Female Fluid Connector Locking Ring for Compact Reliable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic coupling systems for pressurized fluid pipes, particularly in cooling systems for computer server installations, face challenges with bulkiness, unreliable locking and unlocking mechanisms, and increased wear due to complex arrangements of multiple springs and parts, leading to inefficient and difficult manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A female element design featuring inclined locking elements, a return pusher, and a single elastic member that transmits return force, allowing for compact and reliable locking and unlocking with reduced wear, facilitated by an operating ring that drives the return pusher and manages the locking elements' positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual springs are used for each hollow cylinder, then locking and unlocking can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and parts are prone to jamming and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual springs into a single continuous elastic member that surrounds the central axis. This elastic member simultaneously acts on multiple locking elements (balls or rollers) positioned in inclined cylindrical housings, eliminating the need for multiple separate springs and reducing part complexity while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single continuous elastic member serves multiple functions: it provides restoring force for all locking elements simultaneously, enables reliable locking through its elastic deformation, and facilitates unlocking when the operating ring is actuated. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components while improving system reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a movable ring with radial holding is used to release locking balls, then automatic coupling is achieved, but the device becomes bulky in axial and radial directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensionality of the locking element movement from radial (perpendicular to axis) to axial (parallel to axis). The inclined cylindrical housings guide the locking elements to move along inclined paths that have both axial and radial components, but the primary actuation is axial through the operating ring, reducing the required radial space.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating ring is positioned within the outer cylindrical housing of the female element, nesting the operating mechanism within the existing structure. The locking elements are positioned within inclined housings that are themselves part of the main body, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes both axial and radial dimensions.
3Reliability
If individual springs act on each hollow cylinder, then locking function is provided, but the radial size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual springs are merged into a single continuous elastic member that is axially oriented. This elastic member surrounds the central axis and simultaneously contacts multiple locking elements, providing the necessary restoring force for all locking positions while maintaining a compact radial profile, as the elastic member's radius is much smaller than what would be required for multiple outwardly acting springs.
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 provides a compact, reliable, and easy-to-use fluidic coupling system with reduced wear and improved operational efficiency, enabling quick and secure connection and disconnection of pressurized fluid pipes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (43), which exerts a return force on the return pusher (33) to return the locking elements (31) to their distal position
Data Source
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AI summary
A female fluidic coupling element (5), configured to be coupled with a male element (4), comprises: a female body (21), defining an insertion channel (27) for the male element (4); locking elements (31) movable between a distal position protruding within the insertion channel (27) and a proximal position recessed; and an operating ring (71) including an internal sleeve (75) for driving the locking elements (31) to their proximal position. To achieve a small footprint and provide particularly easy and reliable locking and unlocking, the female element (5) includes a return plunger (33), which returns the locking elements (31) to their distal position, and an elastic element (43), which exerts a return force to return the return plunger (33) to a forward position.By being moved to its rearward position, the operating ring (71) drives the return pusher (33) to a rearward position, so that it does not exert a return force on the locking elements (31).