Automatic Connector Engagement System for Blind Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic engagement systems for quick disconnect couplings in liquid cooling and electrical connections lack efficient and reliable methods for blind mating and disengagement, particularly in equipment modules like servers and server racks, where multiple connections are required and precise alignment is crucial.
Innovation Solution
An automatic engagement system comprising a male section with a motor and connector shaft and a female section with a receiving port, guided by a pin and socket mechanism, which automatically rotates the connector shaft to engage or disengage the sections upon activation, ensuring secure connections and easy disconnections through motor control and actuator buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and connection of quick disconnect couplings are used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but alignment precision and connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a motor to automatically perform the connection operation after the operator simply positions the components. The motor-driven shaft rotates to engage the quick disconnect couplings without requiring manual alignment adjustments, making the system serve itself for the precise alignment task while keeping the operator's task simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated motor-driven system. The motor controls the rotation and positioning of the connector shaft, substituting the need for manual mechanical adjustment and achieving precise alignment through automated control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If automated motor-driven connection is implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a motor module for automated rotation, a shaft module for mechanical transmission, and quick disconnect coupling modules for connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while keeping the overall system manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven shaft serves multiple functions: it rotates to engage connections, positions the quick disconnect couplings, and can be controlled to disconnect as well. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Strength
If precise alignment mechanisms are added, then connection security is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven system automatically achieves precise alignment and secure connection without requiring complex manual assembly procedures. The automated rotation and positioning mechanisms ensure proper alignment during operation, eliminating the need for complex pre-alignment features that would complicate manufacturing.
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 system enables reliable and efficient blind mating of electrical and fluid connectors, ensuring secure connections and easy disconnections, reducing manual effort and improving alignment precision, while allowing for multiple connections and easy operation in various equipment configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The motor can be any type of motor known in the art, including but not limited to, AC motors, DC motors, stepper motors, and the like
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed for automatically engaging and disengaging connectors for equipment modules. The connectors can be engaged by operating a rotating shaft to draw opposite connector sections together. A guide pin and socket are provided to guide the alignment of connectors and shaft and to trigger operation of the rotating shaft.