Ball-Valve Quick Connector for Leak-Safe Liquid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional quick-connectors in liquid-cooling systems cause sudden pressure changes, leading to increased energy requirements for pumping liquid, as they often allow fluid to flow freely without a controlled mechanism to prevent leakage when disconnected.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connector design featuring a first and second body portion with a ball valve mechanism that allows fluid flow when connected and prevents flow when disconnected, utilizing gear systems and sealing members to manage fluid flow and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional quick-connectors are used to allow free fluid flow, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases due to sudden pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valve is pre-positioned in a sealed orientation within the quick-connector body. When the connector is assembled, the ball valve automatically rotates to align with the fluid passage, establishing the flow path before fluid is introduced. This preliminary positioning prevents pressure surges and eliminates the need for energy-consuming pressure equalization processes.
2Productivity
If traditional quick-connectors allow free fluid flow, then productivity is improved, but fluid leakage occurs when disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valve is designed to dynamically respond to the connection state. When the quick-connector is assembled, the ball valve rotates to a position where its equator aligns with the fluid passage, enabling full flow. When disconnected, the ball valve automatically returns to a sealed position perpendicular to the passage, preventing leakage. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain both high productivity during operation and zero leakage during disconnection.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ball valve mechanism is added to control fluid flow, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valve mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the fluid pressure differential created during connection and disconnection. The valve uses the system's own operating conditions to control its position, eliminating the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems. This self-service approach reduces device complexity while maintaining the energy-saving benefits of controlled flow.
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 reduces energy consumption by minimizing pressure changes and preventing fluid leakage when components are disconnected, enhancing the efficiency of liquid-cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one ball valve is positioned in the fluid channel extending through the quick-connector. Movement of the first body portion and the second body portion relative to each other causes the at least one ball valve to move between a flow position and a sealed position.
Implementation Method 2
The second gear is coupled to the at least one ball valve via a gear shaft, and engaged with the first gear. In some cases, the first gear is a rack gear, and second gear is a pinion gear. Linear movement of the first body portion relative to the second body portion linearly drives the first gear. Linearly driving the first gear rotates the second gear and causes the ball valve to rotate between the flow position and the sealed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-connector comprises a first body portion, a second body portion, and a ball valve. The first body portion defines a first fluid channel. The second body portion defines a second fluid channel. The second body portion is coupled to the first body portion such that the first fluid channel is aligned with the second fluid channel. The first fluid channel and the second fluid channel form a fluid channel extending through the quick-connector. The ball valve is positioned in the fluid channel extending through the quick-connector. Movement of the first body portion and the second body portion relative to each other causes the ball valve to move between a flow position and a sealed position. In the flow position, the ball valve allows fluid to flow through the quick-connector. In the sealed position, the ball valve prevents fluid from flowing through the quick-connector.