Cooling System Tube Length Differentiation Prevents Misconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling systems do not prevent erroneous connections between supply-side and discharge-side connectors, which can lead to misidentification and incorrect connection of tubes.

Innovation Solution

The cooling system employs supply and discharge connection tubes of different lengths, allowing for visual distinction and preventing erroneous connections by ensuring independent insertion and withdrawal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If supply-side connectors and discharge-side connectors are inserted and withdrawn together, then connection operation is simplified, but erroneous connections cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection operationVSAvoidconnection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection operation is segmented into two independent steps: first inserting the supply-side connector, then inserting the discharge-side connector. This segmentation allows each connector to be individually verified before the other is connected, preventing erroneous connections while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supply-side connector is connected in advance before the discharge-side connector. This preliminary action establishes a reference state that enables verification of the discharge-side connector's position, ensuring correct connection without complicating the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If supply connection tube and discharge connection tube are made separately insertable and withdrawable, then independent connection is enabled, but erroneous connections may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent connection capabilityVSAvoidconnection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supply connection tube is connected in advance before the discharge connection tube. This preliminary action creates a reference state that enables verification of the discharge connection tube's insertion depth and position, ensuring correct connection while maintaining independent connectability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection state of the supply-side connector provides feedback for verifying the discharge-side connector's position. By checking whether the supply-side connector is properly seated before connecting the discharge side, the system ensures correct assembly without sacrificing independent connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If connectors are designed for simultaneous insertion, then assembly is simplified, but misidentification of supply and discharge sides occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnector identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly process is segmented into sequential steps rather than simultaneous insertion. This segmentation creates distinct moments for identifying and connecting each connector type, preventing misidentification while maintaining overall assembly simplicity through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supply-side connector is identified and connected in advance, establishing a reference point that makes it easier to identify the discharge-side connector subsequently. This preliminary identification action prevents confusion between the two connector types during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11470741B2Cooling system, module, and device
Publication Date: 2022.10.11 NEC PLATFROMS LTD
  • US11470741B2 patent drawing
  • US11470741B2 patent drawing
  • US11470741B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cooling system including a cooling unit that cools a heat-generating component; a supply connection tube that is connected to the cooling unit and that supplies a cooling medium to the cooling unit; and a discharge connection tube that is connected to the cooling unit and that discharges the cooling medium from the cooling unit, wherein the supply connection tube and the discharge connection tube have different lengths.