Submersible Cable Connector Spring-Loaded Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submersible electrical cable connectors face challenges in withstanding high pressures and maintaining reliable connections under water, particularly due to the limitations of single-wave spring designs and traditional pin/socket assemblies which require precise alignment and can become distorted under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A submersible electrical cable connector design featuring a cable-side connector assembly with individual spring-loaded pin assemblies and a receptacle-side connector assembly with concentric conducting rings, utilizing a lever-actuated latch and oil valve for pressure equalization and alignment-independent connection, ensuring reliable electrical contact and watertight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wave spring is used to introduce oil and establish electrical connection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single wave spring into multiple individual wave springs, with each spring assigned to a specific pin. This segmentation allows each spring to independently perform both oil introduction and electrical connection functions for its associated pin, eliminating the reliability issues of the single-spring design while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional pin/socket assembly is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid traditional pin/socket assembly with a dynamic spring-loaded pin system. The spring-loaded pins can flex and adapt to misalignments during connection, allowing the connector to be easily coupled without precise angular alignment while still achieving reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system by introducing spring-loaded pins with adjustable force and position. This allows the pins to automatically adjust their position and applied force during connection, eliminating the need for precise alignment while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled spring characteristics.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional pin/socket assembly is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates under high pressure due to distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pin design provides dynamic adaptability under high pressure. When pressure is applied, the springs can compress or expand to maintain optimal contact force between pins and their mating contacts, preventing distortion and maintaining reliable electrical connection even in high-pressure underwater environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The wave springs are pre-loaded to provide cushioning force that protects the pin connections from high pressure. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when external pressure is applied, the spring force compensates for any distortion or misalignment, maintaining connection stability without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances.
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
The design provides a reliable and easy-to-use submersible electrical cable connector that maintains connectivity under high pressures without the need for angular alignment, ensuring efficient and long-term operation in underwater environments.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of pin assemblies comprises a spring and an associated pin. Each pin assembly spring is configured to apply an outward force to its associated pin
Implementation Method 2
Pressure equalization minimizes the effects of the water pressure on the connector. It is important that the oil be used once the connector is in actual use and that the oil be easily introduced into and removed from the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is embodied in a submersible electrical cable connector having a cable-side connector assembly and a receptacle-side connector assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the cable-side connector assembly includes a generally circular printed circuit board having individual pin assemblies, each pin assembly having its own spring-loaded mechanism. The pin assemblies provide for an electrical connection between the cable-side connector assembly and the receptacle-side connector assembly. The printed circuit board also includes an oil valve that allows oil to flow between the cable-side connector assembly and the receptacle-side connector assembly when the two connector assemblies are coupled together. The cable-side connector assembly additionally includes a cap having a bleed valve that allows a user to remove air trapped within the submersible electrical cable connector when it is filled with oil.