Floating Fluid Connector Assembly for Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid connectors in water cooling systems are fixedly mounted, leading to misalignment issues when connecting subsystems with varying physical dimensions, preventing successful connection.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded fluid connector assembly with a floating component and elastic members, featuring a guiding structure that automatically adjusts to align with a second guiding structure, ensuring proper connection even with misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid connectors are fixedly mounted, then the structure is simple and stable, but misalignment occurs when connecting subsystems with dimensional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connector employs a floating component that can move dynamically within the housing to accommodate dimensional variations. The elastic member enables the floating component to adjust its position automatically, transforming a static fixed mounting into a dynamic adaptive connection system that maintains reliability across different subsystem dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member changes its physical state (compression/expansion) in response to dimensional variations, allowing the floating component to shift position. This parameter change enables the connector to adapt to different alignment requirements while maintaining a stable connection structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If fluid connectors are fixedly mounted, then the manufacturing process is simple, but alignment precision deteriorates due to dimensional variations
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than requiring high manufacturing precision for fixed connectors, the invention uses a dynamic floating component that self-adjusts to achieve proper alignment. This approach trades manufacturing complexity for improved alignment precision, allowing standard manufacturing tolerances to be used while still achieving precise connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating component with elastic member provides self-alignment functionality, automatically adjusting to dimensional variations without requiring complex manufacturing processes. The system self-corrects alignment issues through the mechanical action of the elastic member and guiding structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a floating component with elastic member is used, then adaptability to misalignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: housing, elastic member, and floating component with guiding structures. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and maintainable despite the increased adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the fixed housing and the movable floating component, enabling the floating component to adjust to misalignment while being constrained by the housing. This intermediary element provides the necessary flexibility without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector system.
4Ease of operation
If guiding structures are added for automatic alignment, then connection ease is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding structures utilize asymmetric geometric features (such as D-shaped holes or polygonal guiding holes) that provide automatic alignment functionality. These asymmetric features are designed to mate with corresponding features on the paired connector, enabling self-alignment during connection while being manufacturable using standard machining processes.
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
Enables easy and reliable connection of fluid devices by compensating for dimensional variations, allowing for successful fluid passage alignment and disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member includes a spring with a curved portion
Implementation Method 2
The elastic member includes a coil spring
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector assembly includes a housing, an elastic member and a floating component. The housing has an opening. The elastic member is disposed in the opening of the housing. The floating component is movably supported by the elastic member and includes a fluid passage and a first guiding structure. The fluid passage is configured to be connected to a fluid device. The first guiding structure is configured to engage with a second guiding structure of the fluid device.