Floating Joint Retainer for Non-Coaxial Coupler Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing server cabinet designs face challenges in correcting radial offset between couplers without using guide posts and guide seats, leading to increased assembly time, cost, wear, and potential water leakage due to frictional contact during coupler connection.
Innovation Solution
A floating joint and retainer connection structure comprising a fixed retainer, an adaptor joint, and a retaining element, which allows radial correction of couplers using a beveled guiding surface and radial movement of the adaptor joint relative to the fixed retainer, eliminating the need for guide posts and seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If guide posts and guide seats are provided to correct radial offset between couplers, then radial alignment is improved, but space occupied in server cabinet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radial correction function from the traditional guide post and guide seat structure, integrating it into a compact retainer assembly that can be mounted directly on the server cabinet without requiring separate guiding components, thereby reducing space occupation while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (radial correction, positioning, and retention) into a single integrated retainer structure that houses both the correction mechanism and the mounting function, eliminating the need for separate guide posts and seats
2Volume of stationary object
If guide posts and guide seats are omitted to save space, then space occupied is reduced, but assembly precision and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly pre-establishes the correct radial position and orientation before the coupler is inserted, so that the alignment correction happens automatically during insertion without requiring high-precision pre-positioning or complex adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the server cabinet and the coupler, providing a controlled interface that guides the coupler into proper alignment while accommodating tolerance variations, thus simplifying the assembly process
3Manufacturing precision
If radial offset is corrected by direct frictional contact between couplers, then alignment is achieved, but wear and damage occur causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly provides a cushioning effect by allowing controlled radial movement and absorption of impact forces during coupler insertion, preventing direct collision between the coupler ends and protecting sealing elements from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs the mechanical stress and misalignment forces, preventing direct harmful contact between the coupler components and preserving the integrity of sealing elements
4Volume of stationary object
If high-precision fit is required to omit guide posts, then space is saved, but assembly time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly pre-establishes the correct radial position and orientation before the coupler is inserted, so that the alignment correction happens automatically during insertion without requiring high-precision pre-positioning or complex adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment through the retainer's built-in correction mechanism, where the coupler automatically finds its proper position during insertion without requiring external guidance or precise pre-positioning by the assembler
Data Source
AI summary
A floating joint and retainer connection structure includes a hollow fixed retainer having a first side and a second side provided with a through hole; an adaptor joint including a hollow guiding section having a beveled guiding surface formed along a rim of a free end thereof, and a pipe connecting section including an engaging end and a pipe fitting end extending through the fixed retainer to project from the through hole on the second side thereof; and a retaining element fitted on around an outer surface of the pipe connecting section, such that the adaptor joint is limited from moving axially but is movable radially relative to the fixed retainer. When two non-coaxial couplers are to be connected end to end, the beveled guiding surface is helpful to correct the radial offset between the two couplers, allowing them to be connected without causing wear and water leakage.