Hydraulic Coupling Member with Integrated Electrical Bonding Contactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Undersea hydraulic couplings with only soft seals lack electrical bonding, leading to incomplete electrical continuity and increased operational complexity, especially in subsea environments where manual bonding straps are required, which complicates the coupling process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrically conductive resilient member or contactor within the coupling members that retracts upon mating, ensuring electrical bonding without interfering with the coupling mechanism, allowing for automatic electrical connection between male and female members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only soft seals are used in hydraulic couplings, then sealing flexibility is improved, but electrical bonding capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines soft seals with metal bonding contacts in a single coupling member, merging the advantages of both sealing flexibility and electrical bonding capability into one integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing hydraulic sealing through soft seals and establishing electrical bonding through metal contacts, making the component universally applicable for both sealing and electrical connection requirements
2Reliability
If manual bonding straps are required for electrical bonding, then electrical continuity is improved, but operational complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member automatically provides electrical bonding through integrated metal contacts that engage when the coupling is assembled, eliminating the need for separate manual bonding operations and making the system self-sufficient for electrical continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical bonding capability is pre-integrated into the coupling member structure itself, so that electrical continuity is established automatically as part of the coupling assembly process, rather than requiring subsequent separate bonding actions
3Reliability
If electrical contactor protrudes from coupling member, then electrical bonding is improved, but coupling mechanism interference deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding contactor is designed to be movable relative to the coupling member body, allowing it to protrude during assembly for electrical contact and then retract or adjust position to avoid interfering with the final coupling engagement, dynamically adapting its position to different operational phases
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
Facilitates reliable electrical bonding between coupling members, reducing the need for manual bonding straps and simplifying the coupling process, especially in subsea environments where remotely operated vehicles are used.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating an electrically conductive resilient member or contactor within the coupling members that retracts upon mating, ensuring electrical bonding
Data Source
AI summary
A female hydraulic coupling member and/or a male hydraulic coupling member is equipped with an electrically conductive contactor which contacts the opposing coupling member when the coupling is fully made up thereby electrically bonding the coupling members.