PCB Feedthrough Structure for Flameproof Electrical Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feedthroughs for connecting electrical devices across different environments, such as vacuum or hazardous atmospheres, are costly and prone to damage during welding, and do not adequately address flame or explosion-proof requirements, especially in Coriolis flow meters where sealing and electrical connectivity are critical.
Innovation Solution
A feedthrough connector with a plastic body that allows over-molding onto conductors, featuring sealing mechanisms, anti-rotation mechanisms, and resistance to loads, which can be installed post-welding, and includes a printed circuit board with diagonally oriented headers and indexing keys for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cemented joint bushing is used as a flameproof feedthrough, then flameproof and explosion-proof standards are met, but the cost increases and the feedthrough becomes prone to damage during welding
Solution Approach 1:
The feedthrough is divided into separate components: a non-conductive body, conductive pins, and sealing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the body can be molded for precision and cost-effectiveness, while pins can be separately prepared and inserted, avoiding welding damage to the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-conductive body serves as an intermediary between conductive pins, providing mechanical support and electrical isolation. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for cemented joints between conductive elements, reducing welding requirements and associated damage risks while maintaining flameproof integrity through the non-conductive material's inherent properties.
2Reliability
If tight tolerances of 0.1 or 0.15 millimeters are required for flameproof joints, then flameproof approval is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimensional parameters and tolerance requirements by using a non-conductive body with integrated sealing features. Instead of requiring 0.1-0.15mm tolerances for cemented joints, the molded non-conductive body provides inherent sealing with more relaxed tolerances, achieving flameproof approval through different dimensional specifications that are easier to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedthrough uses composite construction combining non-conductive materials (such as plastic or ceramic bodies) with conductive elements. This composite approach allows the non-conductive portion to provide both structural support and sealing functions, reducing the need for tight tolerances in joint areas while maintaining flameproof integrity through the composite structure's inherent properties.
3Ease of operation
If conductive pins extend through a conductive header, then electrical connectivity is provided, but insulation is required around the pins to prevent current passing
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive body serves as an intermediary structure that mechanically supports conductive pins while providing inherent electrical isolation. The pins extend through the non-conductive body, which acts as both a structural framework and an insulating medium, eliminating the need for additional insulation layers or complex insulating arrangements around the pins.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a feedthrough (200) adapted for use within a passage (300). The feedthrough (300) has a body (202) having a first interface region (204) and a second interface region (206). The first interface region (204) comprises a platform region (214). At least one electrical conductor (212) extends through the body (202) and out of the body (202) to both the first interface region (204) and the second interface region (206). A printed circuit board (216) is attached to the platform region (214). At least one pin hole (234) defined by the printed circuit board (216) is configured to accept the at least one electrical conductor (212).