Snap-Lock Fluid Coupling Collar for Secure Releasable Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid handling systems require fluid couplings that can easily and securely connect fluid flow paths while providing a secure but releasable connection, especially for systems that provide fluid cooling for heat-generating devices like computer hardware.
Innovation Solution
The fluid coupling devices utilize a male and female coupling mechanism with a collar and collet structure, allowing for easy snap-together connection and secure locking through a collar that slides between unlocked and locked positions, providing audible and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to prevent premature disconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into modular components: a collar with collet structure, radially inward-extending projections, and interaction with circumferential recesses in the male coupling. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The collar and collet structure are nested around the male coupling, with the collet structure containing radially inward-extending projections that fit into circumferential recesses. This nested arrangement provides secure locking without requiring separate complex mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If a releasable connection mechanism is used to allow easy disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to be movable along the longitudinal axis, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. The dynamic nature of the collar allows easy disconnection by sliding it to the unlocked position, while maintaining reliable connection when locked
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism provides tactile feedback through the engagement of radially inward-extending projections with circumferential recesses, and audible feedback through clicking sounds during engagement/disengagement, confirming the connection state to the user
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent vibration effects, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collar and collet structure are designed to automatically self-lock through the interaction of radially inward-extending projections with circumferential recesses. The spring-loaded collet structure self-adjusts to maintain engagement, eliminating the need for complex additional locking components
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
This document describes fluid coupling devices for fluid handling systems. For example, some embodiments described in this document relate to fluid coupling devices that snap together, and are then secured to each other using a collar and collet mechanism. Some fluid coupling devices described herein are well suited for use in systems that provide fluid cooling for heat generating devices such as computer hardware. The fluid coupling devices described herein are also suitable for many other uses.