Connector for a temperature-regulated article
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack a connector that allows for a single fluid circuit between multiple thermally regulated articles and a fluid source, with quick disconnect capabilities and in-line heating/cooling, to prevent thermal loss and manage varying fluid volumes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wye connector with primary and secondary connectors, fluid conduits, and thermoelectric modules to form a closed fluid circuit, enabling connection of multiple devices to a single fluid source with quick disconnects and inline heating/cooling to maintain temperature consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate fluid circuits are used for each thermally regulated article, then each article can be independently controlled, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid circuits into a single shared fluid circuit that serves multiple thermally regulated articles. A single control unit with a pump and heater/cooler regulates fluid flow through this shared circuit, which connects to multiple articles via connectors. This merging approach maintains the ability to independently control each article's temperature while significantly reducing system complexity and cost compared to using separate circuits for each article.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit and fluid circuit are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The single control unit can regulate temperature for multiple different articles (e.g., mattress, pillow, blanket) through the shared fluid circuit. The connectors allow the same fluid circuit to be adapted to different article configurations, providing universal applicability across various thermally regulated products.
2Device complexity
If a shared fluid circuit is used for multiple articles, then system complexity is reduced, but thermal loss in fluid conduits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-regulates the temperature of the fluid before it enters the shared conduit system. By heating or cooling the fluid centrally at the control unit, the system ensures that the fluid maintains its thermal energy throughout its journey through the conduits to multiple articles. This preliminary thermal regulation prevents significant thermal loss during transit, as the fluid is already at the required temperature when it reaches each article.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal insulation as an intermediary layer around the fluid conduits. This insulation acts as a mediator that reduces heat transfer between the fluid and the surrounding environment, thereby minimizing thermal loss as the fluid travels through the shared circuit. The insulated conduits protect the thermal energy of the fluid while allowing it to serve multiple articles efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If quick disconnect connectors are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but potential for fluid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick disconnect connectors are designed with pre-engineered sealing mechanisms that compensate for potential leakage. The connectors include resilient sealing elements (such as O-rings or gaskets) that are pre-installed and positioned to automatically engage when connectors are joined. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even with quick connect/disconnect operations, the fluid circuit maintains its seal integrity and prevents leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick disconnect connectors are designed to self-seal upon engagement. When two connector halves are joined, the sealing surfaces automatically mate and create a fluid-tight connection without requiring additional sealing actions. The connectors self-regulate the seal engagement through their mechanical design, ensuring reliable sealing while maintaining ease of operation for quick connection and disconnection.
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
Facilitates a single fluid circuit for multiple devices, reducing noise and cost, while maintaining temperature control through inline heating/cooling, and accommodating varying fluid volumes efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating module configured to heat fluid within the at least one first fluid conduit and/or the at least one second fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
A wye connector with primary and secondary connectors, fluid conduits, and thermoelectric modules to form a closed fluid circuit, enabling connection of multiple devices to a single fluid source with quick disconnects and inline heating/cooling to maintain temperature consistency
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for fluidly coupling a thermally-regulated article to a fluid source includes primary connector connectable to at least one fluid outlet and at least one fluid inlet of a control unit and a secondary connector connectable to at least one fluid outlet and at least one fluid inlet of the temperature-regulated article. A first fluid conduit connects a fluid inlet of the secondary connector to an upstream connector from the temperature-regulated article, and a second fluid conduit connects a fluid outlet of the secondary connector to a downstream connector of the temperature-regulated article. At least one thermal element is attached to one or more of the fluid conduits and arranged to heat or cool fluid flowing therewithin.