Underwater Connector Rolling Seals Cam Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater electrical and optical connectors face challenges in maintaining a reliable seal against seawater and dielectric fluid leakage, especially after repeated mating and de-mating, due to the loss of seal memory and incomplete closure in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A rolling seal connector design that eliminates the need for separate actuators, using eccentric rotators on both connector units to engage cam formations and rotate rolling seals between open and closed positions during mating and de-mating, ensuring effective sealing without actuator deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuators are used to operate rolling seals in harsh environment connectors, then the seals can be opened and closed during mating and de-mating, but the actuators may become deformed leading to unreliable seal closure after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate actuator components from the connector system. Instead of using distinct actuators to operate the rolling seals, the seal operation is integrated directly into the mating and de-mating movements of the connector halves themselves, eliminating the actuators that were causing deformation and reliability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The connector halves perform the sealing function themselves through their own relative movements during mating and de-mating. The rolling seals are operated automatically by the engagement and disengagement of the connector units, without requiring external actuation mechanisms
2Reliability
If elastomeric sphincter seals are used to seal contact chambers, then the seals can close upon the entering probe, but they lose memory after repeated mating and de-mating causing incomplete closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static elastomeric seals that rely on memory to dynamic rolling seals that are actively operated during mating and de-mating. The rolling seal mechanism ensures complete closure through controlled rotation during connector engagement, preventing the memory loss problem that plagues elastomeric seals after repeated use
3Ease of operation
If rolling seals with separate actuators are used in harsh environment connectors, then the seals can be operated during mating and de-mating, but additional actuators are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal operation function with the mating and de-mating movements of the connector halves. The rolling seals are integrated into the connector structure so that their operation is merged with the natural engagement and disengagement motions, eliminating the need for separate actuator components
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 solution provides a reliable and repeatable optical and electrical connection in harsh environments by maintaining sealed contact chambers at all times, even after repeated use, without the need for additional actuators, thus enhancing the durability and effectiveness of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
rolling seals which roll or rotate around an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector units
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric tubular entrance surrounded by an elastomeric sphincter which pinches the entrance closed upon itself
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
An underwater rolling seal connector assembly has releasably mateable connector units with one or more rolling seals mounted in front faces of units. The rolling seals are rotatable back and forth between a closed position sealing one or more chambers within the respective units which contain one or more contacts and an open position in which bores through the seals are open to allow contacts in one unit to pass through the seal openings and engage contact in the other unit. A shell of one connector unit has inwardly facing cam formations and each rolling seal has outwardly directed eccentric rotators configured for engagement with respective cam formations on mating and de-mating of the connector units, whereby travel of the respective rotators along the respective cam formations during mating and de-mating rotates the rolling seals into the open and closed positions, respectively.