Valved Quick Connector With Constant-Area Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
High performance computer systems with liquid cooling conduits face turbulence issues in fluid flow, which can degrade pump performance and impact cooling efficiency due to the lack of effective sealing and flow path design in existing quick-connect and quick-disconnect systems.
Innovation Solution
A valved connector system comprising two fittings with internal valve mechanisms that automatically seal when disconnected and open to maintain a constant cross-sectional area fluid path, reducing turbulence, featuring a female barrel with a poppet and flared projection, and a male barrel with a plug and funnel, allowing for easy connection and disconnection without tools and minimizing turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If quick-connect and quick-disconnect systems are used to allow easy connection and disconnection of fluid conduits, then ease of operation is improved, but turbulence in fluid flow increases due to lack of effective sealing and flow path design
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanisms are pre-configured to automatically seal the fluid interfaces when the connectors are disconnected or in the process of being disconnected. This preliminary sealing action prevents fluid leakage and maintains system integrity without requiring manual intervention, thus preserving ease of operation while preventing harmful fluid loss and turbulence during the disconnection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is designed with a non-linear, curved geometry that maintains a constant cross-sectional area throughout the connector. This curved flow path, rather than sharp angles or abrupt changes, allows fluid to transition smoothly between connected and disconnected states, reducing turbulence and maintaining laminar flow characteristics despite the quick-connect/disconnect functionality.
2Ease of operation
If conventional quick-connect systems are used without constant cross-sectional area flow path design, then ease of operation is improved, but pump performance degrades due to turbulence and pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path employs a non-linear, curved design that maintains constant cross-sectional area, allowing fluid to flow smoothly around the bend without creating turbulence or pressure drops. This curved geometry preserves pump performance by ensuring laminar flow conditions are maintained throughout the connector, even during quick connection and disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to maintain the parameter of constant cross-sectional area throughout the flow path, including through the non-linear section. By controlling this geometric parameter, the system ensures that fluid velocity and pressure remain stable, preventing degradation of pump performance while still enabling quick-connect functionality.
3Device complexity
If existing quick-connect systems are used without automatic sealing mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to lack of effective sealing when disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanisms are designed to automatically seal the fluid interfaces when the connectors are disconnected or in the process of being disconnected, without requiring external control systems or additional components. This self-service sealing mechanism maintains reliability by ensuring proper sealing through the inherent mechanical action of connection and disconnection, while avoiding the added complexity of external control systems.
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 valved connector system effectively reduces turbulence and maintains efficient fluid flow, preventing cavitation and pressure drops, enabling reliable operation at lower pressures and allowing for the use of plastic components, thus enhancing the performance and reliability of liquid cooling systems in high performance computers.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring configured to bias the poppet to sealingly engage the flared projection of the stem
Implementation Method 2
A second spring within the male barrel is configured to bias the plug to sealingly engage the second mating aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Male and female fittings are configured to mate to form a valved connector system. Some embodiments of the female fitting include movable poppet configured to sealingly engage a flared projection within the female fitting. Some embodiments of the male fitting include a male mating aperture, and a movable plug configured to sealingly engage the male mating aperture. When the female fitting is mated with a male fitting, the male fitting forces the poppet to disengage from the flared projection, and the flared projection forces the plug to recede into the male fitting, to open a fluid path through the valved connector system.