Patent ID: 12245401

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is depicted by way of illustration specific examples in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

A Liquid disconnect may provide, from tubes or pipes connect to the liquid disconnect, liquid to a computing device to cool various components within the computing device. Another liquid disconnect may allow, via tubes or pipes, for liquid to flow out of the computing device, for example to a cooling distribution unit or some other facility equipment utilized to cool heated liquid. The liquid disconnect may be round. The Liquid disconnects may be round to evenly distribute pressure created from the liquid passing through the tubes or pipes to the liquid disconnect. Round liquid disconnects may fit in some spaces. However, the liquid disconnect may not be less than a set diameter. The diameter may be set to ensure proper flow rate in relation pressure drop. Based on the set diameter liquid disconnects may not fit in some applications. Further, increasing the diameter of the liquid disconnect may prevent the liquid disconnect from fitting in different areas of a computing device.

For example, the smaller a liquid disconnect is, the lower the flow rate in relation to higher pressure becomes. However, due to limited space on computing devices, the size of the liquid disconnect is constrained. In other words, liquid disconnects may be so large before the liquid disconnect would no longer fit on a computing device. In other examples, a liquid disconnect proportioned to allow for a proper flow rate in relation to pressure may not fit on some computing devices.

Based on the issues described above, a solution is to change the shape of the liquid disconnect. The shape (for example, an obround shape) may not offer the uniformity of a circular shape, which may cause deformation of the liquid disconnect, depending on the material the disconnect is comprised of, the thickness of the material, and the pressure of the fluid flowing through the liquid disconnect. However, any potential deformations may be prevented via a sleeve or other support structure. In other examples, the material may be suitable in and of itself to prevent deformation. Further, flow rate may be increased due to the shape. Further still, the flow rate may increase at a lower pressure than as with a round liquid disconnect. Such an increase in flow rate versus pressure may be attributed to the larger area of a non-circular disconnect. Further, while the height of the non-circular disconnect may be decreased to fit into smaller spaces, the width may be increased, creating a larger total area than a round or circular disconnect (thus maintaining or increasing flow rate per pressure drop).

FIG.1. Is a block diagram of a male disconnect, according to an example. In an example, the male disconnect may be a non-circular male disconnect100. In another example, the disconnect may be two ganged or fused circular disconnects. In an example, the non-circular male disconnect100may include a male body102. In an example, the male body102may fit into a corresponding non-circular female disconnect. In another example, the non-circular male disconnect100may include a male poppet104. In an example, when the non-circular male disconnect100is inserted into a non-circular female disconnect, the male poppet104may be pushed inwards (in other words, away from the non-circular female disconnect). In such examples, when the male poppet104is pushed in, liquid or coolant may flow through the non-circular male disconnect100and around the male poppet104to the non-circular female disconnect.

As used herein, a “computing device” may be a storage array, storage device, storage enclosure, server, desktop or laptop computer, networking device, switch, access point, or any other device or equipment including a controller, a processing resource, or the like. In examples described herein, a “processing resource” may include, for example, one processor or multiple processors included in a single computing device or distributed across multiple computing devices. As used herein, a “processor” or “processing resource” may be at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to retrieve and execute instructions, other electronic circuitry suitable for the retrieval and execution instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, a “machine-readable storage medium” may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage apparatus to contain or store information such as executable instructions, data, and the like. For example, any machine-readable storage medium described herein may be any of Random Access Memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, flash memory, a storage drive (e.g., a hard drive, hard drive disk (HDD)), a solid state drive, any type of storage disc (e.g., a compact disc, a DVD, etc.), and the like, or a combination thereof. In another example, the machine-readable storage medium may fit into a space on a computing device. The space may be small form factor (SFF) or large form factor (LFF). For example, an SFF HDD may include a 2.5 inch HD or SSD, while an LFF HDD may include a 3.5 inch HD or SSD. Any machine-readable storage medium described herein may be non-transitory.

As used herein, “rack unit” or “U” may refer to the unit of measurement to define the height of a rack frame and the height of the equipment in a rack frame (such as, computing devices). Each rack unit may be equivalent to 44.50 millimeters or 1.75 inches. For example, a computing device, such as a rack server, may have a height of 2 U or 2 rack units (in other words, 89 millimeters or 3.5 inches).

As noted above,FIG.1is a block diagram of a male disconnect (e.g., a non-circular male disconnect100). In such examples the non-circular male disconnect100may be obround, an ellipse, or some other non-circular shape. In such examples, the shape of the non-circular male disconnect100may increase the flow rate of liquid through a tube or pipe connected to the non-circular male disconnect100. Further, due to the non-circular shape, the flow rate of the liquid may be increased at a same pressure or a lower pressure than a circular disconnect. For example, for an obround male disconnect, a high flow rate (for example, 18 gallons per minute) may be achieved at a one third of the pressure used for the same flow rate of a circular male disconnect.

In another example, the non-circular male disconnect100may be comprised of plastic. In another example, the non-circular male disconnect100may be a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In another example, the non-circular male disconnect100may be comprised of metal. In another example, the male poppet104and components of the non-circular female disconnect may be comprised of one of the materials listed above.

In an example, the male poppet104of the non-circular male disconnect100may correspond to a plunger of the female disconnect. The plunger of the female disconnect may be surrounded by a female poppet. The female poppet may be a ring that moves based on a spring force. For example, as the non-circular male disconnect100is inserted into the non-circular female disconnect, the male body102may push the female poppet further into the female body. The plunger, which may remain stationary, may push the male poppet104further into the male body102. As the male poppet104and female poppet are pushed further into the male body102and female body, respectively, liquid may flow from the non-circular male disconnect100and around the male poppet104to the non-circular female disconnect (In another example, the liquid may flow in the reverse direction). Thus, the non-circular male disconnect100(as well as the tube or pipe connected to the non-circular male disconnect) may provide a supply or return of liquid to or from a computing device for cooling or heat removal purposes (as in, cooling of components in a computing device that generate heat, like a processing resource).

FIGS.2A-Care schematic views of a non-circular male disconnect200,201, according to an example.FIG.2Ais a schematic view of the non-circular male disconnect200, without a sleeve. In such examples, the non-circular male disconnect200may include a base206, a bottom portion204, and a top portion202. The base206may be thicker than either the top portion202and/or the bottom portion204. In another example, the base206may include tube or pipe retention features on the outside and/or inside of the base206. In other words, tubes or pipes may connect or attach to the base206of the non-circular male disconnect200for the purpose of moving liquid to and from a computing device. In another example, the base206may include an O-ring or other water-tight seal on the outside or inside, where the tube or pipe may connect, to prevent leakage.

In another example, the bottom portion204may be a first uniform thickness. In other words, the bottom portion204may measure at the same thickness at any point along the bottom portion204. In another example, the bottom portion204may be thicker than the top portion202. In another example, the top portion202may be a second uniform thickness. In other words, the top portion202may measure at the same thickness at any point on the top portion202. As noted, the first uniform thickness (of the bottom portion204) may be thicker than the first uniform thickness (of the top portion202). In another example, the difference in the first uniform thickness and second uniform thickness may be on the outside of the non-circular male disconnect200(in other words, the outside of the bottom portion204may be thicker than the outside of the top portion202, while the inside or inner wall of the non-circular male disconnect200is smooth from the top portion202to the bottom portion204). In such examples, the non-circular female disconnect may include a stop to prevent over insertion. In another example, an edge of the opening of the non-circular female disconnect may be smaller or less thick than the bottom portion204(in other words, the bottom portion204may prevent over insertion as the bottom portion204may abut an edge of the opening of the non-circular female disconnect when the non-circular male disconnect200is fully inserted into the non-circular female disconnect). Further, the bottom portion204may be larger than the inner portion or edge of the opening of the non-circular female disconnect.

In another example, the non-circular male disconnect200may include a male poppet208. In an example, the male poppet208may be held in place via force or friction. In a further example, the force may be generated by liquid flowing into the non-circular male disconnect200. In another example, the force may be a spring force. In such examples, a spring or springs (not shown) may be included inside the non-circular male disconnect200. In a resting state, the spring or springs may be extended and force the male poppet208to sit flush or almost flush against the opening of the non-circular male disconnect200, thus preventing any liquid from escaping the non-circular male disconnect200. When the non-circular male disconnect200is inserted into a non-circular female disconnect, male poppet208may be pushed inwards and the spring or springs may compress, thus allowing liquid to flow through the opening in the non-circular male disconnect200.

In another example, the male poppet208may include a notch209. The notch209may correspond to a protrusion on the plunger of the non-circular female disconnect. Thus, as the non-circular male disconnect200is inserted into the non-circular female disconnect, the protrusion may fit into the notch209and prevent potential misalignment of the non-circular male disconnect200(as misalignment may potentially causing leakages). In another example, other alignment features, such as pins or guidance pins (corresponding to apertures on the non-circular female disconnect), may be included on the sides of the non-circular male disconnect200and or the male poppet208.

In another example, the non-circular male disconnect200may include a notch210. In such examples, the notch210may accommodate a gasket or O-ring. In such examples, as the non-circular male disconnect200is inserted into the non-circular female disconnect, liquid may start flowing through the non-circular male disconnect200and the non-circular female disconnect. In such examples, the gasket or O-ring may press against the inside of the non-circular female disconnect, creating a seal and thus preventing leakages.

FIGS.2B-Care schematic views of the non-circular male disconnect201, with a sleeve212. Depending on the material used for a non-circular male disconnect201, pressure may cause deformation to the wider or flat portion211of the non-circular male disconnect200. In such examples, the amount of pressure to deform the non-circular male disconnect200may be more than an operating pressure. In other words, liquid flowing through the non-circular male disconnect200to/from an operating computing device may not generate the amount of pressure to deform the non-circular male disconnect. Nevertheless, the non-circular male disconnect201may be tested at higher than operating pressure to ensure proper operation in any environment or case. However, if deformation were to occur, the gasket, O-ring, or seal of the non-circular male disconnect may be compromised, potentially causing a leak. To prevent such an issue, a sleeve212may be added to the non-circular male disconnect201. In such examples, the sleeve may be comprised of plastic, metal, carbon fiber, or some other material suitable to prevent the deformation of the non-circular male disconnect201under high pressure. In another example, the sleeve212and top portion202together may form a larger thickness than the bottom portion204. When the non-circular male disconnect201is added to the non-circular female disconnect the sleeve212may prevent further insertion, rather than the bottom portion204.

In another example, the sleeve212may be added to the non-circular male disconnect201before insertion of the non-circular male disconnect201into the non-circular female disconnect (for example, a user may add the sleeve212to the non-circular male disconnect201). In another example, the sleeve212may be added to the non-circular male disconnect201at the time of manufacturing. In another example, the sleeve212may fixedly or removably attached to the non-circular male disconnect201. In such examples, the sleeve212may be fixedly attached to the non-circular male disconnect201via adhesive. In another example, the sleeve212may be attached via latch or some other similar attachment feature. In another example, the sleeve212may stay fixed in place via friction.

In another example, rather than a sleeve212, the non-circular male disconnect201may include support structures along the inside of the wider or flat portion211. The support structure may be bars that run along the inside of the non-circular male disconnect201from the top to the bottom of the entire circular male disconnect201, the top portion202, or at some other set of points within the non-circular male disconnect201. The support structures may be fused or integral to the non-circular male disconnect201. Further, the male poppet208and plunger may not touch or be impeded by the support structures, as the diameter of the male poppet208and plunger may be less than the diameter of the non-circular male disconnect201and support structures. In a further example, the support structure may include a bridge. The bridge may span the distance between the support structures and may be slidably connected to the support structures. In such examples, as the male poppet208is pushed inwards, the bridge may slide down or inwards.

FIGS.3A-Eare schematic views of a non-circular male disconnect300and a non-circular female disconnect301, according to an example. In the following examples, the non-circular male disconnect300and a non-circular female disconnect301may be obround (as shown), an ellipse, or some other non-circular shape.FIG.3Ais an exploded cross section of the non-circular male disconnect300and non-circular female disconnect301, whileFIG.3Bis an assembled cross section of the non-circular male disconnect300and non-circular female disconnect301. As shown, the male poppet312may fit into the rear of the non-circular male disconnect300(or in other words, through the base306of the non-circular male disconnect300). The male poppet312may push against the opening310opposite the base306of the non-circular male disconnect300. In other words, prior to insertion into the non-circular female disconnect301, the male poppet312may create a seal against the opening310, thus preventing leakage. In another example, the force of the liquid pushing against the male poppet312may keep the male poppet312in place against the opening310. In another example, a spring or other mechanism may be included to provide a sufficient spring force to keep the male poppet312pressed against the opening310prior to insertion to prevent leakage.

In another example, the non-circular male disconnect may include a top portion302, a bottom portion304, and a base306. In such examples, the bottom portion304may be a first uniform thickness and the top portion302may be a second uniform thickness. In an example, the first uniform thickness may be greater than the second uniform thickness. In another example, the top portion302may flare inwards at the opening310. In such examples, the flared portion309may prevent the male poppet312from passing through the opening310. In another example, the base306may include notches308to allow for a tube or pipe to attach or connect to the non-circular male disconnect300. In another example, a notch305may be included on the top portion302near the opening310. In such examples, the notch305may allow for a gasket or O-ring, to create a seal on the inside of the female body314of the non-circular female disconnect301, to prevent leakage.

In another example, the non-circular female disconnect301may include a plunger316and a female poppet318. In such examples, the plunger316may be stationary. Further, the smaller end320of the plunger316may fit into a stationary portion322of the non-circular female disconnect301or into an insert in the mounting features of the non-circular female disconnect301(Shown inFIGS.3B,3C, and3D). In another example, before insertion of a non-circular male disconnect300, the female poppet318may press against an opening of the non-circular female disconnect301. In such examples, liquid may force the female poppet318to press against the opening. In another example, a spring (not shown), springs. or other similar mechanism may force the female poppet318to push against the opening. In a further example, when the non-circular male disconnect300is not inserted into the non-circular female disconnect301, the spring or springs in the non-circular female disconnect301may be extended. When the non-circular male disconnect300is inserted into the non-circular female disconnect301, the female poppet318may be pushed inwards or into the non-circular female disconnect301, thus compressing the spring or springs.

In another example, liquid may flow from the non-circular male disconnect300to the non-circular female disconnect301. In such examples, the liquid flowing in such a direction may be cold, cool, or room temperature. In another example, liquid may flow from the non-circular female disconnect301to the non-circular male disconnect300. In such examples, the liquid may be heated, hot, or warm.

FIG.3Cis a cross-section of a non-circular male disconnect300inserted into a non-circular female disconnect301. As noted, a smaller end320of the plunger316may connect to a stationary portion322or wall. The stationary portion322or wall may fit in between the non-circular female disconnect301and a disconnect326. Further disconnect326may connect to tube or pipes internal to a computing device.

As noted, the sleeve321may prevent over insertion of the non-circular male disconnect300. In another example, the bottom portion304may prevent over insertion of the non-circular male disconnect300. In another example, the female poppet318may press against the stationary portion322or wall and prevent further insertion of the non-circular male disconnect300into the non-circular female disconnect301. In another example, the non-circular female disconnect301may include a latch or other toolless mechanism to connect to corresponding features on the non-circular male disconnect300. In such examples, the latch or other toolless mechanism may lock the non-circular male disconnect300in place.

FIGS.3D and3Eare another schematic view of the non-circular male disconnect300and the non-circular female disconnect301. As noted above, the non-circular male disconnect300may include a male body comprised of the top portion302, the bottom portion304, and the base306. In another example, the non-circular male disconnect300may include a sleeve321, a notch305for a gasket (or an O-ring or seal), and a male poppet312. As noted above, the non-circular female disconnect301may include a female body314, female poppet318, and a plunger316. As noted above, the plunger316may connect to a stationary portion322or wall. In such examples, the stationary portion322or wall may be a mounting component included on the faceplate or other area of a computing device. In such examples, the non-circular female disconnect301may be on the side that connects with the non-circular male disconnect300, while another disconnect326may be connected on the other side, to connect tubes or pipes internal to the computing device and to provide liquid to the computing device.

In another example, the male poppet312may be a ring, obround, ellipse, or other shape with a solid top, to prevent water flow when pressed against the opening310of the non-circular male disconnect300. In another example, the plunger316may be a solid component which pushes the male poppet312back, allowing for water to flow through the non-circular male disconnect300and around the plunger316and male poppet312. In another example, the male poppet312may include a notch. In a further example, the plunger316may include a corresponding feature, for example, protrusion324. In a further example, the notch may include a magnet. Further, the protrusion324may be magnetized or include a magnet corresponding to the magnet in the notch. In such examples, the magnets in the notch and protrusion324may allow for self-centering or self-alignment of the non-circular male disconnect300within the non-circular female disconnect301. In another example, the portion of the non-circular male disconnect300around opening310may be magnetized or include magnets. Further, the female poppet318may be magnetized or include magnets. In such examples, as the non-circular male disconnect300is inserted into the non-circular female disconnect301, the magnets in or magnetized surface of the portion surrounding opening310may magnetically connect to magnets in or magnetized surface of the female poppet318to self-center or self-align the non-circular male disconnect300within the non-circular female disconnect301.

FIGS.4A-Dare schematic views of non-circular disconnect mounts, according to an example. In an example, the application of the non-circular disconnects may allow for liquid disconnects to be placed in smaller spaces. Further, as disconnects for a cold supply line and a hot return line may be utilized, the mounting features may be laid out on a computing device in various configurations (for example, to maximize space). For example, inFIG.4Atwo disconnect mounts402,403are shown. In such examples, the disconnect mounts402,403may be positioned close together. Further, one disconnect mount402may include an aperture401centered at one edge of disconnect mount402, while another aperture405may be positioned such that another aperture404on another disconnect mount403may fit underneath. Such a configuration may allow for disconnect mounts to fit closely together, thus maximizing space, while allowing for secure retention or alignment features (for example, utilizing the apertures) for each non-circular disconnect. In another example, rather than including apertures401,404,405, the two disconnect mounts402,403may include pins or guidance pins corresponding to alignment features included on a non-circular male disconnect. InFIG.4B, each aperture408may be centered along both edges of each disconnect mount406407. Such a configuration, while not maximizing space, may allow for the use of non-custom disconnect mounts. In another example, rather than including apertures408the two disconnect mounts406,407may include pins or guidance pins corresponding to alignment features included on a non-circular male disconnect InFIG.4C, each disconnect mount410,411may include one aperture412at opposite edges. In such examples, the disconnect mounts410,411may be molded, machined, or 3D printed as one piece or one disconnect mount. Such a configuration may maximize the overall structural integrity of the disconnect mounts410,411. InFIG.4D, no apertures may be included with the disconnect mounts414,415. In such examples, a non-circular disconnect may utilize a retention clip to fasten or attach each non-circular disconnect to the disconnect mounts414,415.

FIG.5is a schematic view of a non-circular disconnect mounting configuration, according to an example. For a non-circular disconnect, threaded mounting configurations may not be utilized. To enable the use of non-circular disconnects, different mounting methods may be utilized. For example, a retention clip502may be utilized. In such examples, a disconnect510internal to a computing device may connect via tube508or other connector feature to a non-circular female disconnect506. In such examples a retention clip502may be utilized to secure the disconnect510, tube508, and non-circular female disconnect506to a panel, faceplate, or bulkhead504of a computing device.

FIGS.6A-Care block diagrams of non-circular disconnect mount606layouts, according to an example. InFIG.6A, the non-circular disconnect mounts606may be placed one on top of the other on the computing devices faceplate or bulkhead604. In such an example, the computing devices faceplate or bulkhead604may include other components, such as handles602. In such an example, a round or circular disconnect may not fit over the handles and may be placed at an offset between the handles602to fit on the computing devices faceplate or bulkhead604. In another example, the computing device may be a 1 U computing device. In another example, the computing device may be larger or smaller than a 1 U computing device. InFIG.6B, ad as noted, a computing devices faceplate or bulkhead604may include various components, such as the handles602. In such examples, while round or circular disconnects may not fit above the handles602, other non-circular disconnect mounts606may fit. Further, if flow rate per pressure is to be increased, the non-circular disconnect mounts may be expanded out in the direction of arrows614to the dotted lines615or further. In other words, the non-circular disconnect mounts606may be increased in area to allow for a higher flow rate at a lower pressure. InFIG.6C, non-circular disconnect mounts606may be disposed on a much smaller area. In such examples, the non-circular disconnect mounts606may be disposed on a faceplate or bulkhead616the size of an HDD (for example, an SFF HDD or LFF HDD space), a PCI (peripheral component interconnect) or PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) device space, or other similarly sized device spaces. In such examples, space on the bulkhead or faceplate of the computing device may not be available for disconnect mounts. However, disconnect mounts may be disposed on a device the size of an HDD or other similarly sized devices. However, round or circular disconnect mounts may not fit. The non-circular disconnect mounts606may fit, due to the lower height of the non-circular disconnect mounts606, and offer increased flow rate per pressure, due to the increased overall area of the non-circular disconnect mounts606. In other words, non-circular disconnect mounts606(and the corresponding non-circular male and female disconnects) may be shorter in height but larger in overall area, due to an increased length or width. Further, a user may replace an HDD or other similarly sized device with a device or blank including the non-circular disconnect mounts606to enable a computing device to utilize liquid cooling.

FIGS.7A-Dare schematic views of ganged disconnects, according to an example. In an example, to achieve sufficient flow rate at smaller sized disconnects, rather than utilizing a non-circular disconnect (e.g., obround), two or more ganged circular disconnects may be utilized and, when joined or fused, may occupy an obround volume or area. The ganged circular disconnects may be molded as one component for liquid flowing in a single direction (in other words two or more circular disconnects for return liquid or supply liquid).

In such examples, the ganged circular disconnects may provide greater efficiency in a smaller or more efficient space than a single circular disconnect. For example, to achieve a higher flow rate at a lower pressure, two or more standard liquid disconnects may be ganged, fused, or joined. Thus, flow rate is increased at a lower pressure, while maintaining a standard height for the ganged circular disconnects. In another example, this effect may be achieved by decreasing the area of each circular disconnect of the two or more ganged circular disconnects Thus, while the area of each circular disconnect is smaller, the overall area may be increased as the two or more ganged circular disconnects are connected to a common fluid path. Such an example may allow for the two or more ganged circular disconnects to fit into smaller than normal areas.

For example, inFIGS.7A and7B, two disconnect mounts702may allow for the flow of either hot or cold liquid. In other words, the two disconnect mounts702may work as one disconnect mount. In such an example, the diameter of the opening of the ganged male disconnects706may be reduced, while maintaining a sufficient flow rate. As noted above, the ganged male disconnects706and corresponding ganged female disconnects704may each be molded as one disconnect (male and female, respectively). In another example, the ganged male disconnects706may share a common fluid path.

In another example, more circular disconnects may be ganged together. In another example, supply disconnects and return disconnects may be ganged together. For example, inFIGS.7C and7D, two disconnect mounts708may allow for the flow of either hot or cold liquid, while the other two disconnect mounts709may allow for the flow of liquid opposite that of the two disconnect mounts708. In such examples, two adjacent ganged male disconnects712and corresponding ganged female disconnects710may form a supply while the other two ganged male disconnects713and corresponding ganged female disconnects711may form a return, or vice versa. In such examples, the entire set of disconnects700B,700D may be fused together or molded as one piece.

The present disclosure has been described using non-limiting detailed descriptions of examples thereof and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that features and/or operations described with respect to one example may be used with other examples and that not all examples of the present disclosure have all of the features and/or operations illustrated in a particular figure or described with respect to one of the examples. Variations of examples described will occur to persons of the art. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “include,” “have” and their conjugates, shall mean, when used in the present disclosure and/or claims, “including but not necessarily limited to.”

It is noted that some of the above described examples may include structure, acts or details of structures and acts that may not be essential to the present disclosure and are intended to be examples. Structure and acts described herein are replaceable by equivalents, which perform the same function, even if the structure or acts are different, as known in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the elements and limitations as used in the claims