Male Fluid Connector Contact Angle for Lower Disconnect Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connecting and disconnecting fluid couplings require excessive force for connection and disconnection, leading to fatigue and health risks during repetitive maintenance tasks, particularly in applications like data center cooling where high pressure levels are involved.
Innovation Solution
A male fluid connector design with a contact pressure surface angled at less than 44.5° relative to the axial direction, combined with a latching mechanism that utilizes inclined surfaces for snap-fit engagement and disengagement, reducing the force required for coupling and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional quick connecting/disconnecting fluid coupling is used, then the connection can be established and disconnected quickly, but excessive force is required for connection and disconnection leading to fatigue and health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the contact pressure surface by angling it at less than 44.5° relative to the axial direction. This parameter change optimizes the mechanical advantage in the latching mechanism, reducing the disconnecting force by up to 35% while maintaining sufficient latching force to prevent inadvertent disconnection during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The latching member is designed to dynamically transition between a latched position (engaged with the contact pressure surface) and an unlatched position. This dynamic mechanism allows the connector to automatically engage and disengage with controlled force requirements, reducing the manual effort needed compared to static latching mechanisms
2Force
If the contact pressure surface is angled at less than 44.5°, then the disconnecting force is reduced significantly, but the latching force may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The specific angular parameter of the contact pressure surface (less than 44.5°) is optimized to achieve the right balance between reducing disconnecting force and maintaining adequate latching force. This precise parameter control allows the same inclined surface to provide both low disengagement force and strong engagement force
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
Significantly reduces the force needed for disconnecting by up to 35% while maintaining resilience against inadvertent disconnection, enhancing user comfort and safety in repetitive operations.
Implementation Method 1
a contact pressure surface that is arranged at an angle with respect to the axial direction of the axially arranged section of the housing of the male fluid connector and that is designed and arranged to be engaged behind by a latching member of the female fluid connector in a latching position so as to reversibly fixate the male fluid connector inside the female fluid connector
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a male fluid connector (3) for a quick connecting and disconnecting fluid coupling (1). The male fluid connector (3) comprises: a housing (15) with at least an axially arranged section that is designed and arranged to be received by an axially arranged inner recess (5) of the female fluid connector (2) of the quick connecting and disconnecting fluid coupling (1); a contact pressure surface (16) that is arranged at an angle with respect to the axial direction (7) of the axially arranged section of the housing (15) of the male fluid connector, and that is designed and arranged to be engaged behind by a latching member (13) of the female fluid connector (2) in a latching position (Fig. 2) so as to reversibly fixate the male fluid connector (3) inside the female fluid connector (2) of the quick connecting and disconnecting fluid coupling (1). It is suggested that the angle (β) that is enclosed by the direction of the contact pressure surface (16) and the axial direction (7) is smaller than 44.5°, preferably smaller than 44°.