Two-part snap-together feedthroughs for panel signal transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current feedthrough methods for conveying electrical signals across thick panels, such as solar cell panels, are laborious, time-consuming, and prone to conductor shorting, and do not effectively protect wires from sharp edges.
Innovation Solution
The development of two-piece, snap-together feedthroughs with complementary engaging mechanisms that allow for easy installation and protection of wires, optionally incorporating electroconductive paths to enable signal transmission without separate wires, using materials like dielectric plastics and electroconductive plating for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-piece tubing feedthrough is used, then wire protection from sharp edges is provided, but installation becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The feedthrough is divided into two separate parts: a first part that interfaces with the front surface of the panel and a second part that interfaces with the back surface. Each part can be independently installed and positioned, eliminating the need to handle a single long piece of tubing through the entire panel thickness. This segmentation makes installation easier and faster while still providing continuous wire protection.
2Reliability
If bonding methods are used to secure the tubing, then the feedthrough is firmly attached, but the risk of conductor shorting to the panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful bonding adhesive is extracted/removed from the system. Instead of using adhesive to secure the feedthrough parts, the design employs mechanical retention features such as recesses in the panel that receive the feedthrough parts, flanges that bear against panel surfaces, and interference-fit connections between the two parts. This eliminates the risk of conductive adhesive causing shorting while maintaining firm attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical retention features act as intermediaries between the feedthrough parts and the panel. The recesses, flanges, and interference-fit structures serve as mediating elements that provide secure mechanical attachment without requiring conductive bonding materials, thus preventing shorting while ensuring reliable attachment.
3Productivity
If a two-part snap-together design is used, then installation becomes simpler and quicker, but the complexity of ensuring concentric lumens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric alignment features are pre-formed during manufacturing of the two parts. The first part includes a lumen and engagement features positioned at predetermined locations, while the second part includes corresponding lumens and complementary engagement features. When the parts are snapped together using the engagement features, the pre-configured geometry automatically ensures concentric alignment of the lumens, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during installation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A feedthrough for feeding signals through a panel having opposite sides includes first and second parts. The first part can include a first body configured to be disposed in a first portion of an opening in a panel, a first lumen disposed within the first body, and a first engagement area comprising a first contact area. The second part can include a second body configured to be disposed in a second portion of the opening in the panel, a second lumen disposed within the second body, and a second engagement area configured to engage the first contact area, wherein engaging the first contact area with the second engagement area causes deformation of the first part, the second part, or both to hold the first part and the second part within the opening such that the first lumen and the second lumen are disposed generally concentrically with each other. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.