Submersible Probe Cam-Twist Interconnect and Gas-Permeable Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water monitoring probes face challenges in providing flexible and reliable long-term monitoring of aqueous environments without disrupting the monitored ecosystem, and they often require complex cabling setups for data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A submersible probe apparatus featuring a cam-twist type interconnect mechanism, a flexible printed circuit board assembly with a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable barrier, and an optional vented cable assembly for data transmission, allowing for easy connection and disconnection of components like a hanging backshell or extender assemblies, which can house battery cells, enabling reliable and versatile monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional cable assembly is used for data transmission, then data can be transmitted from the probe, but the setup becomes complex and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The probe system is divided into modular segments (probe body, cable assembly, backshell) that can be independently connected and disconnected. The cam-twist interconnect mechanism enables simple segmentation-based connection without complex cabling setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The vented cable assembly is extracted as an optional component rather than being permanently integrated. Users can connect only when needed, simplifying the overall system setup and reducing cabling complexity for continuous monitoring applications.
2Reliability
If the probe housing is made completely liquid-tight, then liquid ingress is prevented, but gas equalization is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier assembly provides localized liquid impermeability at critical connection points while maintaining gas permeability through the same barrier. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of liquid protection and gas equalization without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier assembly utilizes porous or micro-perforated materials that allow gas molecules to pass through while blocking liquid ingress. This material property enables the probe housing to maintain both liquid tightness and gas equalization capabilities.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the probe is designed for long-term monitoring, then continuous data collection is achieved, but battery replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment is segmented as a separate, accessible module within the probe housing. This segmentation allows the battery to be replaced independently without disassembling the entire probe, maintaining long-term monitoring capability while simplifying maintenance operations.
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 design allows for continuous, reliable monitoring of water parameters without disrupting the environment and facilitates easy integration with existing systems, with the ability to store data onboard for later transmission, using a long-life battery and a titanium housing that prevents liquid ingress while allowing gas equalization.
Implementation Method 1
internal gas-permeable and generally liquid impermeable barrier assembly disposed within the cam-twist interconnect mechanism
Implementation Method 2
internal gas-permeable and generally liquid impermeable barrier assembly disposed within the cam-twist interconnect mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A submersible water monitoring probe assembly including: a cam-twist type interconnect mechanism; flexible PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) having flexible ribbon cable sandwiched between layers of an elongated circuit board, the ribbon cable extending outwardly from each end of the board and along an elongated probe-body; internal gas-permeable and generally liquid impermeable barrier assembly disposed within the cam-twist inter-connect mechanism between the elongated PCBA housed within the probe-body and an electrical connector of the cam-twist interconnect mechanism; and if used, a vented cable assembly, or other means of transmitting sensor data collected by sensing circuitry within a submersed probe-end. Also, an extender assembly for use with the submersible probe. At each end portion of the extender assembly is either a male cam-twist type interconnect piece or a female cam-twist type interconnect piece. The length-extender assembly may be electrically adapted to house one or more battery cells.