Electrical Connector With Integrated Fluid Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling systems for electronic devices are often bulky and difficult to assemble or repair, especially in high current power supply support structures with limited space, restricting the flow rate and complicating connections between internal tubing systems and external fluid sources.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrical connector assembly featuring a housing with mating and rear ends, incorporating fluid couplings with passageways for fluid flow and electrical contacts that engage to facilitate alignment and connection, allowing for efficient fluid communication and reduced bulkiness, enabling easier assembly and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fluid couplings are used to connect external fluid sources to internal tubing systems, then fluid flow connection is achieved, but the coupling becomes bulky and difficult to assemble or repair, especially in space-constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid coupling function with the electrical connector housing into a single integrated assembly. The fluid coupling is positioned within the connector housing, merging two separate components (fluid coupling and electrical connector) into one unified structure, thereby reducing overall bulkiness and simplifying assembly while maintaining both electrical and fluid flow connections
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid coupling is nested within the electrical connector housing structure. The coupling is positioned inside the housing cavity, allowing the fluid flow path to be contained within the existing electrical connector footprint, thus reducing the external bulkiness while preserving the fluid coupling functionality
2Volume of moving object
If smaller fluid couplings are used to reduce bulkiness in space-constrained support structures, then compactness is improved, but the flow rate capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid passageway is configured to extend in multiple dimensions within the connector housing, utilizing the three-dimensional space efficiently. The passageway can extend longitudinally through the housing and radially through the coupling body, maximizing flow capacity within a compact volume by exploiting dimensional space rather than relying solely on increasing component size
3Quantity of substance
If complex fluid coupling systems are used to maintain desired flow rates, then flow rate requirement is met, but the connection complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection through the electrical contacts, fluid flow connection through the fluid coupling and passageway, and structural support through the housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated fluid coupling components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining desired flow rates
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing having a mating end, a rear end opposite the mating end, and first and second openings each extending from the mating end to the rear end. An electrical contact is held at least partially within the first opening. A fluid coupling is held at least partially within the second opening. The fluid coupling includes a body having a fluid passageway extending therethrough. The fluid passageway is configured to carry flow of a fluid between the mating and rear ends of the housing.