Quick Disconnect Coupling With Redundant Locks for Liquid Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current couplings in liquid cooling systems lack efficient and reliable mechanisms for secure connection and disconnection, particularly in applications where minimal downtime is critical, such as in data center cooling systems, leading to challenges in maintenance and fluid management.

Innovation Solution

A quick disconnect coupling system featuring a plug and socket design with redundant ball and shear lock mechanisms, along with a poppet valve arrangement, that securely engages and disengages using spring biasers and specific geometric features to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining fluid integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional coupling mechanisms are used in liquid cooling systems, then the connection can be maintained, but the disconnection process causes extended downtime and reduces maintenance efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedowntime during maintenanceVSAvoiddifficulty of connection and disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism employs dynamic elements including spring-loaded poppet valves that automatically respond to pressure changes, and movable locking components that transition between locked and unlocked states. The spring biasers dynamically adjust to maintain sealing contact while allowing quick release when actuated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling is divided into separate plug and socket components with independent locking and sealing mechanisms. The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete locking elements that can be individually actuated, allowing one-handed operation and quick disengagement without requiring the entire assembly to be manipulated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If simple coupling mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure connection and fluid integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure connection and fluid integrityVSAvoidcomplexity of locking and sealing mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The design incorporates spring-loaded poppet valves that close automatically before complete disconnection occurs, preventing fluid leakage in advance. The spring biasers are pre-loaded to maintain constant sealing force, compensating for any dimensional variations or wear that might compromise the seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The poppet valves act as intermediary elements between the fluid passage and the external environment, providing a controlled transition that maintains fluid integrity during connection and disconnection. The locking mechanism serves as an intermediary that mediates between the user's actuation force and the securing of the coupling components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If redundant locking mechanisms are implemented, then the reliability of secure connection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure connection through redundant locksVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of multiple lock mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ball lock and shear lock mechanisms are merged into a single integrated locking assembly where both locking actions occur simultaneously through one engagement motion. The locking elements are combined in a way that shares common components such as the actuating lever and mounting structure, reducing the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism design incorporates universal features that allow the same structural elements to perform multiple functions - the locking elements provide both ball lock and shear lock functionality, and the actuating mechanism serves both to engage and disengage the locks. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 coupling system ensures secure and efficient fluid management with minimal downtime, allowing for easy maintenance and scalable design that minimizes the risk of positive locks, thereby enhancing the reliability and durability of cooling systems.

Implementation Method 1

spring biasers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

ball lock mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeometry: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS11608919B2Universal quick disconnect

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Couplings are disclosed herein. A plug of a coupling includes a plug body and a socket interface coupled to the plug body. The socket interface includes a shoulder extending axially outward from the plug body, a neck extending axially outward and radially inward from the shoulder, and a socket guide extending axially outward and radially outward from the neck.