Heat-Transfer Fluid Distributor Housing With Integrated Connector Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat transfer fluid distributors are bulky and lack effective protection for connections, with unnecessary support means occupying space in the hydraulic reception area.

Innovation Solution

The side walls of the distributor house the connections directly, eliminating the need for specific support means within the hydraulic space, allowing for a reduced housing size and enhanced protection of connections through larger surface areas without large indentations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specific support means (studs with notches and cross-shaped flange) are provided in the hydraulic receiving space to hold connectors, then the connectors are supported and positioned, but the housing becomes bulky and the connections are not well protected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector support and positioningVSAvoidhousing size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The function of supporting and protecting connectors is merged into the side walls of the housing itself. The side walls are designed with integrated connector holding features, eliminating the need for separate support means such as studs with notches and cross-shaped flanges. This integration reduces the overall housing volume while maintaining reliable connector support and positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If large U-shaped notches are provided in side walls for connector passage, then connectors can be installed, but the side wall surface area is reduced and connections are exposed and not well protected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector installationVSAvoidconnection protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing large U-shaped notches that expose connections, the side walls are designed with localized, minimal openings just sufficient for connector passage. The majority of the side wall surface area is maintained intact to provide protection. The local quality of the side wall is optimized to allow connector installation while maintaining overall connection protection through the intact wall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3043117B1Dispenser of a heat-transfer fluid and facility comprising such a dispenser
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 FJC
  • EP3043117B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3043117B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3043117B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The heat transfer fluid distributor comprises: a housing (700) comprising side walls (7041...7044) delimiting a hydraulic reception space, and at least two connectors (802, 804) each with at least three paths extending in the hydraulic receiving space. The side walls (7041...7044) have openings (7123, 7124, 7125, 7126) through which passages of the connectors (802, 804) respectively pass. The side walls (7041...7044) are formed from at least two parts (714, 716, 718) assembled together. Each opening (7123, 7124, 7125, 7126) is delimited by two of the parts (714, 716, 718) of the side walls (7041...7044) and consists of at least one notch formed in one of these two parts ( 714, 716, 718) of the side walls (7041...7044). Each channel is enclosed by the two parts (714, 716, 718) of the side walls (7041...7044) delimiting the opening (7123, 7124, 7125, 7126) in which the channel passes, so as to maintain the connections (802, 804) in place in the hydraulic receiving space.