Submersible Transducer Cable Non-Hygroscopic Inner Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Submersible transducers face challenges with fluid penetration through interfaces, leading to shortened lifespan due to high water-absorption rates of polyurethane cable jackets and moisture condensation, despite existing sealing methods.
Innovation Solution
A submersible transducer design featuring a cable with a non-hygroscopic polymer inner layer surrounded by a polyurethane cable jacket, where the inner layer has significantly lower water-absorption rates than the cable jacket, and includes a shielding layer and stiffening elements to impede liquid penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a polyurethane cable jacket is used for submersible transducers, then the cable provides good mechanical protection and flexibility, but the cable jacket absorbs water at a high rate leading to fluid penetration and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into multiple layers with different functions: an inner non-hygroscopic polymer layer that resists water absorption, and an outer polyurethane cable jacket that provides mechanical protection. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable construction uses a composite structure combining a non-hygroscopic polymer inner layer with a polyurethane outer cable jacket. This composite material approach leverages the water-resistant properties of the inner layer while maintaining the mechanical advantages of the polyurethane outer layer.
2Reliability
If existing sealing methods such as O-rings, welded seals, and potting material are used to minimize fluid penetration, then some protection is provided, but fluid penetration remains a challenge and is the primary reason for shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the water absorption problem from the sealing interfaces and relocates it to the cable jacket material itself. By making the inner layer non-hygroscopic, the design eliminates the need for complex sealing mechanisms at interfaces, as the material itself prevents water penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the inner cable layer from hygroscopic to non-hygroscopic polymer. This parameter change fundamentally alters the cable's interaction with water, preventing absorption at the source rather than relying on mechanical seals to block water paths.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If desiccants and water-resistant gels are disposed within the housing to increase lifespan, then some fluid protection is achieved, but these fillers add cost and complexity to the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The non-hygroscopic polymer inner layer provides preliminary protection against water absorption before water can reach critical interfaces or components. This preliminary action prevents the need for additional desiccants or water-resistant gels, as the structural material itself performs the protective function.
4Reliability
If moisture-resistant fillers such as water-absorbing tape and silicone gels are applied along the cable to minimize fluid ingress, then fluid penetration is reduced, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the water resistance function directly into the cable's structural inner layer by using a non-hygroscopic polymer. This combines the structural support function with the fluid protection function in a single integrated layer, eliminating the need for separate moisture-resistant fillers or tapes.
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 effectively increases the operational lifespan of submersible transducers by reducing fluid ingress, with the inner layer absorbing less than 0.1% liquid compared to the cable jacket's absorption rate, which is at least 10 times higher, thereby extending the transducer's operational time by weeks or years.
Implementation Method 1
The inner layer surrounds the venting tube and includes a non-hygroscopic polymer that is more resistant to absorbing the aqueous liquid than the cable jacket
Data Source
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AI summary
Submersible transducer (102) includes a transducer housing (120) configured to be submerged within an aqueous liquid (112) and a pressure sensor (124) operable to obtain data for determining a pressure of the aqueous liquid (112). The pressure sensor (124) may be disposed within the transducer housing (120). The submersible transducer (102) also includes a submersible cable (122) having an electrical conductor (134) and a venting tube (138) operably coupled to the pressure sensor (124). The pressure sensor (124) uses an atmospheric pressure of an external environment that is detected through the venting tube (138) to determine the pressure of the aqueous liquid (112). The submersible cable (122) also includes a cable jacket (126) and an inner layer (128) that is surrounded by the cable jacket (126). The inner layer (128) surrounds the electrical conductor (134) and the venting tube (138). The inner layer (128) includes a non-hygroscopic polymer that is more resistant to absorbing the aqueous liquid than the cable jacket (126).