Self-Aligning Electrical Connector for Marine Misalignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submarine electrical connectors require precise alignment and application of forces, making them complex and unsuitable for quick connections, especially in environments with limited time and strong sea currents, such as tidal turbine installations.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a deformable intermediate element that compensates for positioning faults, ensuring contact through slight compression onto a conductive track, and an assembly comprising a male connector with a convex support and a female connector with a conductive track, allowing for automatic alignment and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise alignment mechanisms and force application mechanisms are used to ensure reliable connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate element automatically compensates for misalignment through its own deformation capability, without requiring external alignment mechanisms. The element deforms itself to accommodate positioning faults and ensures contact between contact elements and conductive tracks, making the system self-aligning and eliminating the need for complex alignment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate element changes its physical state from rigid to deformable under compression, allowing it to adapt to misalignment. This parameter change (from rigid to flexible) enables the element to compensate for positioning errors automatically, ensuring reliable connection without requiring precise alignment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If complex alignment and connection mechanisms are used, then connection reliability is improved, but connection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate element performs alignment compensation automatically through its deformation capability, eliminating the need for manual or mechanical alignment procedures. This self-aligning feature significantly reduces connection time while maintaining reliability, as the element adapts to misalignment instantaneously upon contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate element transitions from a rigid structure to a deformable one during the connection process, allowing dynamic adaptation to misalignment. This dynamic behavior enables rapid compensation for positioning faults, reducing the time required to establish a reliable connection compared to static alignment mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid connection structures are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to misalignment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate element changes its mechanical property from rigid to flexible under compression, enabling it to compensate for misalignment. This parameter change allows the element to maintain manufacturing precision in its default state while gaining adaptability when deformed, resolving the contradiction between precision and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate element dynamically adjusts its rigidity based on applied compression forces. In the uncompressed state, it maintains precise positioning; under compression, it becomes deformable to accommodate misalignment. This dynamic property transition enables both manufacturing precision and adaptability to positioning faults.
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 rapid and reliable electrical connections in challenging marine environments by ensuring contact even with minor alignment errors, enhancing connection speed and reliability in conditions like those found near tidal turbines.
Implementation Method 1
A deformation of the intermediate element can thus compensate for a possible misalignment of the electrical connector on a complementary connector and thus ensures that the contact element is positioned, with a slight compression of the intermediate element, in contact with a conductive track
Data Source
Figure 1a~1f
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electrical connector comprises an electrically conductive contact element (122) and a support (70). The contact element (122) is supported by an intermediate element (120) made of an elastically deformable material and connected to said support (70). An electrical connection assembly comprising a connector of said type is also described.