Magnetic Fluid Coupling Latch Assembly for Low-Force Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems for electronic devices face challenges with larger diameter fluid couplings, which require significant force to couple together, especially when the coolant lines are pressurized, making it difficult for users to manually connect them due to increased force requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of complementary magnetic latch assemblies in fluid couplings, which utilize magnets with alternating polarities to generate magnetic attraction forces, reducing the manual force needed to couple the fluid couplings by offsetting the required coupling force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If larger diameter fluid couplings are used to increase coolant flow rate, then cooling capacity is improved, but the force required to couple them together increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical coupling system with a magnetic system. Magnets are embedded in the coupling bodies to generate magnetic attraction forces that assist in pulling the couplings together, reducing the manual mechanical force needed by users while maintaining the structural integrity and sealing requirements of the fluid coupling connection
2Productivity
If larger diameter fluid couplings are used to increase coolant flow rate, then cooling capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased coupling force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic latch assembly substitutes mechanical force application with magnetic field interaction. The magnets create an attractive force that actively assists the user in coupling the fittings, transforming the operation from purely mechanical pushing into a combination of magnetic attraction and minimal mechanical guidance, significantly improving ease of operation for large diameter couplings
3Ease of operation
If magnetic latch assemblies are added to fluid couplings, then ease of operation is improved by reducing required coupling force, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic latch assembly is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then integrated with the fluid coupling body. This segmentation allows the magnetic functionality to be added without redesigning the entire coupling system, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic latch assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the primary coupling force, assists in alignment during installation, and maintains the sealed connection under pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, offsetting the complexity increase with functional consolidation
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 magnetic latch assemblies significantly reduce the manual force required to couple fluid couplings, making it easier for users to connect larger diameter couplings, even when the system is pressurized, thereby improving usability and reducing user fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
utilize magnets with alternating polarities to generate magnetic attraction forces, reducing the manual force needed to couple the fluid couplings by offsetting the required coupling force
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of fluid couplings for liquid cooling electronic devices comprises a first fluid coupling and second fluid coupling. The first fluid coupling comprises a female coupling interface and the second fluid coupling comprises a male coupling interface to couple with the female coupling interface. Each of the fluid couplings comprises a magnetic latch assembly coupled to the coupling interface thereof. Each magnetic latch assembly comprises a shell, magnets housed within the shell, and a group of ramp-and-hook latches coupled to the shell. The magnets cause the magnetic latch assemblies to magnetically attract one another during coupling, reducing the force a user may need to apply to complete the coupling. The ramp-and-hook latches of one magnetic latch assembly are complementary to the ramp-and-hook latches of the other magnetic latch assembly, and they are arranged to engage with one another and interlock when the first and second fluid couplings are coupled.