Snap-Together Feedthroughs for Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for conveying signals through thick panels, such as solar cell panels, are laborious and prone to conductor shorting, requiring manual labor and adhesive use, which is time-consuming and risky.

Innovation Solution

The development of two-piece, snap-together feedthroughs with complementary engaging mechanisms and optional electroconductive paths that allow for secure wire protection and signal transmission without separate wires, using dielectric or conductive materials and precision molding techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual labor and adhesive use are employed to install feedthroughs, then signal transmission through panels is achieved, but installation time and risk of conductor shorting increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of conductor shortingVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The feedthrough is divided into two separate parts: a first part installed in the panel and a second part receiving the conductor. These parts snap together to form a complete feedthrough, eliminating the need for adhesive application and reducing installation time while maintaining reliability through precise mechanical alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complementary engaging mechanisms on the first and second parts automatically align and secure the conductor without requiring manual positioning or adhesive application. The snap-together design self-secures the connection, reducing both installation time and risk of shorting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If thick panels with electroconductive honeycomb core are used for solar cell panels, then structural strength and stiffness are improved, but wire protection from sharp edges becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength and stiffnessVSAvoidsharp edges damaging wires

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The feedthrough acts as an intermediary component between the wire and the panel's sharp edges. The first part is installed in the opening through the panel, creating a protective barrier that shields the wire from direct contact with sharp edges while allowing signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The second part of the feedthrough features a tapered bore that receives and protects the wire as it enters. This tapered structure acts as a flexible protective shell that guides the wire away from sharp edges while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3591777B1Two-part snap-together feedthroughs

Publication Date: 2023.04.05 THE BOEING CO

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A two-part, snap-together feedthrough for feeding signals through a panel having opposite sides includes first and second parts, each including a flange with an opening therethrough, and a tubular segment that extends normally from a first surface of the flange and has a lumen disposed generally concentrically with the opening. A pair of complementary engaging mechanisms are respectively on distal end portions of the tubular segments and configured to couple the first and second parts together through an opening in the panel in a snap-together fashion, such that the first surface of each of the flanges is held adjacent to a corresponding one of the opposite sides of the panel, and the lumens of respective ones of the tubular segments are disposed generally concentrically with each other.