Cooling Connector Identification Window for Leak-Safe Coupling Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors in cooling apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining whether the first and second couplings are properly connected, leading to potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A connector design incorporating an identification portion and a shielding member, where the identification portion is shielded by the shielding member when the couplings are not properly connected and exposed when they are properly connected, allowing for accurate identification by an external apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector uses traditional coupling connection without identification mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of connection status determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an identification portion with distinct visual characteristics (such as color differences, reflective properties, or geometric patterns) that can be easily distinguished by external apparatus. This allows working personnel to quickly determine connection status through visual inspection or automated detection, improving reliability without adding complex mechanical or electronic identification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification portion acts as an intermediary element between the coupling connection and the external detection apparatus. It provides a clear, unambiguous signal about connection status, enabling reliable determination without requiring direct observation of the coupling interface itself, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If a connector provides clear identification of coupling connection status, then the measurement precision of connection status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification portion employs distinct visual characteristics such as color coding, reflective properties, or geometric patterns that provide unambiguous signals for connection status. This enables high-precision detection by external apparatus (visual inspection or automated systems) while maintaining a simple structural implementation that does not significantly increase connector complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to directly observe the coupling interface to determine connection status, the patent inverts the approach by providing an indirect identification portion that clearly indicates connection status. This inverted methodology achieves high detection precision while avoiding the complexity of direct interface observation or complex sensing systems.
3Ease of operation
If the identification portion is always exposed, then the ease of operation for checking connection status is improved, but the reliability of leakage prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The identification portion's exposure state is made dynamic rather than static. It is automatically exposed only when the coupling connection achieves proper engagement, and remains shielded during improper connection or assembly processes. This dynamic behavior simultaneously improves ease of operation (automatic exposure upon correct connection) and maintains leakage prevention reliability (shielded during assembly to prevent premature identification of incomplete connections).
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure is designed so that proper coupling connection automatically performs the action of exposing the identification portion. This preliminary action ensures that the identification portion is only exposed after correct connection has been achieved, preventing premature identification that could lead to leakage issues while maintaining ease of operation through automatic indication.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a connector, a cooling apparatus, a battery, and an electric device. The connector includes a first coupling, a second coupling, an identification portion, and a shielding member. The second coupling is connected to the first coupling. The identification portion is configured to be identified by an external apparatus. Under the condition that the first coupling and the second coupling are not properly connected, the shielding member shields the identification portion, and under the condition that the first coupling and the second coupling are properly connected, the identification portion is uncovered by the shielding member and exposed to an external environment of the connector, or the identification portion is capable of being exposed to the external environment of the connector via an identification window provided on the shielding member.