Triggered Sealed Connector Assembly for Harsh-Environment Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connectors fail to maintain effective and efficient operation in harsh environments, such as offshore and subsea locations, due to exposure to corrosive materials, high pressure, and extreme temperatures, leading to damage and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A sealed connector system comprising a sealed plug and receptacle with a bladder assembly, trigger assembly, and contacts, which forms a sealed chamber and maintains a seal during connection, using expandable bladders and seal plates to ensure a secure and reliable connection in harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are used in harsh environments (offshore, subsea locations), then connection capability is provided, but damage and performance degradation occur due to corrosive materials, high pressure, and extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible bladder assembly with an expandable bladder that can be inflated to create a sealed barrier between the connector components and the harsh external environment. This flexible membrane structure protects the internal contacts and components from corrosive materials, high pressure, and extreme temperatures while maintaining the connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate sealed components (plug and receptacle) with independent sealing mechanisms. Each component has its own bladder assembly that can be independently activated to create sealed chambers, allowing the connection to be made and sealed in sequence while protecting against environmental damage.
2Reliability
If a sealed connector system with bladder assembly and trigger assembly is used, then protection from corrosive substances and extreme conditions is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly is designed to automatically activate the bladder assembly through a mechanical linkage system. When the plug and receptacle are mated, the trigger assembly self-activates to inflate the bladder and create the seal, eliminating the need for external actuation mechanisms or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger assembly and bladder assembly are integrated into a unified mechanism where the trigger's mechanical movement directly drives the bladder inflation process. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable sealing.
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 sealed connector system provides a reliable and efficient means of connecting equipment in harsh environments by maintaining a seal and protecting components from corrosive substances and extreme conditions, ensuring consistent performance and extended lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable bladder and a seal plate. The seal plate is carried by the expandable bladder through the housing between an expanded position about an opening in the housing and a contracted position a distance from the opening
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A sealed connector has a sealed plug and a sealed receptacle, each including a housing, support, bladder assembly, tagger assembly, and contacts coupled to the equipment. The bladder assembly includes an expandable bladder, and a seal plate earned by the expandable bladder between an expanded position about an opening in the housing and a contracted position a distance from the opening. The trigger assembly includes rod(s) extendable through the bladder and the seal plate. When the housing of the sealed receptacle is matingly connected to the housing of the sealed plug, the trigger assemblies extends through the seal plates and into triggered engagement with each oilier, a passageway through the seal plates are open, and the contacts of the sealed plug extend through the passageways and into engagement with the contact of the sealed receptacle.