Floating Joint Retainer Structure for Quick Coupler Radial Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water cooling systems for servers face challenges in coupling quick couplers with large radial tolerances, as existing guide stems and guide blocks cannot effectively align them concentrically.
Innovation Solution
A floating joint and retainer connection structure is introduced, featuring a fixed retainer, an adaptor joint with radial translation capability, and sliding members that allow the adaptor joint to move radially relative to the fixed retainer, compensating for large radial fit tolerances between quick couplers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fixed quick couplers are used with guide stems and guide blocks, then alignment is provided for small radial tolerances, but large radial tolerances cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor joint is designed with a floating structure that can dynamically adjust its position radially relative to the fixed retainer. The sliding members enable the adaptor joint to move within sliding slots, transforming the static fixed coupling into a dynamic adjustable coupling that adapts to large radial tolerances between quick couplers
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor joint serves as an intermediary component between the fixed retainer and the quick coupler. It mediates the connection by providing radial translation capability, allowing the system to bridge the gap caused by large radial tolerances that cannot be compensated by direct guide stem-to-guide block alignment
2Measurement precision
If guide stem and guide block are used for alignment, then concentric positioning is achieved for small tolerances, but assembly fails for large radial tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The floating adaptor joint with sliding members provides dynamic radial adjustment capability during assembly. This allows the system to maintain concentric positioning accuracy while accommodating large radial tolerances, ensuring successful assembly where fixed guide structures would fail
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor joint changes its radial position parameter relative to the fixed retainer through the sliding mechanism. This parameter change enables the system to compensate for large radial tolerances while maintaining the concentric positioning required for successful quick coupler assembly
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed retainer and adaptor joint are rigidly connected, then structural stability is maintained, but radial tolerance compensation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the fixed retainer and adaptor joint is designed as a controlled dynamic system rather than a rigid fixed connection. The sliding members within sliding slots provide guided movement that maintains structural stability while enabling the radial translation necessary for tolerance compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into the fixed retainer, adaptor joint, and sliding members. This segmentation allows the adaptor joint to move independently radially while remaining structurally connected to the fixed retainer, achieving both stability and flexibility
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
This solution enables successful coupling of quick couplers with large radial tolerances by allowing the adaptor joint to translate radially, thereby correcting the fit tolerance and preventing rubbing and wear between couplers.
Implementation Method 1
The first sliding member is provided on the first side with a first slide, which is fitted in and movable vertically relative to the sliding slot. The second sliding member has at least one edge being fitted in and movable horizontally relative to the guiding recess on the first sliding member.
Data Source
AI summary
A floating joint and retainer connection structure includes a hollow fixed retainer having one closed side formed with a through opening and radially extended sliding slot pairs; an adaptor joint having a pipe connecting and a joining section connected to the retainer and a male coupler, respectively; a first sliding member having an opening fitted on the pipe connecting section, a first slide movably engaged with the sliding slots, and a front guiding recess; a second sliding member having a bore fitted on the pipe connecting section and shaped for slidably engaging with the guiding recess; and a retaining ring fitted on the pipe connecting section and attached to the second sliding member to limit the first and second sliding members from moving axially. With the first and second sliding members, the adaptor joint can translate to correct a radial fit tolerance and be conveniently assembled to the fixed retainer.