Split-Door Submersible Housing for Tight Underground Clearances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submersible network protector housings are often too large for small underground structures, leading to the use of non-submersible housings that require sump pumps, which can malfunction during extreme flooding conditions, such as tidal flooding, resulting in equipment destruction.
Innovation Solution
A split door submersible housing design with a cabinet body and two pivotably connected doors, equipped with a gasket system and locking mechanisms, that provides increased clearance and a water-tight seal, allowing for submersion in deep water without water ingress, using materials like steel and nitrile rubber gaskets to ensure durability and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single large door is used on submersible housings, then the housing can provide adequate sealing, but the housing becomes too large for small underground structures
Solution Approach 1:
The housing door is divided into two separate doors instead of one large door. Each door can be independently sealed and locked, allowing the housing to maintain water-tight sealing while reducing the overall footprint and fitting into smaller underground structures.
2Volume of moving object
If non-submersible housings are used to fit small underground structures, then the housing size is reduced, but water ingress occurs during flooding conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By using two separate doors with independent gaskets and locking mechanisms, the housing maintains submersible capabilities in a compact form factor. Each door creates its own sealed compartment, ensuring water-tight protection even when the overall housing is smaller.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket system uses flexible sealing elements that conform to the door and housing surfaces, creating reliable water-tight seals in the compact housing design. The gaskets accommodate slight variations in alignment while maintaining sealing integrity.
3Reliability
If a single large door is used, then sealing is maintained, but access and clearance for installation and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The two-door configuration allows each door to be smaller and more maneuverable than a single large door. This improves access clearance for installation and maintenance while each door maintains its own sealing integrity through dedicated gaskets and locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A split door submersible housing for an electrical distribution system includes a cabinet body defining an interior region configured to accept a component of the electrical distribution system, and a first door and a second door positioned side by side to cover an open front portion of the cabinet body. The cabinet body includes at least one opening configured to accept an electrode sealed with and electrically isolated from the cabinet body and extending through the cabinet body to establish electrical connection between a corresponding terminal of the component and an electrical distribution network. A gasket system is provided, which comprises a first gasket configured to fit on the first door and a second gasket configured to fit on the second door. The gasket system seals the first door and the second door against each other and against a corresponding surface on the cabinet body, when the first and second doors are closed and locked, so that the housing is water tight.