Fiber Optic Ferrule Assembly for Serviceable Hermetic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hermetic connections between fiber optic cables and sensor assemblies in high temperature and high pressure environments, such as those found in oil and gas applications, are not serviceable and lack reliable hermetic sealing, leading to reduced durability and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly using self-swaging compression tube fittings that allow for repeatable hermetic sealing and unsealing of fiber optic cables to sensor enclosures, utilizing stainless steel components to withstand temperatures up to 325 degrees Celsius and provide a reliable metal-to-metal seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hermetic connections are used between fiber optic cables and sensor assemblies in high temperature and high pressure environments, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the connections become non-serviceable and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separable components including a first assembly with a first ferrule and a second assembly with a second ferrule. These segmented components can be independently assembled, connected, and serviced, allowing the fiber optic cable to be disconnected from the sensor assembly without damaging the hermetic seal. The segmentation enables maintenance while preserving the reliable sealing achieved through precise ferrule alignment and compression sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static permanent weld to a dynamic reusable mechanical connection. The compression-based hermetic seal allows for repeated connection and disconnection cycles while maintaining sealing integrity. The ferrules with sloped portions enable controlled compression during assembly, creating a dynamic seal that can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged without compromising reliability.
2Reliability
If welding is used to create hermetic connections in high temperature environments, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the connections cannot be repeatedly sealed and unsealed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal welding process with a mechanical compression-based sealing system. The ferrules with sloped portions are compressed against each other and against the sensor assembly housing to create hermetic seals. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for welding, enabling repeated connection and disconnection cycles while maintaining sealing reliability in high temperature environments up to 325 degrees Celsius.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism changes from a thermal process to a mechanical compression process. The sloped portions of the ferrules are designed to compress against each other at specific angles, creating a hermetic seal through mechanical force rather than heat. This parameter change from thermal to mechanical sealing enables the connection to be repeatedly made and broken without degrading the sealing capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed cable positioning is used in the connection assembly, then stable light transmission is achieved, but adjustments in cable positioning cannot be made
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the fiber optic cable to be dynamically positioned during assembly. The ferrules with sloped portions can be adjusted to different positions within the housing before final compression sealing is applied. This dynamic positioning capability allows operators to optimize cable alignment for stable light transmission while maintaining the ability to make adjustments during the assembly process.
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 repeatable serviceability and hermetic sealing, allowing for adjustments in cable positioning and light transmission, reducing repair costs and inventory needs while maintaining a secure connection in extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first sloped portion of the first ferrule can be arranged to engage with the second sloped portion of the second ferrule
Implementation Method 2
The wedge-shaped portion of the second ferrule can be arranged to engage with the sensor assembly as the housing is secured to the sensor assembly
Implementation Method 3
The housing, the first ferrule, and/or the second ferrule can be made from stainless steel
Data Source
AI summary
A sealable connection system is provided. The system can include a connection assembly including a housing and at least one ferrule positioned within the housing. An inner surface of the housing can be arranged to mate with and secure to an outer surface of a sensor assembly. The at least one ferrule can be arranged to engage with the sensor assembly as the housing is secured to the sensor assembly. The system can also include a fiber optic cable assembly. The fiber optic cable assembly can include a fiber optic cable extending through the housing and the at least one ferrule. The fiber optic cable can also be surrounded, at least along a length of the fiber optic cable within the connection assembly, by a fiber optic cable cover. The sealable connection system is provided to hermetically connect the fiber optic cable assembly to a sensor assembly.