Pluggable Connector Sealing for Explosion-Prone Field Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in explosion-endangered environments face challenges with arcing during plug coupling and separation, and the use of potting compounds complicates assembly, while existing solutions are not entirely effective in preventing explosions.
Innovation Solution
A modular field device with an explosion-preventing, pluggable connector coupling that uses a sealing element to fill the free volume between coupling elements, ensuring complete sealing and preventing arcing and gas penetration, with the sealing element being a synthetic material meeting specific durability standards and designed to maintain electrical coupling integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a potting compound is used to surround the pluggable connector coupling, then arcing is prevented and explosive gases are kept away, but the assembly process becomes more complex and mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the potting compound approach and implements it through a dedicated sealing element integrated into the connector coupling structure. This separates the sealing function from the overall assembly process, allowing for easier mounting while maintaining explosion prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the connector coupling elements and the external environment. It fills the gap between coupling elements and prevents explosive gases from reaching the electrical contacts, thereby mediating the explosion prevention function without requiring potting compound.
2Ease of operation
If a pluggable connector coupling is used for modular assembly, then ease of mounting is improved, but arcing may occur during plugging and separation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is pre-installed in the connector coupling structure before assembly. It proactively prevents explosive gases from reaching the electrical contacts during plugging and separation operations, counteracting the potential harmful effect of arcing before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element functions as a flexible barrier that fills the gap between coupling elements. This thin sealing structure prevents explosive gases from penetrating to the electrical contacts, thereby protecting against arcing while maintaining the modular pluggable design.
3Ease of manufacture
If the free volume between coupling elements is left empty, then assembly is simplified, but explosive gases can penetrate and reach electrical contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is applied locally at the critical gap between coupling elements where explosive gases could penetrate. This localized sealing approach prevents gas penetration at the most vulnerable point without requiring complete enclosure or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element serves as an intermediary barrier in the free volume between coupling elements. It blocks the path for explosive gases to reach the electrical contacts while maintaining the simplicity of the pluggable connector design.
Data Source
AI summary
A field device of measuring- and automation technology, which field device meets requirements for operation in explosion-endangered environments. Safe operation of the field device in explosion-endangered environments is assured by a pluggable connector coupling for electrical coupling of different field device components. An essential feature of the pluggable connector coupling is a sealing element for spatial and gas-tight sealing of a contact region of contacting elements of the pluggable connector coupling from a free volume remaining in the pluggable connector coupling.