Portable Tool Contact Layout for Underwater Corrosion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electromechanical and electrohydraulic tools are not suitable for underwater use due to corrosion issues caused by conductive water, particularly saltwater, which can lead to fatal operational failures in rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A tool design with a contact system featuring a nonconductive surface protective layer on one surface region and no protective layer on another, allowing operation underwater without significant corrosion, combined with a sealed battery housing and a brushless direct-current motor to prevent water ingress, ensuring reliable current flow and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact is covered with a surface protective layer to prevent corrosion, then corrosion resistance is improved, but current flow capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is divided into two surface regions with different properties: a first surface region covered with a nonconductive surface protective layer for corrosion protection, and a second surface region free of the protective layer for electrical contact. This local differentiation allows the contact to simultaneously achieve both corrosion resistance and current flow capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool is designed for underwater use, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential protective measures needed for underwater use: a nonconductive surface protective layer on the contact and a sealed battery housing. By taking out only these critical protective elements rather than implementing comprehensive waterproofing of the entire tool, the design achieves underwater adaptability while minimizing structural complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the contact area is increased to improve current flow, then electrical conductivity is improved, but susceptibility to corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is divided into regions with different protective coverage. The second surface region provides sufficient contact area for current flow, while the first surface region covered with the nonconductive protective layer protects against corrosion. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between current flow capability and corrosion susceptibility.
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
Enables the use of tools in underwater environments, including saltwater, without corrosion, ensuring high operational reliability and ease of handling, and allows existing tools to be upgraded with minimal structural changes.
Implementation Method 1
without electrochemical processes adversely affecting the tool when operating the tool under water
Implementation Method 2
brushless direct-current motor
Data Source
AI summary
A portable tool for mobile use includes a housing, an electric motor located in the housing, an insert shaft on the tool, and a battery. The battery or a terminal for connecting to an external energy source is located in the insert shaft. A mechanically or hydraulically driven movable piston rod is for performing spreading, cutting, lifting, and/or pressing. An electronic device controls and/or regulates the electric motor and includes a printed circuit board with a potting compound on which electronic components are arranged. An electrically conductive on the insert shaft allows a releasable electric contact between the battery and the electronic device of the tool by inserting the battery into the insert shaft. The contact is divided into a first and second surface regions. The first surface region is covered with a nonconductive protective layer, and the second surface region is free of the protective layer.