Floating Pipe Connector With Alignment and Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for cooling liquid pipes in servers lack quick connection capabilities, alignment assurance in non-permanent installations, and force feedback to ensure stable connections, especially when dealing with manufacturing and installation tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A floating connector design that allows the housing to move between longitudinal positions, incorporating floating springs and indicators for alignment and pressure feedback, ensuring stable connections by detecting pressure thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the connector uses a fixed rigid structure, then the connection stability is improved, but the alignment capability with installation tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is designed to float longitudinally between first and second positions relative to the base, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate installation tolerances while maintaining stable connection when properly aligned
2Reliability
If the connector housing is fixed in position, then the connection reliability is improved, but the quick connection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floating housing can move between first and second longitudinal positions, enabling quick insertion and removal while the indicator mechanism ensures reliable connection by providing visual feedback when properly seated
3Loss of information
If the connector provides force feedback mechanism, then the connection status detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An indicator mechanism is provided that sends an indication signal when the housing is disengaged from the second longitudinal position, providing clear feedback on connection status without requiring complex monitoring systems
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 quick and stable connections by adapting to installation tolerances, providing alignment assurance and force feedback, thus ensuring reliable fluid transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a first floating spring disposed between the base and the housing, and biasing the housing towards the second longitudinal position relative to the base
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a connector (100). The connecter (100) includes a housing (110); a pipe (120) at least partially disposed in the housing (110); and a base (160) mounted to a first item and disposed to the housing (110) to allow the housing (110) to float between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position relative to the base (160), such that the pipe (120) is connected to a second item in a floating manner along the longitudinal direction.