Composite Cable Connector for Fluid-Electric Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water dispensing systems face challenges in achieving reliable connectivity between multiple units due to entanglements and faults when using separate liquid conduits and electrical cables, which are not suitable for distributing water dispensing effectively.
Innovation Solution
A composite cable assembly with a fluid tube, electric cable, and a composite connector arrangement that includes an electrical coupler, fluid coupler, and a partitioning means to prevent fluid migration, along with a latching mechanism for secure attachment to the dispensing unit, ensuring both fluid communication and electrical coupling while maintaining mechanical and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate liquid conduits and electrical cables are used for connectivity between water dispensing units, then fluid communication and electrical coupling can be established, but the system becomes susceptible to entanglements and faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate liquid conduits and electrical cables into a single integrated composite cable assembly. The fluid tube and electric cable are housed together within a common jacket, creating one unified connector that provides both fluid communication and electrical coupling simultaneously, eliminating the entanglement issues of separate cables
Solution Approach 2:
The composite connector arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides both fluid communication through the fluid coupler and electrical coupling through the electrical coupler, while also incorporating a latching mechanism for secure attachment. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require separate components
2Reliability
If a composite connector arrangement integrates both electrical and fluid couplers, then connectivity is improved, but fluid migration from fluid coupler to electrical coupler becomes a risk
Solution Approach 1:
The connector arrangement is divided into distinct electrical and fluid connection zones that are physically separated. The electrical coupler and fluid coupler occupy different spatial regions within the connector, with the electrical connections positioned away from the fluid pathway, preventing fluid migration while maintaining integrated connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The common jacket serving as the housing for both the fluid tube and electric cable acts as a protective intermediary barrier. This jacket prevents fluid from the fluid tube from reaching the electric cable and electrical coupler, while still allowing both components to function within the same integrated connector structure
3Strength
If a latching mechanism is added to secure the composite connector arrangement, then mechanical connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is integrated into the composite connector arrangement as a unified component rather than being a separate attachment device. The latch works in conjunction with the existing electrical and fluid couplers within the same housing, providing secure mechanical connection without requiring additional separate components
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 composite cable assembly provides a reliable and secure means of fluid and electrical connectivity between water dispensing units, preventing entanglements and faults, and ensuring safe operation by isolating electrical and fluid zones, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of water distribution systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (e.g., spring). This mechanism is configured to provide a certain degree of freedom for movement of the composite connector arrangement with respect to the water dispensing unit, while maintaining mechanical and electrical connection of the electrical coupler/connector due to the pushing force applied over the movable/slidable carrier
Implementation Method 2
at least one partitioning means configured to physically buffer between the electrical and fluid couplers/connectors, to thereby prevent migration of fluids from the fluid coupler to the electric coupler
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The present disclosure provides composite cables, particularly multipurpose composite cables usable for fluids dispensing arrangements.