Hermetic Feed Through Assembly Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing feed through assemblies have limited ability to reduce leakage, leading to signal degradation and high replacement costs due to leakage-related issues.

Innovation Solution

A sealed feed through assembly with mechanical and electrical connectors that form hermetic seals to prevent leakage and maintain signal integrity, using materials like stainless steel and glass-to-metal seals to resist high pressures and corrosive environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional feed through assemblies are used, then electrical connection is provided, but leakage occurs leading to signal degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidleakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the conductor is received within a grounded portion, which is in turn received within the mechanical connector. Multiple sealed chambers are nested concentrically, with each chamber providing an additional barrier against leakage, thereby enhancing signal integrity while maintaining electrical connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounded portion acts as an intermediary element between the conductor and the mechanical connector environment. It provides electrical isolation and hermetic sealing, mediating the interaction between the electrical conductor and the external environment to prevent leakage-induced signal degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sealed structures are implemented to prevent leakage, then signal integrity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage resistanceVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feed through assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the mechanical connector, the grounded portion, and the conductor. Each segment can be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together. This segmentation reduces overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective hermetic sealing through the nested charged-off portion within the conductor path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grounded portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides hermetic sealing against leakage, electrical grounding/shielding, and structural support for the conductor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying the overall assembly structure while maintaining high leakage resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively limits leakage and maintains signal integrity by providing electrical isolation and resistance to high pressures, reducing the need for frequent replacements and associated costs.

Implementation Method 1

An outer radial surface of the grounded portion is configured to be hermetically sealed to the mechanical connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHermetic seal:

Implementation Method 2

using materials like stainless steel and glass-to-metal seals to resist high pressures and corrosive environments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGlass-to-metal seal:

Implementation Method 3

providing for electrical isolation of the electrical conductor such that signal integrity through the electrical conductor may be maintained

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical isolation:

Data Source

PatentUS9553398B2Hermetic feed through assembly

Publication Date: 2017.01.24 MANTHEY DIANE MANT

AI summary

An electrical feed through assembly includes a mechanical connector extending between a first end and a second end. The mechanical connector defines at least one opening through the mechanical connector between the first end and the second end. The electrical feed through assembly includes a first electrical connector attached to the first end of the mechanical connector. The first electrical connector includes a conductor portion that extends through the at least one opening in the mechanical connector. The first electrical connector includes a grounded portion within which the conductor portion is received. An inner radial surface of the grounded portion is sealed with the conductor portion. An outer radial surface of the grounded portion is attached to the mechanical connector.