Deep-Sea Connector Axial Slits Prevent Pressure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber-molded underwater electrical connectors are unable to reliably disconnect at great ocean depths due to pressure locking, limiting their utility in deep-sea operations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a receptacle unit with axial slits in its channels to prevent the formation of a constrictive belt around the plug shafts, allowing for reliable disconnection even at high pressures, while maintaining electrical isolation and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber-molded connectors use an interference fit between rubber portions to seal electrical contacts underwater, then electrical isolation and sealing are improved, but disconnection becomes difficult or impossible at great depths due to pressure locking
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber receptacle channel is segmented by introducing axial slits that divide the continuous rubber wall into separated sections. This segmentation prevents the formation of a continuous constrictive belt around the plug shaft, allowing the connector to be disconnected at depth while maintaining sealing when mated. The slits create discrete sealing zones rather than a circumferential lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful continuous constrictive belt is extracted from the design by removing material in the form of axial slits. This extraction eliminates the pressure-induced locking mechanism that prevents disconnection, while the remaining rubber portions continue to provide effective sealing when the connector is in the mated state.
2Reliability
If existing connectors are designed with continuous rubber channels for sealing, then electrical isolation is maintained, but pressure-induced grip locks the plug and receptacle together at depth
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous rubber channel is segmented into discrete sections by axial slits, preventing the formation of a continuous constrictive force around the plug shaft. The segmented structure allows the rubber to exert localized sealing forces without creating a cumulative circumferential grip that would lock the connector at depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial slits convert the potentially harmful continuous constrictive force into beneficial localized sealing forces. The slits prevent pressure-induced grip from accumulating around the entire shaft, while the rubber portions between slits provide focused sealing contact that maintains electrical isolation without creating locking forces.
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
Enables repeated and reliable connection and disconnection of electrical contacts underwater at any depth without loss of integrity, addressing the pressure-induced grip issue in existing connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The channels can have portions extending axially therein that do not sealably conform to plug shafts inserted therethrough
Implementation Method 2
Both types use an interference fit between rubber portions of the plug and receptacle to keep the electrical contacts isolated from the seawater when the connector's plug and receptacle are mated
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for sealably engaging contacts therein and permitting reliable disengagement thereof includes a first unit having one or more elongated shafts. Each elongated shaft includes at least one first contact. The connector further includes a second unit having a body with one or more channels therein. Each channel includes at least one second contact. Each channel is configured to receive at least a portion of one of the elongated shafts therein to permit electrical connection of the one or more first contacts to the respective one or more second contacts. The second unit further includes an axial slit extending radially outwardly from each channel toward an outer surface of the body of the second unit. Each slit of the second unit is a circumferentially discontinuous portion of the channel configured to prevent the second unit from forming a constrictive belt around the one or more elongated shafts therein.