Wet Mate Connector Ground Plane Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater electrical connectors face challenges in maintaining a sealed environment due to exposure of electrical pins to seawater during mating, leading to increased electrical stress and degradation.
Innovation Solution
A harsh environment connector design featuring a dual bladder assembly with semi-conductive materials forming a ground plane and dual end seals, along with semi-conductive pin seals, to create a continuous shield and prevent phase-to-phase interaction, while channels direct foreign particles away from the contact chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pin is exposed to seawater during mating, then the connector can be mated underwater, but electrical stress increases and degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the exposed pin and seawater. The pin extends through a sealed opening into the dielectric fluid, which acts as a protective barrier preventing direct contact between seawater and the pin, thereby reducing electrical stress and degradation while maintaining underwater mating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric fluid creates an inert environment within the receptacle that isolates the pin from the corrosive seawater environment. This inert atmosphere prevents harmful electrochemical reactions and reduces electrical stress on the pin during underwater mating operations
2Reliability
If the stopper is biased into extended position to seal the opening, then sealing is improved, but the stopper must be pushed back during mating
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed as a dynamic component that changes position based on mating state. It is biased into an extended sealing position during storage and operation, but is automatically pushed back into the receptacle when the pin enters during mating, allowing the seal to open dynamically without complex mechanical actuators
3Reliability
If the end seal engages over the stopper, then sealing is enhanced, but the seal must engage the pin during mating
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two distinct sealing elements: an end seal that engages the stopper to seal the rear opening, and a front seal on the pin that engages the end seal during mating. This segmentation allows each seal to perform its specific function independently, maintaining seal integrity while facilitating smooth mating operations
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 effectively seals the connector during mating, reducing electrical stress and preventing degradation of components, maintaining a pristine environment for the contacts and enhancing the connector's reliability in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
semi-conductive materials forming a ground plane and dual end seals, along with semi-conductive pin seals, to create a continuous shield and prevent phase-to-phase interaction
Implementation Method 2
The chamber sealed by the stopper and end seal contains a circuit contact and dielectric mobile substance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A submersible connector (10) has releasably mateable plug and receptacle units. The plug unit (14) has at least one electrical pin while the receptacle unit (12) has at least one electrical socket module which receives a forward portion of the electrical pin when the units are mated. The pin is surrounded by semi-conductive seals and a conductive housing, while the socket module has a semi-conductive outer layer, and front seals of semi-conductive material on the pin and socket modules are in sealing engagement in the mated condition, isolating the pins from sea water exposure and forming a ground plane continuation at least from receptacle to plug in the mated condition and providing shielding from phase to phase interaction in a multiple pin and socket connector.