Floating Connector Radial Alignment for Server Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for cooling liquid pipelines in server environments lack a quick and convenient connection mechanism that can accommodate alignment errors between the connector and inlet pipeline, leading to unstable connections and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A floating connector system with a housing, pipeline, and floating devices (bolts and springs) that allow radial movement of the pipeline, combined with a gasket and snap ring for secure alignment, enabling quick connection and alignment adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pipeline is rigidly fixed to the housing, then the connection stability is improved, but the alignment error between connector and inlet pipeline cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is transformed from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic floating structure supported by springs. The pipeline can now move radially within the housing to accommodate alignment errors while maintaining connection stability through the constraining action of the gasket and snap ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system combines rigid components (housing, pipeline, gasket, snap ring) with elastic components (springs) to create a composite structure that provides both stability and adaptability. The springs provide elastic support allowing movement, while the rigid gasket and snap ring provide constraining forces to maintain connection integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pipeline is made floatable to accommodate alignment errors, then the adaptability is improved, but the connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket acts as an intermediary between the pipeline and housing, providing a sealing interface that maintains connection stability even when the pipeline moves radially. The snap ring serves as a mediator that constrains the pipeline position while allowing controlled floating movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the pipeline from completely fixed to floating by introducing springs. The springs allow the pipeline to change its radial position parameter while the gasket and snap ring maintain the connection stability parameter through constraining forces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple floating devices are added to ensure stable floating connection, then the alignment adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating connection system is segmented into multiple independent floating devices distributed around the pipeline. Each floating device consists of a spring and support structure, and they work independently to provide collective stability through their distributed arrangement.
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
The system ensures stable and secure connections even with positional errors, preventing leakage and improving versatility across different server configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the spring is abutted between the bolt and the sidewall of the pipeline, allowing the pipeline to float in the radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a connector, which is mounted to a first object and connected between an outlet device and an inlet device to direct a fluid. The connector comprises: a housing mounted to the first object; a pipeline penetrating the housing in a flow direction of the fluid and comprising an outlet end connected to the outlet device and an inlet end connected to the inlet device; a floating device disposed on the housing and floatingly connected to the pipeline, allowing the pipeline to float in the radial direction transverse to a flow direction of the fluid with respect to the housing. The present application also discloses a connecting system.