Fluid Coupling Latch Geometry for Lower Disconnecting 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 numerous connections are needed.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling design with angled guiding slots and contact pressure surfaces differing by at least 1°, allowing for a reduced pulling force through a kinked latching pin path, combining force fit and positive form fit connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional quick connecting/disconnecting fluid couplings are used, then fluid 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 latching mechanism is segmented into multiple latching pins distributed around the circumference, each engaging with corresponding guiding slots. This distribution of latching points allows the disconnecting force to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated at a single point, reducing the peak force required by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding slots are arranged at angles different from the axial direction, creating a geometric relationship between the latching pins and the pulling direction. When the male and female connectors are pulled apart, the latching pins travel along the angled guiding slots, converting part of the axial pulling force into radial components that facilitate smoother disengagement and reduce the overall force requirement.
2Ease of operation
If conventional quick connecting/disconnecting fluid couplings are used, then fluid connection can be established quickly, but the coupling may be inadvertently disconnected due to excessive required holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pressure surfaces are positioned at specific locations on the latching pins, creating localized high-pressure contact zones. This concentrated local contact provides sufficient holding force to prevent inadvertent disconnection while the overall geometry maintains reasonable total force requirements. The local quality of the contact surfaces optimizes the balance between retention and release forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding slots and contact pressure surfaces are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the axial direction, creating different mechanical characteristics for connection versus disconnection and for retention versus release. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the coupling remains securely locked during normal operation while allowing controlled disconnection when intentionally pulled apart.
3Ease of manufacture
If threaded connection is used for fluid connection, then cost is reduced, but connection and disconnection frequency is limited and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connecting/disconnecting fluid coupling integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides rapid connection and disconnection capability, maintains fluid pressure containment, prevents inadvertent disconnection, and enables frequent operational cycles. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate components that would be required to achieve these functions individually, making it suitable for applications requiring high connection frequency despite higher unit cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connecting and disconnecting fluid coupling (1), including a female fluid connector (2) and a male fluid connector (3). The female fluid connector (2) and the male fluid connector (3) are arranged along an axial direction (7). The male fluid connector includes a housing (15), a contact pressure surface (16) that is arranged at an angle (B) with respect to the axial direction (7). The female fluid connector (2) includes a housing (4) with an axially arranged inner recess (5), a latching pin (13), and a guiding slot (12) that is provided in the housing (4) for guiding said latching pin (13) during a movement of the latching pin (13), wherein said guiding slot (12) is arranged at an angle (a) with respect to the axial direction (7). The male fluid connector (3) may be reversible fixated inside the female fluid connector (2) in a latching position (FIG. 2). In the latching position, the latching pin (13) of the female fluid connector (2) contacts the contact pressure surface (16) of the male fluid connector (3). The angle (a) of the guiding slot (12) and the angle (B) of the contact pressure surface (16) differ by at least 1°, preferably by at last 2°.