Underwater Connector Half with Coaxial Ring Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater connectors require precise alignment and complex mechanisms for connection, leading to high assembly and connection costs due to the need for 5- or 6-degree-of-freedom alignment and application of horizontal forces.
Innovation Solution
An underwater connector half with ring-shaped coaxial electrical terminals and a base with a parallel side wall, combined with a gel cartridge containing conductive tracks in insulating gel, allowing for simplified assembly by gravity and tolerant positioning, enabling a watertight and functional electrical connection without precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise alignment mechanisms are used for underwater connector coupling, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and connection costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal alignment to vertical assembly by orienting the connector halves along a vertical axis. The first connector half is positioned on the seabed with its base plate resting on the seabed, while the second connector half is lowered vertically from above. This dimensional change eliminates the need for complex horizontal alignment mechanisms while maintaining connection reliability through gravity-assisted positioning and vertical engagement of connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning features where the vertical assembly process allows the connector halves to automatically position themselves relative to each other. The base plate of the first connector half and the corresponding structure of the second connector half are designed to engage vertically without requiring external alignment assistance, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment mechanisms are implemented, then connection precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring active alignment mechanisms to achieve precise positioning, the patent inverts the approach by designing the connector structures to passively self-align during vertical assembly. The base plate and connecting elements are configured so that gravity and the vertical motion naturally guide the connectors into proper alignment, eliminating complex mechanisms while improving ease of operation.
3Force
If horizontal connection forces are applied, then connector coupling is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the direction of connection forces from horizontal to vertical. The connector halves are designed to engage and transmit forces along the vertical axis, utilizing gravity and the vertical lowering motion to apply connection forces. This eliminates the need for complex horizontal force application mechanisms while achieving reliable connector coupling.
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
Simplifies the assembly process and reduces costs by allowing for a functional electrical connection with tolerance in relative positioning of connector halves, maintaining a watertight seal and effective electrical contact in an underwater environment.
Implementation Method 1
the gel cartridge comprises at least one conductive track submerged in an insulating gel
Implementation Method 2
such an underwater connector half is particularly well suited to being laid on this seabed with a vertical direction of assembly of the complementary connector half, which simplifies the assembly of the complementary connector half through gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater connector half includes a base and at least two electrical connection terminals respectively connected to two electric wires received in at least one cable. The two electrical connection terminals are ring-shaped and coaxial about an axis located along a direction of assembly of a complementary connector half and the base has a side wall that is parallel to the axis and through which passes the cable. An underwater connector including such a connector half is also disclosed.