Cooling Connector Visual Lock Indication for Leak Prevention
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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 featuring an identification portion shielded by a shielding member that is uncovered when properly connected, allowing external apparatuses to confirm the connection status through an identification window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector uses a simple coupling structure without identification mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of connection status determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual identification marks (such as colored rings or patterns) on the connector couplings to indicate connection status. When the first and second couplings are properly connected, the identification mark becomes visible or changes appearance, providing an intuitive visual signal to workers without adding complex electronic or mechanical detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate identification structure (such as a visible mark, window, or indicator element) that mediates between the mechanical connection state and the worker's perception. This intermediary element translates the internal connection status into an externally observable signal, enabling reliable determination without direct inspection of the coupling mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a connector provides clear identification of connection status, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional identification structures
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates visual identification marks (colored rings, patterns, or indicators) that change appearance or become visible when properly connected. This allows workers to quickly verify connection status at a glance, significantly improving ease of operation without requiring complex verification procedures or additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification function is segmented as a separate visual indicator element distinct from the mechanical coupling components. This segmentation allows the identification feature to be added independently to the connector design, improving ease of operation while minimizing the impact on the overall structural complexity of the coupling mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If the connector lacks an identification portion, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the measurement precision of connection status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual identification marks (such as colored rings, patterns, or contrast-colored elements) that can be applied through conventional manufacturing processes like injection molding, painting, or labeling. These visual features provide high measurement precision for connection status detection while being tolerant of normal manufacturing variations, as they rely on visual contrast rather than precise dimensional tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification portion utilizes parameters such as color, reflectivity, or visual contrast rather than precise dimensional parameters. This approach allows the identification feature to be manufactured with standard tolerances while still providing high measurement precision for connection status detection, as the identification relies on optical properties rather than geometric precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides a connector (11), a cooling apparatus (10), a battery (100), and an electric device. The connector (11) includes a first coupling (111), a second coupling (112), an identification portion (113), and a shielding member (114). The second coupling (112) is connected to the first coupling (111). The identification portion (113) is configured to be identified by an external apparatus. Under the condition that the first coupling (111) and the second coupling (112) are not properly connected, the shielding member (114) shields the identification portion (113), and under the condition that the first coupling (111) and the second coupling (112) are properly connected, the identification portion (113) is uncovered by the shielding member (114) and exposed to an external environment of the connector (11), or the identification portion (113) is capable of being exposed to the external environment of the connector (11) via an identification window provided on the shielding member (114).