Non-Circular Liquid Disconnects for High Flow in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional round liquid disconnects are limited in size due to space constraints in computing devices, leading to suboptimal flow rates at higher pressures and inability to fit in smaller spaces, while increasing diameter compromises fitting in various applications.
Innovation Solution
Non-circular liquid disconnects, such as obround shapes, with support structures like sleeves or internal bars, enhance flow rates at lower pressures by increasing the overall area, allowing them to fit in smaller spaces without deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the diameter of liquid disconnect is increased to ensure proper flow rate in relation to pressure, then the flow rate improves, but the disconnect cannot fit in some applications with space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a conventional circular disconnect shape to a non-circular shape (such as obround, rectangular, or elliptical). This asymmetric redesign allows the disconnect to have a larger internal flow area while maintaining a smaller external footprint that fits within space-constrained computing device applications. The non-circular geometry optimizes the relationship between internal flow capacity and external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensionality change by extending the disconnect structure in specific directions (such as length or width) rather than uniformly increasing diameter in all directions. This allows the disconnect to achieve larger internal flow areas by utilizing available space more efficiently in certain dimensions while keeping the overall footprint compatible with mounting constraints.
2Area of stationary object
If the diameter of liquid disconnect is decreased to fit in smaller spaces, then the space utilization improves, but the flow rate becomes suboptimal at higher pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular disconnect shape creates asymmetric distribution of internal flow paths, allowing larger effective flow areas to be packed into smaller external footprints. The irregular geometry provides optimized flow channels that maintain adequate flow rates even when the overall disconnect size is reduced to fit constrained spaces.
3Area of moving object
If non-circular liquid disconnects are used to increase flow area, then the disconnect may deform under pressure, but support structures like sleeves or internal bars prevent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the disconnect structure into multiple components: the non-circular disconnect body and separate support structures (such as sleeves or internal bars). These segmented support elements are strategically positioned within the disconnect to provide localized reinforcement, preventing deformation of the non-circular shape while maintaining the optimized flow area. The support structures act as independent elements that stabilize the overall geometry under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite construction by combining the disconnect body material with support structure materials of different mechanical properties. The support structures are made from materials with higher strength-to-weight ratios or superior pressure resistance, creating a composite structure that maintains the non-circular shape's flow advantages while compensating for potential deformation vulnerabilities through the reinforced support elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-circular disconnect, comprising: a male body to insert into a non-circular female disconnect; a male poppet, wherein: when the non-circular disconnect is not inserted into the non-circular female disconnect, the male poppet is held in place, via spring force, at an opening of the non-circular male body to create a seal to prevent leakage; and when the non-circular disconnect is inserted into the non-circular female disconnect, the male poppet is pushed inwards, to allow for liquid to flow through the non-circular disconnect, by a plunger in the non-circular female disconnect.