Liquid-Tight Connector With Segmented Thread For Spark Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors in explosive environments face the risk of sparks developing during loosening, which can lead to explosions due to the inability to securely contain sparks within the connector.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional threaded projection or turn at a distance from the fastening thread, ensuring the sealing ring remains effective during loosening, and requiring an additional rotational motion for complete separation, thus containing sparks within the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple threaded connection is used for loosening the connector parts, then the operation is quick and easy, but sparks can escape into the environment and cause explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection is segmented into two distinct parts: a first threaded section that allows initial loosening and separation of contact elements, and a second threaded section that maintains sealing connection. This segmentation enables the loosening process to occur in stages, first separating the electrical contacts to prevent sparks, then maintaining the sealed connection to contain any potential sparks.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed so that the first threaded section must be completely loosened before the contact elements can be separated. This preliminary action ensures that the sealing ring remains in place during the initial loosening phase, containing any sparks that may occur during the separation process.
2Ease of operation
If the connector parts are completely separated for loosening, then access is improved, but sparks can interact with the explosive environment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is divided into two functional segments: the first threaded section handles the separation of contact elements for access, while the second threaded section maintains the sealing barrier. This allows partial separation for operational access while preserving the protective seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring acts as an intermediary element that remains engaged with the connector housing throughout the loosening process. It mediates between the need for separation (for access) and the need for containment (to prevent sparks), allowing operational access while maintaining the protective barrier.
3Device complexity
If a single threaded connection is used, then the structure is simple, but the connector cannot maintain sealed connection during loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection is divided into two distinct sections with different functions. The first section (with more turns) handles the separation of contact elements, while the second section (with fewer turns) maintains the sealing connection. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain reliability during loosening while keeping the structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading is arranged axially along the connector, creating a dimensional sequence where the first threaded section operates in one axial position and the second threaded section operates in another. This axial dimensioning allows both sealing and separation functions to coexist in a linear structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (1) impermeable to liquids, having two matching connector parts (3) and (5), which is sealed in a connected position by at least one peripherally extending circumferential sealing ring (6) provided between the connector pats (3) and (5). The plug-in position is secured by a rotatable, axially fixed threaded bushing (8), which is fixed in the axial direction, but rotatably supported on one of the connector parts, and the internal thread (9) of which is mated to the holding thread (10) on the other connector part. A further thread or projection or threaded part (12) mating with the interior thread (9) is provided in a loosening direction at a distance from the holding thread (10) interacting with the threaded bushing (8), and a distance A from the end of the holding thread (10) to that of the further thread (12) is greater than a plug-in depth of the connecting pins (2) into the bushings (4). The sealing ring (6) for both connector parts is disposed at a location at which it is still in the sealing position after pulling back the threaded bushing (8) that is detached from the holding thread (10). Any sparks occurring upon loosening of the contacts are therefore shielded from the environment.