Quick Connect Spray Shield Locking Visual Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer cooling systems, traditional quick connect couplings are prone to accidental disconnection and fluid leakage due to difficulty in determining proper connection status in tight spaces, leading to potential damage from spilled liquids.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect spray shield apparatus with an inner and outer sleeve, featuring a contoured surface and actuating collar, provides a secondary lock and visible indicator to ensure secure connections and control fluid spray, preventing accidental disconnection and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional quick connect couplings are used in tight spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to determine proper connection status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a visual indicator system where the inner sleeve includes an indicator element that is visible through a viewing window in the outer sleeve. When the quick connect coupling is properly engaged, the indicator displays a specific visual state (such as alignment or color change) that confirms secure connection. This allows operators to immediately determine connection status without disassembling or closely inspecting the coupling in tight spaces, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If quick connects are used to join vessels in small spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to potential fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator system provides immediate feedback on proper engagement, allowing operators to confirm secure connection before pressurizing the system. This prevents fluid leakage by ensuring the coupling is correctly assembled and locked before fluid flow begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism automatically engages and locks the coupling components together when properly assembled. The inner sleeve's indicator automatically displays connection status, and the self-locking features (such as cam-actuated locking elements) automatically secure the connection without requiring additional manual steps, thereby preventing leakage through proper engagement while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If traditional quick connect couplings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator system provides continuous feedback on the locked/unlocked state of the coupling. The indicator remains in a confirmed position as long as the coupling is securely engaged, alerting operators immediately if the coupling becomes disengaged or improperly positioned. This simple visual feedback mechanism significantly improves reliability by preventing accidental disconnection without adding complex mechanical locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism automatically engages locking elements (such as cam-actuated balls or detents) that secure the coupling components together when properly assembled. This self-locking action maintains constant engagement force and prevents accidental disconnection from vibration, thermal expansion, or external forces, while the overall device complexity remains low because the self-locking features are integrated into the basic coupling structure.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for a quick connect spray shield includes an inner sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to an axis from the first end to the second end, wherein the inner sleeve has an inner surface that is contoured to position the inner sleeve relative to a female quick connect fitting; and an outer sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to the center axis of the inner sleeve, wherein the outer sleeve has an inner surface contoured to position the outer sleeve relative to an actuating collar of the female quick connect fitting, wherein the actuating collar has an engaged position and a disengaged position.