Sealed Electrical Connector Humidity Sensing for Early Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection devices in submarine cables lack efficient and early detection systems for sealing loss, which can lead to performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of hygrosensitive elements and reflectometry in detection modules to measure electrical characteristics that vary with humidity, allowing for the detection of sealing loss by comparing measured values against predetermined ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sealing detection methods are used in submarine cables, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection precision and reliability of sealing loss are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hygrosensitive elements as intermediary components that convert humidity changes in the sealing chamber into measurable electrical characteristic variations. These elements act as mediators between the sealing state and the detection system, enabling indirect but precise measurement of sealing integrity without requiring direct contact with the sealed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or physical sealing detection methods with electrical field-based detection using hygrosensitive elements. By substituting mechanical sensing with electrical characteristic measurement, the system achieves higher precision while maintaining relatively simple implementation through standard electrical testing equipment.
2Reliability
If early detection systems are implemented in electrical connection devices, then the reliability of submarine cables improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection module utilizes the existing electrical lines and connector structure of the submarine cable system, making the detection function self-integrated within the existing framework. The hygrosensitive elements are incorporated into the sealing chamber without requiring separate external sensing systems, allowing the device to monitor its own sealing status using its inherent electrical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical lines in the submarine cable serve dual functions: both as power/signal transmission conductors and as part of the detection path for sealing monitoring. The same electrical infrastructure that powers the cable system is also used to detect sealing losses, eliminating the need for dedicated separate detection wiring and reducing overall system complexity.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If detection modules with hygrosensitive elements are added to electrical connection devices, then the detection capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into modular components: hygrosensitive elements placed in the sealing chamber, electrical connection elements for signal routing, and a detection module for analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately, then assembled into the complete detection system, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining detection capability.
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 early detection and localization of sealing loss in submarine cables, optimizing operation by preventing complete performance degradation without additional power or communication requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first hygrosensitive element disposed in the first sealing chamber, the first detection module being configured so that the first electrical characteristic measured by said first module varies as a function of the humidity in contact with the first hygrosensitive element
Implementation Method 2
a reflectometer, connected to the first electrical connection element; and the measurement of the first electrical characteristic comprises the following steps: transmission by the reflectometer of a probe signal to the first electrical connection element; reception of a reflected signal, emitted by the first electrical connection element to the reflectometer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting a loss of sealing in an electrical connection device (10), comprising: an electrical line (12); an electrical connector (14) assembled to said electrical line; and a sealing element (16); the electrical line, the connector, and the sealing element defining a sealing chamber (71). The device further comprises a detection module (18) capable of measuring a first electrical characteristic of the device, said detection module comprising a hygrosensitive element (76) disposed in the sealing chamber (71), the detection module being configured such that the first electrical characteristic measured by said first module varies according to the humidity in contact with the hygrosensitive element (76).