RTD Sensor Connector Seal Fluid Ingress Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RTD connectors fail to provide an adequate seal when submerged in fluids for extended periods, leading to potential leaks and compromised temperature data collection.
Innovation Solution
A fluidly sealed connector system comprising a tubular sleeve with annular grooves, end plugs with O-ring channels, and a terminal plate that engages the sleeve to securely couple the RTD device to the cable, ensuring a sealed connection even when submerged in fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal sheath is used to enclose the RTD element and lead wires, then the RTD is protected from external damage, but the connector fails to provide an adequate seal when submerged in fluid for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible O-ring seals made of elastomeric material that can deform to conform to the mating surfaces. These flexible seals are installed in grooves within the connector housing and compress against the grooves when the connector is assembled, creating a fluid-tight barrier that prevents fluid ingress while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction of the RTD element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealing mechanism between the RTD element enclosure and the connector housing. The O-ring seals act as intermediaries that fill the gap between the rigid metal sheath and the connector housing, creating a fluid-tight interface that prevents fluid from reaching the electrical connections while maintaining mechanical compatibility between different components.
2Ease of operation
If the RTD connector is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the seal effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector into separable components including the RTD element enclosure, the connector housing, and the O-ring seals. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining seal effectiveness through the use of flexible seals that can be independently installed and removed without damaging the rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-installed O-ring seals within grooves of the connector housing before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures that the sealing surfaces are prepared in advance and that the seals are positioned correctly, allowing for quick assembly operations while maintaining reliable sealing performance when the connector is fully assembled.
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
The solution effectively prevents fluid ingress, allowing the RTD system to remain submerged for extended periods while maintaining accurate temperature data collection.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of end plugs, each end plug defining a first annular channel configured to receive an O-ring and a second annular channel configured to receive stacked O-rings, with one O-ring aligned with the annular groove in the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
An RTD connector seal to couple and seal an RTD device to an RTD cable. The RTD connector seal includes a tubular sleeve defining an groove in an interior surface proximate each end of the sleeve. The RTD connector seal includes a pair of end plugs, each end plug defining a first channel configured to receive an O-ring and a second channel configured to receive stacked O-rings, with one O-ring aligned with the groove in the sleeve, each end plug defining a through hole configured to receive one of the RTD device and RTD cable. The RTD connector seal includes a terminal plate coupled to each end plug and configured to slidingly engage the interior surface of the sleeve. The RTD connector seal includes a terminal block mounted on the terminal plate, wherein the RTD device is coupled to the RTD cable on the terminal block sealed within the sleeve.