Waterproof Container System for Satellite Communication Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof containers for electrical circuitry in harsh maritime environments fail to provide effective protection against prolonged water ingress, especially for irregularly shaped components like antennas, and cannot accommodate extended submersion.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof container system comprising two separate shells, one mounted on the deck and another under the deck, each with a sealed interior space to house satellite communication and processing circuitry, respectively, with IP-68 rating, pressure ports, heat sinks, and seals to prevent water ingress and maintain pressurization, allowing for effective protection and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional containers are used to house electrical circuitry, then some protection is provided, but water ingress occurs during extended submersion
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple sealed compartments (first sealed compartment and second sealed compartment) that can be independently pressurized. This segmentation allows each compartment to maintain its own pressure seal, preventing water ingress during extended submersion while providing comprehensive protection for all circuitry components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pressure changes to the sealed compartments to prevent water ingress. By pressurizing the compartments to a pressure greater than ambient water pressure, the system creates a pressure differential that prevents water from penetrating through the sealed compartments during extended submersion operations.
2Reliability
If conventional containers are used, then regular shapes are accommodated, but irregularly shaped components like antennas cannot be properly protected
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple independent sealed compartments that can be configured to accommodate different component shapes. The first sealed compartment can house irregularly shaped antenna components while the second sealed compartment accommodates regular-shaped circuit board components, allowing versatile protection for various component geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed compartments utilize flexible sealing mechanisms that can conform to irregular component shapes. The seals are designed to accommodate varying geometries, ensuring waterproof protection for both regular and irregularly shaped components without requiring rigid container modifications.
3Reliability
If containers are used to house circuitry, then some protection is provided, but the containers cannot maintain sealing under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system actively manages pressure by pressurizing the sealed compartments to a level greater than ambient water pressure. This pressure differential maintains the sealing effectiveness under pressure, preventing water ingress while allowing the container to withstand the stress of extended submersion operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented into multiple independently pressurized compartments, each capable of maintaining its own pressure seal. This segmentation distributes the pressure stress across multiple smaller sealed units rather than one large seal, improving overall sealing effectiveness and pressure resistance.
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 system effectively protects satellite communication and processing circuitry from water ingress and extreme environments, maintaining functionality even during extended submersion and harsh weather conditions, with the IP-68 rating ensuring protection up to 30 meters for half an hour.
Implementation Method 1
a seal that extends across the inlet to prevent ingress of water into the first interior space and egress of gas out of the first interior space
Implementation Method 2
A first heat sink is positioned in the first interior space to contact against the first circuitry. A second heat sink is positioned in the second interior space to contact against the second circuitry
Implementation Method 3
a pressure port that extends through the first shell and is in communication with the first interior space with the pressure port including an inlet and a seal that extends across the inlet to prevent ingress of water into the first interior space and egress of gas out of the first interior space
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous watercraft with a waterproof container that houses a satellite communication terminal. The waterproof container includes a first shell mounted on a deck of the watercraft and that has a sealed first interior space that contains satellite communication circuitry of the terminal. The waterproof container also includes a second shell mounted under the deck of the watercraft and that has a sealed second interior space that contains the processing circuitry of the terminal. The first and second shells include ports configured to receive connectors for communication signaling and/or power. The first shell can also include a pressure port to pressurize the first interior space for use in leak detection. The shells can also include heat sinks to cool the satellite communication terminal.