Blind Mate Fluid Coupling With Carrier-Based Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blind mate fluid couplings have insufficient misalignment tolerance, which limits their application in environments with less stringent enclosure tolerances, such as electronic data centers, where more flexibility in alignment is required to maintain manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sealed carrier within the coupler housing that serves as an alignment mechanism for the valve body, allowing for radial and angular misalignment compensation by varying the diameters of the valve body and receptacle, enabling proper connection and fluid flow even with significant misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional blind mate coupling design is used, then manufacturing process remains economical and proven, but misalignment tolerance is insufficient (only 1mm radial and zero angular)
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into three main segments: a first coupling member with a first valve body, a second coupling member with a second valve body, and an intermediate carrier. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for misalignment compensation while maintaining overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is disposed within the housing of the coupling member and receives the valve body, creating a nested structure. The carrier acts as an intermediate element that the valve body can move relative to, enabling misalignment compensation without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If tighter enclosure tolerances are required to achieve proper alignment, then misalignment tolerance improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the valve bodies by providing different diameters at different axial locations (first diameter at forward portion, second diameter at intermediate portion, third diameter at rearward portion). This allows the valve bodies to accommodate angular and radial misalignment while maintaining sealed fluid connection, eliminating the need for tight enclosure tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve bodies are designed to be movable relative to their respective coupling members, and the carrier is movable within the housing. This dynamic capability allows the system to automatically compensate for misalignment during the mating process without requiring precise pre-alignment or tight tolerances in the enclosure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If maximum misalignment compensation is achieved through carrier movement, then alignment flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier and valve body mechanism is designed to automatically compensate for misalignment through their own movement capabilities without requiring external alignment aids, adjustment mechanisms, or complex control systems. The different diameters on the valve bodies self-align during the mating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier serves multiple functions: it provides a sealed fluid passage, acts as a receptacle for the valve body, enables misalignment compensation through radial movement, and maintains fluid sealing throughout the range of motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling member (12) for a blind mate fluid coupling includes a housing (16) and a fluid connector (18) fixed in position relative to the housing for connecting to a fluid conduit of the system. A valve body (20) extends through the housing and is movable relative to the housing (16). The valve body includes a valve member (22). A carrier (26) is at least partially disposed in the housing (16) and is radially movable relative to the housing. The carrier (26) is configured to cooperate with the valve body (20) to facilitate alignment of the valve body when coupling to another coupling member (14). The carrier (26) includes a sealing arrangement (58, 60) that permits radial and/or angular misalignment compensation of the design. Varying diameters of the insertion part or receiving part of the coupling member may be provided for further enhancing misalignment compensation of the design.