Obround Liquid Disconnect for High Flow in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing round liquid disconnects have a minimum set diameter for proper flow rate in relation to pressure, which limits their fit in certain applications and computing device spaces, and increasing the diameter further restricts their placement.
Innovation Solution
The design of a non-circular liquid disconnect, such as an obround shape, which increases the flow rate at a lower pressure compared to circular disconnects, and can be adapted to fit in smaller spaces by varying the height and width proportions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the diameter of round liquid disconnect is increased to ensure proper flow rate in relation to pressure, then the flow rate efficiency is improved, but the disconnect cannot fit in some applications and computing device spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a circular cross-section (one-dimensional symmetry) to an obround cross-section (two-dimensional asymmetry with rounded corners). This dimensional change allows the disconnect to have a larger cross-sectional area for improved flow rate while maintaining a constrained height profile that fits in limited spaces. The obround shape effectively utilizes space by extending in the horizontal dimension while controlling the vertical dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the disconnect body from a circular profile (defined by single diameter) to an obround profile (defined by width, height, and corner radius). This parameter transformation enables independent optimization of flow characteristics (through increased effective area) and spatial constraints (through controlled height), resolving the contradiction between flow rate and fitment.
2Area of stationary object
If the diameter of round liquid disconnect is reduced to fit in smaller spaces, then the space utilization is improved, but the flow rate in relation to pressure becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The obround cross-section allows the disconnect to have a reduced height (vertical dimension) while compensating with increased width (horizontal dimension). This dimensional redistribution maintains or increases the overall cross-sectional area available for fluid flow, ensuring adequate flow rate even when the height is constrained for space utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a non-circular shape is used to fit smaller spaces, then the adaptability to constrained spaces is improved, but the uniform pressure distribution may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an obround cross-section (asymmetric shape with rounded corners) that provides better adaptability to constrained spaces compared to a symmetric circular shape. The asymmetric geometry allows customization of height and width proportions to fit specific application requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The obround shape incorporates rounded corners rather than sharp edges, which helps distribute stress and pressure more uniformly across the disconnect body. The curved transitions at the corners reduce stress concentration points that would exist in sharp-angled non-circular shapes, thereby mitigating the potential harm to pressure distribution while retaining the space-saving asymmetric form.
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.