Snap-Fit Fluid Coupling With Compressible Collar Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid handling systems require fluid couplings that can provide a secure yet releasable connection for fluid flow paths, particularly in systems that cool heat-generating devices like batteries and electronics, while being compact and easy to assemble and disassemble.
Innovation Solution
The development of male and female couplings that can be snapped together, featuring a ridge portion on the male coupling and an ovular collar on the female coupling, allowing for a secure latch and easy disconnection by compressing the ovular collar, along with multiple seal members for fluid and environmental sealing, and design features for audible and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fluid couplings are used, then secure connection is achieved, but ease of disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with flexible wall portions that can dynamically change shape during operation. During normal operation, the collar maintains a first shape that provides secure engagement with the ridge portion. During disconnection, the collar can be compressed to change to a second shape that reduces engagement, allowing easy removal. This dynamic shape change enables both secure connection and easy disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the collar by providing different wall thicknesses in different regions. The first wall portions have different thickness than the second wall portions, allowing selective flexibility. This parameter variation enables the collar to maintain structural integrity for secure engagement while providing flexible regions for easy compression and disconnection.
2Ease of operation
If quick-connect couplings are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the connection and disconnection functions into a single integrated collar structure. The same collar that provides secure engagement during operation also provides the disconnection mechanism through its flexible wall portions. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, springs, or actuating components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining quick-connect functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar structure is designed to be self-actuating during disconnection. When external force is applied to compress the collar, the flexible wall portions automatically deform and release the engagement with the ridge portion. The structure uses the applied force directly to achieve disconnection without requiring additional springs, cam mechanisms, or other self-service components.
3Reliability
If multiple seal members are added, then fluid sealing is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses flexible wall portions of the collar as integral sealing elements. These thin film structures deform during engagement to create fluid-tight seals against the male coupling components. By using the collar's own flexible walls as seals rather than adding separate seal members, the invention achieves reliable fluid sealing while maintaining ease of manufacture through a single-piece molded construction.
Data Source
AI summary
Particular fluid coupling devices for fluid handling systems can be snapped together, and are disconnectable by manually compressing an ovular collar of the female coupling. Some fluid coupling devices described herein are well suited for use in systems that provide liquid cooling for heat generating devices such as batteries, power sources, electronics, computer hardware and the like. Moreover, the fluid coupling devices described herein are also suitable for many other fluid coupling uses.