Compact Non-Spill Fluid Couplings for Air-Free Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid coupling devices in existing systems often experience fluid spillage and air inclusion during connection and disconnection, which can damage electronics and contaminate the environment, especially in applications like liquid cooling of electronics.
Innovation Solution
The development of non-spill fluid coupling devices with modular construction, featuring a valve assembly and multiple seals that block fluid discharge paths and prevent air inclusion, along with a compact design and robust latching system to ensure secure connections and minimize unintentional disconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid coupling devices are used, then fluid flow connection is achieved, but fluid spillage and air inclusion occur during connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is configured to automatically close before the male and female coupling portions are fully disconnected, preventing fluid spillage and air inclusion. The valve closes in advance of the separation event, blocking fluid discharge paths before they are exposed to the external environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fluid flow path and the external environment. It mediates the transition from connected to disconnected state by controlling fluid flow, ensuring that fluid does not spill and air does not enter the system during the coupling transition.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If coupling devices are designed to prevent fluid spillage, then non-spill performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional valve assemblies and seals
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is integrated within the coupling device housing, merging the valve function with the coupling structure. The valve stem, valve sleeve, and seals are positioned within the internal space of the housing, combining multiple functions (flow control, sealing, and coupling) into a single integrated component rather than separate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow, prevents spillage, blocks air inclusion paths, and integrates with the latching mechanism. The same valve structure that prevents spillage also contributes to the overall sealing system and can be actuated by the coupling/disconnection motion itself, reducing the need for additional separate components.
3Volume of moving object
If compact configuration is implemented, then space for installation is reduced, but internal space for valve assembly and seals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly components (valve stem, valve sleeve, seals) are nested within the housing internal space. The valve sleeve surrounds the valve stem, and both are positioned within the housing cavity, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes the use of available internal volume while maintaining the compact external dimensions of the coupling device.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the housing, utilizing vertical and radial spaces efficiently. The valve stem extends axially while the valve sleeve provides radial containment, and seals are positioned at multiple locations (between valve stem and sleeve, between valve sleeve and housing) to create effective sealing in multiple dimensions within the compact volume.
Data Source
AI summary
Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured as non-spill fluid couplings. In addition, some embodiments described in this document relate to fluid coupling devices and fluid coupling systems that are constructed in a compact configuration.