Pressure Vessel Module Receptacle for Replaceable Underwater Electronics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater vehicles face challenges in easily replacing or upgrading electronic components due to the complexity of wired connections and encapsulation, which requires significant mechanical effort and is not easily adaptable to new electronics.
Innovation Solution
A modular design with an electronic through-hole connecting interior and exterior components, utilizing a waterproof container with a module receptacle that allows easy insertion and removal of electronic circuits, facilitated by a grounding mechanism and leak testing, enabling quick upgrades or replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic components are potted in the pressure vessel interior, then they are protected from water, but replacement and upgrade require high mechanical effort and are difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electronic components into separate replaceable modules (front end modules with hydrophones, back end modules with electronics) that can be independently removed and replaced. The module receptacles are designed to accept these modules with simple connection mechanisms, allowing replacement without high mechanical effort while maintaining watertight protection through the pressure vessel structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional electronics are introduced, then functionality is improved, but expenditure and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The module receptacles are designed with universal compatibility to accept different types of modules (front end modules, back end modules, additional functionality modules). This allows the system to be upgraded with additional electronics for enhanced functionality while using standardized interfaces that minimize overall system complexity and expenditure.
3Ease of operation
If electronics are located outside the pressure vessel, then they are easily accessible, but they are exposed to water and require encapsulation
Solution Approach 1:
The module receptacles are positioned in the pressure vessel interior wall structure, creating a nested arrangement where the receptacles are accessible from the interior space while remaining protected by the pressure vessel structure. Modules can be inserted and removed from the interior side, providing easy accessibility without exposing electronics to external water conditions.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient replacement or upgrade of electronic components without the need for extensive mechanical disassembly, ensuring watertight integrity and operational readiness.
Implementation Method 1
O-ring sealing
Implementation Method 2
the container itself can be made of an electrically conductive material or at least partially comprise electrically conductive material, which implements the ground circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an undewater craft (331) comprising a pressure vessel that includes an interior region and an exterior region, and an electronic via that connects an electronic component in the interior region to a module receptacle located in the exterior region.