Push-Lock Liquid Coupler for Square-to-Round Cooling Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems face challenges with couplers that require special tools or multiple steps for connecting and releasing square to round liquid lines, leading to inefficiencies in space usage and maintenance time in data centers.
Innovation Solution
A liquid coupler design featuring adaptable adaptor components and connecting assemblies that allow for easy connection and release of square and round liquid lines using a pushing force, with minimal operational footprint and no need for special tools, utilizing locking and sealing mechanisms for secure fluid coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulkier couplers or couplers requiring expanded working area are used to connect square liquid lines to round liquid lines, then connection reliability is improved, but space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is nested within a compact housing structure where the locking component and receiving component are integrated in a space-efficient manner. The locking component features a pushing member that can be actuated through a small external surface, and the receiving component with cavity and ledge are nested within the housing, minimizing the overall footprint while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism utilizes vertical stacking and layered arrangement of components rather than horizontal expansion. The locking component engages with the receiving component through vertical insertion and lateral locking movements, achieving reliable connection in a compact three-dimensional space that minimizes the operational footprint.
2Reliability
If couplers requiring special tools or multiple steps for connection and release are used, then connection security is improved, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-locking through the interaction between the locking component's engaging surface and the receiving component's cavity and ledge. The pushing member automatically engages the locking feature when inserted, and the connection is secured without requiring external tools or multiple adjustment steps, enabling quick maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component is pre-configured with the pushing member and engaging surface that automatically perform the locking action upon insertion. The receiving component is pre-formed with the cavity and ledge positioned to receive and secure the locking component, eliminating the need for sequential assembly steps or tool-assisted locking procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size couplers are used for square to round liquid line connections, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate different sizes of square and round liquid lines. The locking component and receiving component are configured with scalable dimensions and proportional features that maintain functional equivalence across various liquid line sizes, allowing a single coupling design to serve multiple applications without requiring size-specific variants.
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
Facilitates efficient and quick connection and disconnection of square and round liquid lines, reducing maintenance time and ensuring leak-proof seals, thereby enhancing space efficiency and maintenance ease in data centers.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing component is deformed and is configured to fix the first liquid line to the first adaptor component
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of connecting assemblies is configured to enable the first liquid line to fluidly couple to the second liquid line via a pushing force
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid coupler may include a first adaptor component, second adaptor component, fixing component, and plurality of connecting assemblies. A first liquid line is disposed through the first adaptor component and a second liquid line is disposed through the second adaptor component. Each plurality of connecting assemblies includes a locking component and receiving component. The locking component is coupled to the first adaptor component and the receiving component is coupled to the second adaptor component. The plurality of connecting assemblies is configured to enable the first liquid line to fluidly couple to the second liquid line via a pushing force. The fixing component is positioned between the first adaptor component and second adaptor component and when the first adaptor component is locked to the second adaptor component, the fixing component is configured to deform and fix the first liquid line to the first adaptor component.