Feedthrough Plate Venting for Trapped Fluid in Recessed Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feedthrough assemblies in hermetically sealed devices face issues with fluid trapped in recesses during attachment processes, leading to poor electrical and mechanical connections due to expansion of trapped fluid, which can displace attachment material and conductive elements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a vent hole in the feedthrough plate that provides a fluid pathway for expanding fluid to escape, preventing displacement of attachment material and conductive elements during the attachment process, thereby ensuring robust electrical and mechanical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a recess is used to securely couple conductors to the feedthrough plate, then electrical and mechanical connection is improved, but fluid trapped in the recess expands during attachment processes and displaces attachment material and conductive elements, resulting in poor connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful trapped fluid from the recess by providing a vent hole that extends from the recess to the outer surface of the feedthrough plate. This allows fluid to escape during the attachment process, preventing expansion-related displacement of conductive elements and attachment material, while maintaining the recess's function for secure conductor coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent hole acts as an intermediary pathway between the recess and the external environment. It provides a controlled fluid escape route that mediates between the need for sealed recesses to hold conductors and the need to release trapped fluid during attachment operations.
2Reliability
If the feedthrough plate is designed with through-holes for feedthrough conductors, then electrical connection between internal and external components is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the feedthrough plate structure: the plate provides mechanical support, electrical isolation through insulative material, hermetic sealing, and now also incorporates vent holes for fluid management. The recesses and vent holes are integrated directly into the plate, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedthrough plate is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, electrical connection, hermetic sealing, and fluid venting capabilities. This universal design reduces the number of separate parts needed in the feedthrough assembly.
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 vent hole allows for more stable and reliable electrical connections by preventing the displacement of attachment material and conductive elements, enhancing the integrity of the electrical and mechanical coupling within the feedthrough assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
fluid located inside the recess may escape via the vent hole as it expands preventing the conductor and attachment material from being pushed out of the recess
Data Source
AI summary
A feedthrough plate may include a first major surface, a second major surface opposite the first major surface, a side surface disposed between the first major surface and the second major surface, a recess, and a vent hole. The recess may extend from the first major surface to a recessed surface. Furthermore, the recessed surface may be disposed between the first major surface and the second major surface. The vent hole may extend from the side surface to the recess. Additionally, the vent hole may be in fluid communication with at least a portion of the recess.