Wet Mateable Cable Connector With Movable Gate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wet mateable connection assemblies for underwater electrical and optical cables face challenges in maintaining a water-free connection and preventing dielectric fluid leakage during repeated mating and unmating, requiring complex seal arrangements and insulating fluids that are not always effective.

Innovation Solution

A wet mateable connection assembly featuring a submersible case with a passive design and a submersed case with active self-operating equipment, using complementary coupling interfaces with movable gates and securing fittings to minimize water entrapment and eliminate the need for insulating fluids, allowing for reliable and simple connection and disconnection in harsh subsea environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If insulating fluid is used in wet mateable connection assemblies, then water exclusion from connector interfaces is improved, but device complexity and fluid leakage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater exclusionVSAvoidsealing arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the insulating fluid from the connector interface environment entirely. Instead of using oil or other dielectric fluids that require complex sealing, the patent employs a dry mating mechanism where conductive elements make direct electrical contact through a water-tight barrier, eliminating the fluid containment requirement and its associated complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a water-tight barrier membrane as an intermediary element between the seawater environment and the electrical contacts. This barrier allows electrical signal transmission while physically blocking water, replacing the need for insulating fluids and complex multi-layer sealing arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If insulating fluid is used in wet mateable connection assemblies, then water exclusion from connector interfaces is improved, but the risk of dielectric fluid leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater exclusionVSAvoiddielectric fluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful dielectric fluid is completely extracted from the system. The patent uses a dry mating approach where electrical contacts operate in a water-free environment created by the barrier membrane, eliminating the source of potential fluid leakage contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful seawater contact into a beneficial dry connection. By using the water-tight barrier to create a sealed interface, the system transforms the harsh underwater environment into a protected space where standard electrical contacts can operate reliably without insulating fluids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If dry mating is used for cable connections, then water-free connection is achieved, but retrieval and reconnection becomes cumbersome and economically disadvantageous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater-free connectionVSAvoidretrieval and reconnection ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with self-aligning and self-sealing features that enable automatic water-tight engagement. The barrier membrane and contact elements are configured to mate automatically when brought together, eliminating the need for complex retrieval operations or specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs dynamic sealing elements and movable contact components that adapt during the mating process. The barrier membrane flexes to accommodate engagement, and contacts move to establish connection, enabling simple drop-in installation and retrieval operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If wet mateable connection assemblies with insulating fluid are used, then underwater connection is enabled, but construction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunderwater connection capabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating fluid and its containment infrastructure are extracted from the connector design. The patent achieves underwater connectivity through a straightforward water-tight barrier and direct contact mechanism, dramatically reducing construction complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the connection environment from fluid-filled to dry. By maintaining a water-free interface through the barrier membrane, the system achieves underwater adaptability with simple construction similar to land-based connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2957005B1Wet mateable connection assembly for electrical and/or optical cables

Publication Date: 2017.10.25 PRYSMIAN SPA

AI summary

Wet mateable connection assembly (10) comprising: - at least one first (11) and a second (12) watertight case mateable to each other in a watertight manner, the first and the second case (11,12) having respective first (18) and second (19) gate at respective first (13) and second (14) coupling end; - at least one first phase connector (16) arranged inside said first case (11); - at least one second phase connector (17) arranged inside said second case (12); wherein the first gate (18) is movable inwardly to the second case (12).