Floating Joint Pressure Relief Structure for Smooth Radial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for water cooling systems in server cabinets face issues with radially sliding resistance due to improper normal force application, leading to difficulties in aligning male and female couplers and maintaining the adaptor joint at a desired position.
Innovation Solution
A floating joint and retainer connection device with a pressure relief structure, comprising a fixed retainer, adaptor joint, slidable washer, elastic element, fixing element, abutting spacer, and spring, which controls the normal force and reduces radial resistance by allowing radial displacement while ensuring the adaptor joint stays in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large normal force is applied by washers to the fixed retainer, then the adaptor joint can be clamped securely, but the adaptor joint experiences large resistance when displacing radially
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is divided into a fixed washer and a movable washer. The fixed washer remains stationary while the movable washer can slide axially along the fixing element. This segmentation allows the clamping force to be applied at the fixed washer while the movable washer absorbs radial displacement movements, reducing friction resistance during adaptor joint alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The movable washer is designed to slide axially along the fixing element in response to radial displacement of the adaptor joint. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the washer to accommodate movement rather than resisting it with constant friction, enabling smooth radial displacement while maintaining secure clamping
2Ease of operation
If a small normal force is applied by washers to the fixed retainer, then the adaptor joint can displace smoothly, but the adaptor joint cannot stay at the desired final position
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into fixed and movable components. The fixed washer provides stable positioning force while the movable washer accommodates displacement. This allows the system to provide sufficient normal force for position stability without creating excessive friction that would hinder smooth radial displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The movable washer acts as an intermediary between the fixed retainer and the adaptor joint. It transmits the clamping force while allowing relative movement, mediating between the need for secure positioning and the need for smooth radial displacement during alignment
3Manufacturing precision
If guide stem and guide block are provided to correct radial tolerance, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding function is merged into the adaptor joint itself through the guiding section with its tapered outer surface, eliminating the need for separate guide stem and guide block components. The adaptor joint simultaneously performs both connection and radial alignment functions, reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor joint is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both the connection function and the radial alignment function. The guiding section on the adaptor joint performs the alignment task that would otherwise require dedicated guide components, making the device more compact and simpler
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 device effectively reduces radial sliding resistance and ensures smooth alignment of couplers by controlling the normal force, allowing the adaptor joint to maintain its position after radial displacement, addressing the limitations of conventional structures.
Implementation Method 1
a normal force between the adaptor joint and the fixed retainer can be effectively controlled to reduce the resistance between the adaptor joint and the fixed retainer when the adaptor joint is displaced radially relative to the fixed retainer
Implementation Method 2
a floating joint and retainer connection device with a pressure relief structure, comprising a fixed retainer, adaptor joint, slidable washer, elastic element, fixing element, abutting spacer, and spring
Data Source
AI summary
A floating joint and retainer connection device with pressure relief structure includes a hollow fixed retainer; an adaptor joint having an engaging end and a fitting end extended through the fixed retainer to an outer side thereof, and a buffering section located between the engaging and fitting ends; a slidable washer and a fixing element fitted on an outer surface of the fitting end to limit the adaptor joint from moving axially relative to the fixed retainer; an elastic element located between the fixed retainer and the slidable washer; a slidable spacer having an axially protruded section formed on one side; and a spring fitted around the buffering section with two ends pressed against another side of the abutting spacer and a shoulder portion on the adaptor joint. With the above pressure relief structure, the adaptor joint can stay at any radially displaced position relative to the fixed retainer.