin functioning without having to remove vapors and/or gasses from the pump.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the pump can include compression release mechanism114. As used herein, the term “compression release mechanism” can, for example, refer to a device which can provide pressure relief in response to compressive forces being placed on the fluid in the pump.

Compression release mechanism114can provide pressure relief in order to relieve compression forces generated on the fluid included in the pump in response to the pump being connected to a manifold. For example, when the pump is connected to a manifold of a computing device cooling system, first valve102and second valve108can generate compressive forces on the fluid included in the pump. The compressive forces can cause first valve102and second valve108to lock, preventing them from functioning properly.

Compression release mechanism114can allow for the compressive forces generated by first valve102and second valve108on the fluid in the pump to be relieved, allowing the pump to be connected to the manifold of the computing device cooling system. Compression release mechanism114can include an accumulator and/or a discharge pipe, as further described herein with respect toFIGS. 2A-2CandFIG. 3.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a side view224of an example of a pump with an accumulator consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 2A, the pump can include a compression release mechanism214.

Compression release mechanism214can be an accumulator. As used herein, the term “accumulator” can, for example, refer to a pressure storage reservoir in which a fluid is held under pressure that is applied by an external source. For example, the accumulator can store pressure that is applied to the fluid of the pump in response to the pump being connected to a manifold of a computing device.

The accumulator can include a closed cell foam core226. As used herein, the term “closed cell foam core” can, for example, refer to a substance having closed cells including pockets of gas. For example, closed cell foam core226can include discrete pockets of gas surrounded by solid material.

Closed cell foam core226can compress to relieve compression forces generated on the fluid in the pump in response to the pump being connected to a manifold of a computing device cooling system. For example, when the pump is connected to the manifold of the computing device, compressive forces can be applied to the fluid in the pump. As the compressive forces are applied to the fluid as the pump is connected to the manifold, the fluid can enter compression release mechanism214and compress closed cell foam core226. In other words, the fluid can compress closed cell foam core226in response to compressive forces generated as a result of the pump being connected to the manifold. The compression of closed cell foam core226can relieve the compressive forces, allowing the pump to be connected to the manifold.

Although not illustrated inFIG. 2Afor clarity and so as not to obscure examples of the disclosure, closed cell foam core226can include a plunger. As used herein, the term “plunger” can, for example, refer to a piston located inside of compression release mechanism214that can interact with the fluid in the pump. In the orientation illustrated inFIG. 2A, the piston can be located on top of closed cell foam core226within compression release mechanism214. For example, in response to compressive forces generated as a result of the pump being connected to the manifold, the fluid can contact the plunger, and the plunger can compress closed cell foam core226, relieving the compressive forces and allowing the pump to be connected to the manifold.

FIG. 2Billustrates a side view228of an example of a pump with an accumulator consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 2B, the pump can include a compression release mechanism214.

Compression release mechanism214can be an accumulator. The accumulator can include a plunger230and a spring232. As used herein, the term “spring” can, for example, refer to an elastic object that stores mechanical energy.

Spring232can compress to relieve compression forces generated on the fluid in the pump in response to the pump being connected to a manifold of a computing device cooling system. For example, when the pump is connected to the manifold of the computing device, compressive forces can be applied to the fluid in the pump. As the compressive forces are applied to the fluid as the pump is connected to the manifold, the fluid can enter compression release mechanism214, contact plunger230, and compress spring232. In other words, the fluid can compress spring232in response to compressive forces generated as a result of the pump being connected to the manifold. The compression of spring232can relieve the compressive forces, allowing the pump to be connected to the manifold.

FIG. 2Cillustrates a side view234of an example of a pump with an accumulator consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 2C, the pump can include a compression release mechanism214.

Compression release mechanism214can be an accumulator. The accumulator can include a diaphragm236. As used herein, the term “diaphragm” can, for example, refer to a flexible membrane that stores mechanical energy.

Diaphragm236can compress to relieve compression forces generated on the fluid in the pump in response to the pump being connected to a manifold of a computing device cooling system. For example, when the pump is connected to the manifold of the computing device, compressive forces can be applied to the fluid in the pump. As the compressive forces are applied to the fluid as the pump is connected to the manifold, the fluid can enter compression release mechanism214, contact diaphragm236, and compress diaphragm236. In other words, the fluid can compress diaphragm236in response to compressive forces generated as a result of the pump being connected to the manifold. The compression of diaphragm236can relieve the compressive forces, allowing the pump to be connected to the manifold.

The accumulator can include a plunger235. For example, as compressive forces are applied to the fluid in the pump as the pump is connected to the manifold, the fluid can enter compression release mechanism214, contact plunger235, and compress diaphragm236. That is, the fluid can interact with plunger235in order to compress diaphragm236.

FIG. 3illustrates a perspective view338of an example of a pump with a discharge pipe340consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the pump can include a discharge pipe340.

The compression release mechanism can be a discharge pipe340. As used herein, the term “discharge pipe” can, for example, refer to a pipe connected to outlet310of the pump, where discharge pipe340can receive the fluid as the fluid exits the pump.

Discharge pipe340can be connected to outlet310of the pump. Discharge pipe340can be located between outlet310and the second valve (e.g., second valve108, previously described in connection withFIG. 1). For example, discharge pipe340can receive the fluid as the fluid exits the pump, and provide the fluid to the second valve.

Discharge pipe340can slide linearly relative to the outlet310of the pump in response to the pump being connected to a manifold of the computing device cooling system. For example, in the orientation illustrated inFIG. 3, discharge pipe340can slide up and/or down relative to outlet310. For example, when the pump is connected to the manifold of the computing device, compressive forces can be applied to the fluid in the pump. As the compressive forces are applied to the fluid as the pump is connected to the manifold, discharge pipe340can slide linearly and in an upwards direction (e.g., in the orientation illustrated inFIG. 3). In other words, the fluid can move into discharge pipe340to cause discharge pipe340to slide linearly in order to relieve compression forces generated as a result of the pump being connected to the manifold. The linear motion of discharge pipe340can relieve the compressive forces, allowing the pump to be connected to the manifold.

FIG. 4illustrates a side view442of an example of a pump consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the pump may include first valve402, first clip406, inlet404of the pump, second valve408, second clip412, outlet410of the pump, first o-ring444, and second o-ring446.

As previously described in connection withFIG. 1, the pump can include an inlet404. First valve402can be connected to inlet404by first clip406. As illustrated inFIG. 4, inlet404can include first o-ring444. As used herein, the term “o-ring” can, for example, refer to a mechanical gasket. First o-ring444can be in the shape of a torus. First o-ring444can include dimensions such that first o-ring444of inlet402can cause a fluid tight seal between inlet404and first valve402. As used herein, the term “fluid tight seal” can, for example, refer to a seal between two spaces such that fluid is not able to pass therebetween.

The dimensions of first o-ring444can cause the fluid tight seal between inlet404and first valve402. For example, first o-ring444can prevent fluid from moving between first o-ring444and an inner wall of first valve402. In other words, first o-ring444can prevent fluid from leaking out of the cooling system as the fluid moves from the cooling system of the computing device into the pump.

The pump can include an outlet410. Second valve408can be connected to outlet410by second clip412. As illustrated inFIG. 4, outlet410can include second o-ring446. Second o-ring446can be in the shape of a torus. Second o-ring446can include dimensions such that second o-ring446of outlet410can cause a fluid tight seal between outlet410and second valve408.

The dimensions of second o-ring446can cause the fluid tight seal between outlet410and second valve408. For example, second o-ring446can prevent fluid from moving between second o-ring446and an inner wall of second valve408. In other words, second o-ring446can prevent fluid from leaking out of the cooling system as the fluid moves from the pump and into the cooling system of the computing device.

Although first o-ring444and second o-ring446are described above as having a torus shape, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, first o-ring444and second o-ring446can have any other shape, and/or can be the same and/or differently shaped from each other.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, cut-away view548can include a cut-away view of first valve502connected to inlet504of the pump. As previously described in connection withFIG. 4, first o-ring544can include dimensions such that first o-ring544of inlet504can cause a fluid tight seal between inlet504and first valve502.

The dimensions of first o-ring544can be such that first o-ring544can cause the fluid tight seal between inlet504and first valve502based on first o-ring544being compressed by inner surface550of first valve502. For example, when first valve502is connected with inlet504, a dimension (e.g., a diameter) of first o-ring544may be larger than spaces551and553between a groove in which first o-ring544sits and inner surface550of first valve502. As a result, first o-ring544can be compressed by inner surface550. The compressed first o-ring544can result in a fluid tight seal between inlet504and first valve502.

Although cut-away view548is illustrated inFIG. 5as having equal spacing between the left and right sides of first valve502and inlet504(e.g., as oriented inFIG. 5), examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, first valve502may be connected to inlet504in such a way that space551between a groove in which first o-ring544sits and inner surface550of first valve502may be smaller than space553between a groove in which first o-ring544sits and inner surface550of first valve502. Space551and space553being different lengths may occur as a result of misalignment of inlet504and first valve502when first valve502is connected to inlet504. As a result of the misalignment, the portion of first o-ring544located in space551may be compressed more than the portion of first o-ring544located in space553. However, first o-ring544can maintain the fluid tight seal between inlet504and first valve502based on the un-compressed diameter of first o-ring544being larger than a fit tolerance between first valve502and inlet504.

Cut-away view549can include a cut-away view of second valve508connected to outlet510of the pump. As previously described in connection withFIG. 4, second o-ring546can include dimensions such that second o-ring546of outlet510can cause a fluid tight seal between outlet510and second valve508.

The dimensions of second o-ring546can be such that second o-ring546can cause the fluid tight seal between outlet510and second valve508based on second o-ring546being compressed by inner surface552of second valve508. For example, when second valve508is connected with outlet510, a dimension (e.g., a diameter) of second o-ring546may be larger than spaces555and557between a groove in which second o-ring546sits and inner surface552of second valve508. As a result, second o-ring546can be compressed by inner surface552. The compressed second o-ring546can result in a fluid tight seal between outlet510and second valve508.

Although cut-away view549is illustrated inFIG. 5as having equal spacing between the left and right sides of second valve508and outlet510(e.g., as oriented inFIG. 5), examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, second valve508may be connected to outlet510in such a way that space555between a groove in which second o-ring546sits and inner surface552of second valve508may be smaller than space557between a groove in which second o-ring546sits and inner surface550of first valve502(e.g., and/or vice versa). Space555and space557being different lengths may occur as a result of misalignment of outlet510and second valve508when second valve508is connected to outlet510. As a result of the misalignment, the portion of second o-ring546located in space555may be compressed more than the portion of second o-ring546located in space557. However, second o-ring546can maintain the fluid tight seal between outlet510and second valve508based on the un-compressed diameter of second o-ring546being larger than a fit tolerance between second valve508and outlet510.

FIG. 6illustrates a perspective view654of an example of a pump and a manifold659consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the pump can include first valve602, first o-ring644, second valve608, second o-ring646, and compression release mechanism614. First valve602can include o-ring658of first valve602. Second valve608can include o-ring662of second valve608. Manifold659can include an outlet656of manifold659and an inlet660of manifold659.

As previously described in connection withFIG. 1, the pump can include an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the pump can include first o-ring644, and the inlet of the pump can be connected to first valve602, where first o-ring644can include dimensions such that o-ring644provides a fluid tight seal between the inlet of the pump and first valve602. The outlet of the pump can include second o-ring646, and the outlet of the pump can be connected to second valve608, where second o-ring646can include dimensions such that o-ring646provides a fluid tight seal between the outlet of the pump and second valve608.

Manifold659can include an outlet656and an inlet660. As used herein, the term “manifold” can, for example, refer to a device to collect and/or distribute fluid. For example, manifold659can be a manifold of a computing device cooling system. Manifold659can collect and/or distribute cooling fluid to and/or from components of the computing device, as well as to and/or from the pump.

Outlet656of manifold659can be connected to first valve602such that cooling fluid from the computing system is supplied to the pump via first valve602. For example, after cooling fluid has interacted with components of the computing system to cool the components, the cooling fluid can be directed to the pump via first valve602.

First valve602can include o-ring658of first valve602. O-ring658of first valve602can provide a fluid tight seal between first valve602and manifold659based on o-ring658being compressed by an inner surface of manifold659. For example, although not shown inFIG. 5for clarity and so as not to obscure examples of the disclosure, an inner surface of outlet656of manifold659can compress o-ring658when first valve602is connected to outlet656of manifold659, providing a fluid tight seal between first valve602and manifold659.

Inlet660of manifold659can be connected to second valve608such that cooling fluid from the pump is supplied to the components of the computing system via second valve608. For example, after cooling fluid has been pumped through the pump, the cooling fluid can be directed toward the components of the computing system to cool the components via second valve608.

Second valve608can include o-ring662of second valve608. O-ring662of second valve608can provide a fluid tight seal between second valve608and manifold659based on o-ring662being compressed by an inner surface of manifold659. For example, although not shown inFIG. 5for clarity and so as not to obscure examples of the disclosure, an inner surface of inlet660of manifold659can compress o-ring662when second valve608is connected to inlet660of manifold659, providing a fluid tight seal between second valve608and manifold659.

As previously described in connection withFIGS. 2A-2CandFIG. 3, the pump can include compression release mechanism614. Compression release mechanism614can relieve compression forces generated on the cooling fluid in the pump in response to the pump being connected to manifold659. In some examples, compression release mechanism614can include an accumulator utilizing a closed cell foam core, a plunger and spring, and/or a diaphragm, among other types of accumulators. In some examples, compression release mechanism614can include a discharge pipe.

Pumps with pre-charged fluid, according to the disclosure, can allow for pumps of a computing device cooling system to be serviced and/or replaced without depressurizing the cooling system of the computing device. Utilizing a compression release mechanism, the pumps may be connected to the computing device cooling system while the fluid of the pump is pressurized. The dimensions of various o-rings of the pump can allow for a fluid tight seal of the cooling fluid, even if misalignment occurs while connecting the pumps to the computing device cooling system and/or connecting components of the pumps together.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by the use of similar digits. For example,102may reference element “02” inFIG. 1, and a similar element may be referenced as402inFIG. 4. Elements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a plurality of additional examples of the disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense. As used herein, “a plurality of” an element and/or feature can refer to more than one of such elements and/or features.