Connector assembly for fluid transfer

A fuel cell system has an improved connector assembly to provide for the quick connection of a fuel cartridge and the fuel cell. Two leak resistant connector members with an easy to engage coupling mechanism that stably grips the two connector members to provide for flow between the members. The first connector member is adapted to engage the second connector member to form a unitary structure, which can establish fluid communication between the connector members. Generally, both the first connector member and the second connector member comprise a fluid flow path that can be each sealed/unsealed by a poppet valve or other suitable valve members. In some embodiments, the connector members can be engaged/disengaged by rotating an element of the coupling mechanism. The connector assemblies can be particularly useful for the connection of a fuel cell with a fuel cartridge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to connector assemblies for fluid transfer applications, especially for use in fuel cells. In particular, the invention relates to connector assemblies having a first connector adapted to engage a second connector to establish fluid communication between the first connector and the second connector, in which the first connector and second connector generally have a leak preventing configuration when not engaged together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, a fuel cell is an electrochemical device that can convent energy stored in fuels such as hydrogen, methane, methanol and the like, into electricity without combustion of the fuel. A fuel cell generally comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a separator within an appropriate container. Fuel cells operate by utilizing chemical reactions that occur at each electrode. In general, electrons are generated at one electrode and flow through an external circuit to the other electrode where they are consumed. This flow of electrons creates an over-voltage between the two electrodes that can be used to drive useful work in the external circuit. In commercial embodiments, several “fuel cells” are usually arranged in series, or stacked, in order to create larger over-potentials.

A fuel cell is similar to a battery in that both generally have a positive electrode, a negative electrode and electrolytes. However, a fuel cell is different from a battery in the sense that the fuel in a fuel cell can be replaced without disassembling the cell to keep the cell operating. Additionally, fuel cells can have several advantages over other sources of power that make them attractive alternatives to traditional energy sources. Specifically, fuel cells are environmentally friendly, efficient and utilize convenient fuel sources, for example, hydrogen or methanol.

Fuel cells have potential uses in a number of commercial applications and industries. For example, fuel cells are being developed that can provide sufficient power to meet the energy demands of a single family home. In addition, prototype cars have been developed that run off of energy derived from fuel cells. Furthermore, fuel cells can be used to power portable electronic devices such as computers, phones, video projection equipment and the like. Fuel cells designed for use with portable electronic equipment provide an alternative to battery power with the ability to replace the fuel without replacing the whole cell. Additionally, fuel cells can have longer power cycles and no down time for recharging, which also makes fuel cells an attractive alternative to battery power for portable electronics.

As described above, fuel cells are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional energy sources such as batteries and fuel combustion. For example, fuel cells are currently being developed to power portable electronic devices such as, for example, laptop computers, video projection equipment and the like. It may be convenient for fuel cells designed for use with portable electronic devices to be compatible with portable and interchangeable fuel containers, which permit empty or partially empty fuel containers to be replaced in order to keep the fuel cell, and ultimately the portable electronic device, operating. In some embodiments, these fuel cells are designed to use liquid fuels such as, for example, methanol, although they can use other fluid fuels, such as compressed hydrogen or methane.

Generally, fuel containers or fuel cartridges suitable for use with portable electronic devices comprise a storage structure having a suitable fuel located therein. Additionally, these fuel containers can further comprise a passage which provides access to the interior of the container or cartridge. In some embodiments, the pass is coupled to a connector that is adapted to couple with a fuel inlet port on a portable fuel cell to establish fluid communication between the fuel cell and the fuel container once appropriate valves or other control element are opened. In one embodiment, fuel containers suitable for use with fuel cells designed for portable electronic devices can comprise a rigid outer container associated with a flexible inner container in which a fluid such as, for example, methanol is stored. In some embodiments, these types of fuel containers can further comprise a port in the outer container which allows transport of the filled inner container into the outer container. These types of fuel containers are described in, for example, commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/384,382, filed on Mar. 7, 2003, entitled “Fuel Storage Container For A Fuel Cell,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In addition, methanol, and other organic fluids suitable for use in fuel cell applications, are generally environmental pollutants and flammable and, therefore, can present safety and other release issues. As a result, it may be desirable to reduce the amount of potential fluid leakage during engagement of the fuel container with the fuel cell, while still maintaining the ability to quickly connect and disconnect the containers from the fuel cell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fuel cell system has an improved connector assembly to provide for the quick connection of a fuel cartridge and the fuel cell. Two leak resistant connector members with an easy to engage coupling mechanism that stably grips the two connector members to provide for flow between the members. The first connector member is adapted to engage the second connector member to form a unitary structure, which can establish fluid communication between the connector members. Generally, both the first connector member and the second connector member comprise a fluid flow path that can be each sealed/unsealed by respective poppet valves or other suitable valve members. Due to the presence of the coupling structure, the first connector member and the second connector member can be engaged and unsealed simultaneously, which facilitates quick connection of the connector structures and also reduces fluid leakage prior to engagement of the connector members. Similarly, the coupling mechanism can also enable the simultaneous sealing and disengagement of the connector members. In some embodiments, the connector members can be engaged/disengaged by rotating an element of the coupling mechanism.

The invention reduces the amount of fluid leakage during replacement of the fuel container while still maintaining quick connect ability is to employ a connector system having a coupling mechanism which permits simultaneous unsealing and engagement of the connector elements. Additionally, the coupling mechanism can also simultaneously seal and disengage the connector elements.

Generally, the connector systems of the present disclosure comprise connector elements associated with a coupling mechanism. The connector elements each have a fluid flow path that can be sealed and unsealed with a valve member. In some embodiments, the connector mechanism is adapted to engage the connector elements to form a unitary structure. Additionally, the connector system can be designed such that engagement of the connector elements, via actuation of the coupling mechanism, simultaneously unseals the connector elements by appropriate movement of the valve member and establishes fluid communication between the connector elements. Similarly, disengagement of the connector elements can simultaneously seal the connector elements and prohibit fluid flow through the connector elements.

In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism can be designed to engage the connector elements, such that the connector elements can be inserted into the coupling mechanism prior to engagement of the connector members. In other embodiments, the coupling mechanism can be part of one of the connector elements and can comprise structure for receiving a second connector element. Additionally, the coupling mechanism can comprise application specific keying structures that connect with matched structures on the connector elements such that only specific connector elements can be engaged by the coupling mechanism.

In the preferred embodiment, the invention pertains to a fuel cell system comprising an electrochemical cell having a cathode, an anode and a fuel inlet, wherein the fuel inlet provides a pathway for fuel to the anode. The fuel cell system can further comprise a first connector coupled to the fuel inlet, the first connector having a first fluid flow path through the first connector and a first valve biased towards a sealing position within the first fluid flow path. A second connector having a second fluid flow path through the second connector and a second valve biased towards a sealing position within the second fluid flow path, wherein the first connector is adapted to engage the second connector to provide fluid communication between the first connector and the second connector.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a connector comprising a first connector member having coupling mechanism, and a second connector member. In these embodiments, the first connector member can comprise a first body portion having a first bore defining a fluid flow path through the first connector member, a first valve moveable within the first bore from a sealed position to an unsealed position, a first resilient member connected to the first valve biasing the first valve toward the sealing position within the first bore, and a coupling mechanism having a first engagement element and a second engagement element, wherein the first engagement element is a adapted to engage the first connector member. The coupling mechanism can have a first engagement position and a second engagement position relative to the first body and wherein the coupling mechanism moves between the first engagement position and the second engagement position upon actuation of the coupling mechanism. Additionally, in these embodiments, the second connector can comprise a second body portion having a second bore defining a fluid flow path through the second connector element, a second valve moveable within the second bore from a sealed position to an unsealed position, a second resilient member connected to the second valve biasing the second valve toward the sealing position within the second bore, wherein the second connector member is adapted to engage the first connector member. In these embodiments, the second engagement element is adapted to engage the second connector member. In some embodiments, actuation of the coupling mechanism engages the first connector member and the second connector member and moves the first valve and the second valve into the unsealed position such that fluid communication is established between the first connector and the second connector.

In another embodiment, the invention pertains to a method of establishing fluid communication comprising associating a first connector comprising a first valve, a second connector comprising a second valve and a coupling mechanism, wherein the first and second valves can move from a sealed position to an unsealed position. In these embodiments, the first connector and the second connector are adapted to engage the coupling mechanism, and actuation of the coupling mechanism engages the first connector and the second connector and establishes fluid communication between the first connector and the second connector by moving the first valve and the second valve to the unsealed position. In these embodiments, the method further comprises actuating the coupling mechanism to engage the first connector and the second connector, which establishes fluid communication between the first connector and the second connector and unseals the first valve and the second valve.

In a further embodiment, the invention pertains to an apparatus comprising a fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and a fluid conduit connecting the a fuel inlet with the anode, wherein the first connector element connected to the fuel inlet and a fuel cartridge receiving portion. Additionally, the apparatus can comprise a fuel cartridge having a second connector element and a coupling mechanism attached to the fuel cell, wherein the coupling mechanism is adapted to receive the fuel cartridge, and wherein rotation of the coupling mechanism engages the first connector element and the connector element and establishes fluid communication between the first connector element and the second connector element; and wherein a fuel cartridge receiving portion is adapted to receive the fuel cartridge when the coupling mechanism has been rotated to engage the first connector element and the second connector element.

DETAILED DESCIRPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, an apparatus10is depicted comprising fuel cell12, fuel cartridge14and device16that can be powered by fuel cell12. Fuel cell12can comprise cartridge receiving region18, cartridge receiver or coupling mechanism20designed to engage and hold fuel cartridge14, and cartridge latch22adapted to engage with connection portion21of fuel cartridge14to secure fuel cartridge14to the cartridge receiving region18. As depicted inFIG. 1, cartridge receiver20can receive fuel cartridge14and can rotate up to about 90 degrees, which facilitates positioning fuel cartridge14in cartridge receiving region18of fuel cell12. In some embodiments, fuel cartridge14can further comprise connector member24, and fuel cell12can comprise connector member26that is adapted to engage with connector member24. Generally, once fuel cartridge14has been engaged with cartridge receiver20, rotation of cartridge receiver20can engage and unseal connector member24and connector member26, which facilitates fluid transfer from fuel cartridge14to fuel cell12. Suitable connector members are described in detail below.

In some embodiments, fuel cartridge14can comprise a keying structure28adapted to mate with a matched keying structure30located on cartridge receiver20, which facilitates aligning and securing fuel cartridge14within cartridge receiver20. In one embodiment, keying structure can comprise a notch, or recess, while keying structure30can comprise a protrusion sized to securely fit into the recess. Additionally, in some embodiments, fuel cartridge14can comprise a rigid outer container32and a flexible inner container34located within rigid outer container32. In some embodiments, flexible inner bag can comprise a first compartment36and second compartment38.

In some embodiments, fuel cell12can comprise a second cartridge receiver40and a second cartridge receiving region42, which facilitates operably connecting a second cartridge44to fuel cell12. In some embodiments, second cartridge44can be a fuel storage cartridge, while in other embodiments second cartridge44can be designed to collect water and/or other reactions products produced by fuel cell12. Additionally or alternatively, water and/or other reaction products can be collected in second compartment38of fuel cartridge14.

Referring toFIGS. 1A and 2, a connector system is shown comprising first connector member102, second connector member202and coupling mechanism104. As discussed below, coupling mechanism104can facilitate engagement of first connector member102and second connector member202to form a connected structure. Generally, each connector member comprises a bore that defines a fluid flow path through the connector member, and a valve moveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position. First connector member102and second connector member202have structure designed to mate with corresponding structural elements on the coupling mechanism, which facilitates alignment of the connector members within the coupling mechanism. Additionally, actuation of coupling mechanism104engages first connector102and second connector202, and establishes fluid communication between first connector102and second connector202. Generally, when engaged, fluid communication is established through the connector members to provide fluid flow, for example, between a fuel cartridge or container and a fuel cell.

Referring toFIG. 1A, first connector member102comprises a body portion105having bore106through body105such that a fluid flow path through body portion105with a bore106. First connector member102can further comprise resilient member108located within bore106, and valve member110biased towards a sealing position by resilient member108. In some embodiments, bore106is formed generally parallel to an axis of first connector member102. Additionally, bore106can further comprise valve seat112, which defines a stop, or sealed position, for valve member110within bore106. In some embodiments, bore106can have a circular cross section, an oval cross section, a rectangular cross section or the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that no particular cross sectional shape of bore106is required by the present disclosure. In addition, the size of bore106can be guided by the flow rate requirements and intended application of a particular connector system. Resilient member108can be a spring of any appropriate design, an elastic material or the like.

Valve member110is movable between a sealed position and an open or unsealed position, and generally functions to regulate fluid flow through bore106. In some embodiments, valve110can be a poppet valve that moves along the axis of bore106. In some embodiments, valve110comprises a flange portion114, an extension portion116and a sealing element118, which seals flange portion114to valve seat112. Sealing element can be an o-ring or the like. Additionally, valve member110can comprise valve bore115and passage117located within valve bore115. Generally, passage117comprises an opening in the wall of valve bore115which permits fluids to flow out of valve bore115. As shown inFIG. 1, valve110is biased towards a sealing position within bore106by resilient member108, such that fluid flow through bore106is prohibited unless another force is applied to counteract the force of resilient member108. In the sealed position shown inFIG. 1, sealing element118rests against valve seat112, and extension portion116extends through valve seat112, which permits extension portion112to contact second connector member202during engagement of first connector member102and second connector member104. Engagement of first connector member102and second connector member202is discussed in detail below.

At one end of first connector102, bore106extends to an enlarged bore portion, or recess,120which is adapted to receive second connector member202during engagement of first connector102and second connector202. As shown inFIG. 1, extension portion116of valve110extends partially into recess120, which allow extension portion116to contact second connector member202when second connector member is inserted into enlarged bore portion120. In some embodiments, enlarged bore portion120can have a circular, oval, rectangular or other selected cross section to engage second connector member. However, the enlarged bore portion will generally be designed to receive at least a portion of second connector member202to facilitate engagement of first connector member102and second connector member202.

Body portion105of first connector102can have a generally cylindrical structure, however, no particular shape is required by the present disclosure. Generally, body105of first connector102comprises structure adapted to engage with corresponding structure on coupling mechanism104to align first connector102within coupling mechanism104. In some embodiments, the structure on body portion105of first connector102can comprise one or more grooves or channels129formed into first connector102which are adapted to mate with protrusions formed on coupling mechanism104. In some embodiments, groove129can have a winding, or screw thread design, which moves generally along the major axis of first connector102, and allows first connector102to move a fixed distance as the coupling mechanism is rotated. In some embodiments, the groove(s)129on body portion105are application specific grooves which are adapted to mate with corresponding structure on a specific coupling mechanism. The application specific grooves permit the coupling mechanism to couple only predetermined connector elements, and thus prohibit the accidental coupling of, for example, fuel containers containing a fuel not compatible with a particular fuel cell or other apparatus.

As described above, coupling mechanism104facilitates engagement of first connector member102and second connector member202. In some embodiments coupling mechanism104can comprise a generally cylindrical structure having an opening on one side which permits one or both of the connector members to be inserted within the coupling mechanism104. Additionally, coupling mechanism can comprise handle portion130which facilitates actuation of coupling mechanism104. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism can rotate to engage the first connector member and the second connector member, while in other embodiments the coupling mechanism can engage the connector members by moving or sliding along an axis generally parallel to the flow path defined by the connector members and locking in place with a catch or other releasable fastener to form an engaged fastener with open valves.

In some embodiments, coupling mechanism104further comprises first engagement elements122,124which are adapted to engage with groove129on first connector102to align first connector102within coupling mechanism104. Additionally, coupling mechanism104can also comprise second engagement elements126,128which are adapted to engage corresponding structure on second connector member202to position second connector member202within coupling mechanism104. As described above, the first and second engagement elements can be protrusions which mate with corresponding grooves located on the first and second connector members. In some embodiments, the first engagement elements122,124can comprise a screw thread adapted to mate with a winding groove on first connector member102. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional engagement element structures exist and are within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism completely encloses, or wraps around, the first connector member, and has an opening which allows the second connector member to be positioned within the coupling mechanism. In other embodiments, the coupling mechanism comprises an opening which permits both the first and second connector members to be inserted within the coupling mechanism. Referring toFIG. 1B, an embodiment of a coupling mechanism104is shown wherein coupling mechanism104completely encloses first connector member102. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 1B, coupling mechanism104can comprise opening150which permits second connector202to be inserted into coupling mechanism104. As shown inFIG. 1C, coupling mechanism105can comprise and opening151which allows first connector member102and second connector member202to be inserted within coupling mechanism105.

With respect toFIG. 2, as described above, second connector member202comprises body portion205having bore206through body205such that a fluid flow path through body205is defined by bore206. Second connector member202can further comprise resilient member208located within bore206, and valve member210biased towards a sealing position within bore206by resilient member208. Generally, bore206can be formed parallel to an axis through second connector member202. As shown inFIG. 2, bore206can further comprise valve seat212, which acts as a stop for valve member210when valve member210is biased towards a sealed position by resilient member208. In some embodiments, bore206can have a circular cross section, an oval cross section, a rectangular cross section or the like. Additionally, the size of bore206will generally be guided by the flow rate requirements and intended application of a particular connection system.

Valve member210is located within bore206and functions to regulate fluid flow through bore206. Valve member210can be moved between an open or unsealed position and a closed or sealed position. In some embodiments, valve member210comprises a flange portion214, an extension portion216and a sealing element218which seals flange portion214to valve seat212when valve210is in the sealed position. Additionally, valve member210can further comprise valve bore215and passage217located within valve bore215. Passage217can be an opening in the wall of bore215that permits fluids to flow out of valve bore215. As shown inFIG. 2, when valve210is in the sealed position, sealing element218rests against valve seat212, which prohibits fluid flow through bore206. Additionally, when valve210is a sealed position, extension portion216extends through valve seat212and is generally flush with front end218of connector202. AlthoughFIGS. 1 and 2show first connector102and second connector202comprising similar valve structures, in alternative embodiments a first connector can comprises a different valve structure than a second connector. For example, first connector member can comprise a puncturable membrane while second connector member can comprise the valve structure described above, or one or both connector members can comprise a rotating valve element that rotates to an open position due to engagement of a lever arm when the connector members are put together by the coupling mechanism.

In some embodiments, body205of second connector202can be generally tubular or cylindrical, however, no particular shape is required by the present disclosure. In these embodiments, a portion of body205of second connector202is adapted to fit into enlarged bore portion120of first connector102to form a unitary connector structure. As shown inFIG. 2, in some embodiments, body205of second connector202can comprise channel220, which holds sealing element222. Sealing element222functions to seal enlarged bore portion120when first connector member102and second connector member202are engaged. In some embodiments, sealing element222can be an o-ring or the like. Additionally, body205of second connector member can comprises groove224which is designed to coupled with engagement elements126,128of coupling mechanism104to align second connector202within coupling mechanism104. In some embodiments, groove224can be an application specific groove that is adapted to mate with coupling mechanisms having a matched structure. In some embodiments, body205of second connector202can further comprise flange228positioned on the back end226of second connector202to facilitate attachment of the second connector202to a container230or the like. Body205can also comprise recess219in front portion221which is adapted to receive extension portion116of valve member110during engagement of first connector member102and second connector member202. Although extension portion116is shown on first connector member102and recess219is shown on second connector202, in other embodiments an extension portion of the second connector can fit into a recess formed in the first connector.

In general, the body portions, valves and other components of the first connector, the second connector and the coupling mechanism can be composed of any material suitable for use in fluid transfer applications. Suitable materials include, for example, metals, polymers and combinations thereof. Suitable polymer include, for example, poly(vinyl chloride), high density polyethylene, polycarbonate, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polypropylene, polyurethane, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and suitable copolymers and mixtures thereof. The resilient members can be a spring or other mechanical structure which can be operably positioned with the bore of a connector member to bias a valve into a sealing position within the bores described previously, the sealing elements of the present invention can be o-rings or the like, and can be composed of any material suitable for fluid transfer applications, such as natural or synthetic rubber or other elastomeric polymer.

With respect toFIGS. 3 and 4, a cross sectional view is shown where first connector102and second connector202are positioned within coupling mechanism104. In this embodiment, coupling mechanism104wraps around, or encloses, first connector member102and second connector member202can be inserted into coupling mechanism104through the opening located on one side of coupling mechanism104. As shown inFIG. 3, first engagement elements122,124align with groove129on first connector102, and second engagement elements126,128align with groove224on second connector element202to position the connector members within the coupling mechanism. As described above, groove129can be a winding structure similar to a screw thread design that moves the first connector member a desired distance towards the second connector member during rotation of the coupling mechanism.

As shown inFIG. 4, engagement elements122,124mate with winding groove129such that rotation of handle portion130rotates first connector member102and advances first connector102towards second connector202. A perspective view of engagement element122coupled with winding groove129is shown inFIG. 1C. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1C, engagement element122can comprise a half screw turn that is adapted to couple with winding groove129. Referring toFIG. 4, as first connector member102is advanced by coupling mechanism104, front end221of second connector202is forced into enlarged bore portion120of first connector102, which engages first connector member102and second connector member202. When front end221of second connector202enters enlarged bore portion120of first connector, extension portion116of first valve110enters recess219and contacts extension portion216of second valve210. As extension portions116,216contact each other, the extension portions116,216apply a force against resilient members108,208, which moves sealing elements118,218away from valve seats112,212and establishes fluid communication between the first connector member102and second connector member202. Thus, in the unsealed position, fluid can flow through bore106, around seal118and through passage117into valve bore115. Fluid can then flow from valve bore115to valve bore215, through passage217and around seal218into bore206. Similarly, when handle130is rotated back to the position shown inFIG. 3, the force applied to resilient members108,208by extension portions116,216is reduced as the front end221of second connector is disengaged form enlarged bore portion120. As the force applied to resilient members108,208is reduced, resilient members108,208bias seals118,218against valve seats112,212and prohibit fluid flow through bores106,206. Thus, the connector system of the present disclosure allows for simultaneous engagement and unsealing of the connector members, as well as the simultaneous disengagement and sealing of the connector members.

In some embodiments, the first connector102can be attached to a fuel inlet port on a fuel cell. Generally, a fuel inlet port provides a fluid flow pathway from the inlet port to the anodes of the fuel cell stack. In some embodiments, the fuel cell can be a portable fuel cell designed for use with portable electronic devices. Fuel cell designed for use with portable electronic devices are described generally in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,559 to Koripella et al., entitled “Direct Methanol Fuel Cell System and Method of Fabrication,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Additionally, second connector202can be attached to a container such as, for example, a fuel container designed for use with a fuel cell. As noted above, fuel containers suitable for use with fuel cells are generally described in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/384,382, entitled “Fuel Storage Container For A Fuel Cell,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. The connector members can be reversed with respect to their connections to the fuel cell and fuel container. Also, the connector can be used for other fluid connections, such as a fuel container with a combustion based apparatus or non-fuel based fluid connections.

Referring toFIGS. 5–7, an embodiment is shown where second connector202is attached to fuel cartridge300, and first connector102and coupling mechanism301are connected to fuel cell302. In these embodiments, coupling mechanism301is coupled to fuel cell302. In some embodiments, first connector member102can be located within coupling mechanism301, while in other embodiments coupling mechanism301can be in contact with first connector member102. Generally, in fuel cell applications, first connector member102is connected to the fuel inlet port of fuel cell302. Additionally, coupling mechanism301is adapted to receive fuel cartridge300. Thus, in these embodiments, coupling mechanism301facilitates engagement of the connector elements, which establishes fluid communication between fuel cartridge300and fuel cell302. In some embodiments, fuel cell302can be a direct methanol fuel cell and cartridge300can contain methanol or other desired fuel. The orientation of the connector with the fuel cell and fuel container can be reversed in alternative embodiments.

As shown inFIGS. 5A,5B,6A and6B, a fuel cell pack300has a fuel cartridge300.1, a base300.2, and a fuel cell302. The fuel cartridge can comprise indentation304which is adapted to mate with latch306on coupling mechanism301to secure cartridge300within coupling mechanism301. In some embodiments, latch306can be designed to release cartridge300when a suitable force is applied to latch306. Additionally, cartridge300can comprise rib portions308which can couple with slots310formed into coupling mechanism301. Keying structures configures as rib portions308and slots310function as a key system to ensure that only suitable fuel cartridges can be inserted into coupling mechanism104. In other words, rib portion308and slots310prevent that accidental introduction of inappropriate fuels into fuel cell302.

As shown inFIGS. 5–7, in preferred embodiments, the rotation of coupling mechanism301engages first connector member102and second connector member202, and also unseals the connector members such that fluid communication between first connector member102and second connector member202is established. More specifically, rotation of coupling mechanism301by about 90 degrees moves connector202into contact with first connector102, which engages the connector members and establishes fluid communication between fuel cartridge300and fuel cell302. In some embodiments, cartridge300can comprise structure adapted to mate with corresponding structure on fuel cell302to lock cartridge300, and attached second connector member202, in the engaged position. In some embodiments, a fuel cartridge receiving portion, or recess,316can be attached to the fuel cell302. As shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, fuel cell receiving portion316can be designed such that when fuel cartridge300, and coupling mechanism301, have been rotated to engage the connector members, a surface of fuel cartridge300can be flush with a surface of fuel cell302. In one embodiment, cartridge300can comprise flexible member312which couples with snap catches314located on fuel cell receiving portion316to secure cartridge300, and the associated connector members, in the engaged position.