Multi-Connector Feedthrough Panel for Pressure Vessel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical feedthrough solutions for pressure vessels require multiple cutouts and extensive surface preparation, leading to increased installation time, potential wire bundle defects, and higher chances of pressure leaks due to multiple penetrations.
Innovation Solution
An electrical multi-connector feedthrough panel that allows for a single penetration point for multiple electrical connections, reducing the need for individual cutouts and surface preparation, while using a frame with electrical connector insert shells and a conductive coating for sealing and bonding, and optionally mechanical or chemical fasteners for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual cutouts are made in the pressure vessel wall for multiple wire bundles, then each wire bundle can be individually connected, but the number of penetrations increases leading to higher risk of pressure leaks and increased installation time
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual cutouts and connectors are merged into a single integrated feedthrough assembly. The patent combines multiple electrical connectors within one sealed housing that penetrates the pressure vessel wall only once, eliminating multiple separate penetrations and reducing leak paths while maintaining the capability to connect multiple wire bundles simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual cutouts are made in the pressure vessel wall, then each connector can be individually installed, but the installation time and surface preparation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple installation operations are merged into a single integrated assembly installation. The feedthrough housing with multiple connectors pre-assembled allows all electrical connections to be installed through one penetration event, eliminating repeated surface preparation and sealing operations for each individual connector
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connectors are pre-assembled within the feedthrough housing before installation into the pressure vessel wall. The wiring and connector arrangement is prepared in advance during manufacturing, allowing for faster on-site installation without requiring sequential preparation and installation of each connector individually
3Ease of operation
If wire bundles are passed through individual cutouts, then direct connection is achieved, but defects in wire bundles may occur requiring rework in limited maintenance spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The feedthrough housing acts as an intermediary component between the pressure vessel wall and the wire bundles. Connectors are accessed and serviced from the interior side of the pressure vessel through the housing, eliminating the need to pass wire bundles through the wall and providing accessible maintenance points within the pressurized environment
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical multi-connector feedthrough panel (200) for sealing a penetration (270) in a structure (220) across a pressure differential, the panel (200) including a frame (301) having a first environmental interface surface (302) and a second environmental interface surface (303) configured to couple with the structure (220) so that the first environmental interface surface (302) and the second environmental interface surface (303) span the penetration (270) so as to at least in part seal the penetration (270), and a plurality of electrical connector insert shells (310) monolithically formed with the frame (301), each of the plurality of electrical connector insert shells (310) being configured to sealingly couple with at least one electrical connector (490A, 490B), where the first environmental interface surface (302) is disposed between the plurality of connector shells (310) so as to be in fluid communication with a first pressurized environment (PE1), and the second environmental interface surface (303) is disposed between the plurality of connector shells (310) so as to be in fluid communication with a second pressurized environment (PE2).