Snap-Together Fluid Coupling With Collar-Collet Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid handling systems require fluid couplings that can easily and securely connect fluid flow paths while providing a secure but releasable connection, especially for systems that provide fluid cooling for heat-generating devices like computer hardware.
Innovation Solution
The fluid coupling devices utilize a male and female coupling mechanism with a collar and collet structure, allowing for easy snap-together connection and secure locking through a collar and collet mechanism, featuring a circumferential recess and radially inward-extending projections, with audible and tactile feedback for proper coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple snap-together connection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of premature disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into three functional segments: a male coupling portion for insertion, a female coupling portion with collet structure for gripping, and a collar for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to achieve both easy operation and reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet structure is pre-configured with radially inward-extending projections that automatically engage with circumferential recesses on the male coupling when inserted. This preliminary action occurs before the collar is actuated, ensuring immediate mechanical interlocking and fluid sealing upon connection.
Solution Approach 3:
The collar is designed to be movable relative to the female coupling, transitioning between an unlocked position where the collet can expand and a locked position where it contracts to secure the male coupling. This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to evolve from insertion to secured locking state.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function and the gripping function are merged into a single collar component. The collar simultaneously acts as the locking mechanism (through its movable positioning) and as part of the gripping mechanism (through integrated longitudinally extending projections that engage with annular grooves). This merging reduces the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves multiple functions: it locks the male coupling in place through its movable positioning, it provides structural support for the collet structure, and it houses the longitudinally extending projections that engage with the annular groove. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If a collar and collet mechanism is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-together connection utilizes mechanical vibration and elastic deformation in the collet structure to achieve automatic engagement. When the male coupling is inserted, the radially inward-extending projections of the collet flex and then snap into the circumferential recesses, providing tactile and audible feedback that confirms connection without requiring precise manual alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet structure is designed to self-adjust during insertion. The radially inward-extending projections automatically flex outward to accommodate the male coupling and then snap into the circumferential recesses without requiring external actuation. This self-service mechanism simplifies the insertion operation while maintaining secure connection.
4Manufacturing precision
If projections and recesses are used for coupling, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling features asymmetric geometries: the radially inward-extending projections of the collet have specific orientations and shapes that correspond to asymmetric circumferential recesses on the male coupling. This asymmetric design provides inherent alignment features that guide the male coupling into the correct rotational position during insertion, ensuring manufacturing precision without requiring additional alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential recesses and radially inward-extending projections are designed with curved surfaces that facilitate smooth insertion and automatic alignment. The curved geometry allows for tolerance compensation and ensures consistent engagement regardless of minor variations in manufacturing or assembly conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes fluid coupling devices for fluid handling systems. For example, some embodiments described in this document relate to fluid coupling devices that snap together, and are then secured to each other using a collar and collet mechanism. Some fluid coupling devices described herein are well suited for use in systems that provide fluid cooling for heat generating devices such as computer hardware. The fluid coupling devices described herein are also suitable for many other uses.