Floating Quick Disconnect for Server Rack Tolerance Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick disconnect systems face issues with fitment and fluid flow due to tolerance discrepancies between server racks and connectors, leading to potential misalignment and increased pressure drop or system failure, especially when dimensions deviate from specified standards.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pre-loaded biasing element within the housing of the quick disconnect system that applies a biasing force, allowing the connector to move relative to the housing and accommodate tolerance variations, while guiding elements ensure proper alignment and prevent rotational or transverse movement, thereby ensuring secure and efficient fluid conduit formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fixed quick disconnect systems are used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but fitment and fluid flow are compromised due to tolerance discrepancies between server racks and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The quick disconnect system transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The connector is made movable relative to the housing through a biasing element, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to compensate for tolerance variations in server rack dimensions while maintaining secure fluid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the connector relative to the housing. By allowing the connector to move along the biasing element, the system adjusts the connector's position to accommodate variations in rack dimensions, ensuring proper fitment and fluid flow despite manufacturing tolerances.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed tolerance limits are specified for quick disconnect systems, then manufacturing consistency is maintained, but misalignment and system failure occur when rack dimensions deviate from specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capability where the connector can move relative to the housing. This dynamic feature allows the system to adapt to various rack dimensions within a range, overcoming the limitation of fixed tolerance specifications and preventing misalignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed housing and the movable connector. It provides the necessary mechanical means for the connector to adjust its position, mediating the interaction between the connector and varying rack dimensions to ensure proper alignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of quick disconnect systems is allowed, then adaptability to different conditions is improved, but operation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment through the biasing element mechanism. When the connector is inserted, the biasing element automatically provides the force needed to move the connector to the correct position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining adaptability to different rack dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element is pre-loaded with force before operation. This preliminary action stores the necessary energy to automatically move the connector into the correct position during insertion, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operation time.
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 solution enables secure and efficient fluid connections by accommodating dimensional variations, preventing misalignment and system failure, and maintaining fluid flow integrity even when rack dimensions exceed or fall short of specified tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-loaded biasing element disposed in the housing to apply a biasing force between the housing and the first connector of the quick disconnect
Data Source
AI summary
A quick disconnect system includes a housing and a first connector of a quick disconnect configured to complementarily mate with a second connector of the quick disconnect. A pre-loaded biasing element is configured to provide a biasing force between the first connector and the housing. A method for mating a quick disconnect is also described. The method includes receiving a connecting force to mate a first connector of a quick disconnect in a housing with a second connector of the quick disconnect. When the connecting force is at least equal to or greater than a mating force value, the first connector is mated with the second connector. When the connecting force is greater than a pre-load value of a biasing element in the housing, the mated quick disconnect is moved relative to the housing while maintaining the connection of the mated quick disconnect.