Graphene Coolant Quick Connector With Integrated Latch and O-Ring Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional coolant quick connectors allow oxygen and water molecules to permeate through plastic materials, leading to coolant volume reduction and suboptimal cooling performance in electric vehicle battery systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid quick connector with integrated latches and graphene or graphene derivatives in the male and female end forms, combined with an EPDM O-ring, reduces permeation and maintains the ideal 50/50 water to glycol ratio by eliminating the need for a separate stainless-steel latch component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional plastic materials (PA66) are used for coolant quick connectors, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but oxygen and water permeation occurs leading to coolant volume loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by incorporating graphene or graphene derivatives into the plastic matrix (PA66 or polypropylene) to create a composite material with reduced permeability. This composite structure maintains the ease of manufacture and cost benefits of plastic while adding the permeation barrier properties of graphene, thereby reducing coolant volume loss without sacrificing manufacturing advantages.
2Strength
If separate stainless-steel latch component is used, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latch function with the female end form body by integrating a latch mechanism directly into the plastic housing. This integration eliminates the need for a separate stainless-steel latch component, reducing device complexity and the number of parts while maintaining connection strength through the engineered plastic-latch integration.
3Reliability
If separate O-ring retainer component is used, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the O-ring retainer function with the female end form body by integrating the retainer structure directly into the plastic housing. This integration eliminates the need for a separate O-ring retainer component, reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through the engineered integration of the retainer features into the end form body.
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 effectively minimizes coolant loss and maintains optimal cooling performance by preventing oxygen and water permeation, ensuring the desired fluid ratio and enhancing the durability of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention teaches a fluid quick connector incorporating graphene or graphene derivatives for reducing oxygen and water permeation through the coolant quick connector
Implementation Method 2
A retainer is located within the mating interior interface of the female end form and opposing exterior interface of the male end form and, in combination with an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) O-ring component, provide for a fluid sealing connection between the end forms
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid quick connector incorporating Graphene or Graphene Derivatives into engaging male and female end forms that reduces oxygen and water permeation through the coolant quick connector and includes an integrated latch that eliminates the need for a separate latch component. An integrated retainer is located within the mating interior interface of the female end form and opposing exterior interface of the male end form and, in combination with an EPDM O-ring component, provide for a fluid sealing connection between the end forms which reduces permeation of oxygen and water through the body as well as reducing coolant volume loss so as to maintain an ideal (typically 50/50) water to Glycol ratio.