Magnetic Anode Connector with Deformable Self-Aligning Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting anodes to subsea metal structures for cathodic protection often require invasive techniques like bolting or welding, which can damage protective coatings and are not effective on non-planar surfaces, leading to unreliable electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector system using strong rare earth magnets and a deformable member that self-aligns to maximize contact area, allowing for reliable electrical connections without damaging the surface, and a manipulation plate to facilitate installation and removal without stressing the deformable member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolting or welding is used to connect the anode to the metal structure, then the electrical connection is ensured, but the protective coatings on the metal structure are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connection methods (bolting, welding) with a magnetic connection system. Magnets provide the necessary holding force to secure the anode to the metal structure without mechanical penetration, thereby eliminating damage to protective coatings while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the magnetic force and contact interface
2Reliability
If bolting or welding is used to ensure electrical connection, then the connection is reliable, but the method is not effective on non-planar surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a deformable member that can flex and adapt its shape to conform to non-planar surfaces. This dynamic flexibility allows the magnetic connection system to maintain reliable electrical contact on curved or irregular surfaces where rigid bolting or welding would fail to achieve adequate contact area
3Reliability
If the magnet devices are allowed to move freely to maximize contact area, then the electrical connection is optimized, but the electrical connectivity between different magnet devices may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible deformable member that acts as a compliant electrical interconnection medium between magnet devices. This flexible structure allows the magnet devices to move independently to maximize their contact area with the surface while the deformable member flexes to accommodate these movements without breaking the electrical connectivity between the magnets
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 connector system provides a robust, reliable, and durable electrical connection on both planar and non-planar surfaces, minimizing damage during installation and removal, and ensuring effective cathodic protection by maximizing the surface area of contact between the anode and the metal structure.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet devices typically create an attractive force between the connector and the surface, which draws the magnet devices towards the surface in order to make up the connection
Implementation Method 2
the deformable member flexes to accommodate the movement
Implementation Method 3
The electrical contact plate is typically formed from a thin flat plate of electrically conductive material such as copper
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An electrical connector for an anode has a terminal for an electric cable, at least two magnet devices for attracting the connector onto a metal structure, a plate electrically connecting the magnet devices to one another and to the terminal, and a deformable member connecting the magnet devices. When the connector connects an anode to a surface, the magnet forces draw the magnet devices against the surface in order to make up the connection. The deformable member allows relative movement of the magnet devices, permitting them to align themselves in an optimum configuration to maximize the surface area of the magnet devices that are in contact with the metal structure, providing a large electrical conduit between the connector and the cable connected to the terminal, and allowing for more reliable electrical connection between the anode and the structure.