Wet-Mateable Coupling Member with Semi-Conductive Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wet-pluggable electrical connectors face contamination and electrical stress issues due to seawater ingress, leading to reduced dielectric properties and potential failure, especially in medium and high voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
A wet-mateable coupling member with a hollow sleeve having electrically-insulating and semi-conductive layers, which shields the dielectric liquid from electrical stress and contamination, allowing it to function as a pressure compensator rather than a purity maintainer, using a combination of insulating and semi-conductive elastomers to manage electrical fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal cavity is filled with dielectric liquid for electrical insulation and pressure equalisation, then electrical insulation is improved and pressure differential is reduced, but contamination of the dielectric liquid dilutes it and reduces electrical insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The internal cavity is segmented into an outer chamber and an inner chamber using a hollow sleeve. The outer chamber contains the dielectric liquid for pressure equalisation, while the inner chamber houses the electrical contact. This segmentation prevents contamination of the dielectric liquid while maintaining its electrical insulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow sleeve acts as an intermediary barrier between the dielectric liquid and the electrical contact. It allows the dielectric liquid to perform pressure equalisation without direct exposure to contaminants from seawater ingress, while still providing electrical insulation through its insulating layer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If nested chambers are used to separate the internal cavity, then barrier to contaminant ingress is improved, but contamination still occurs during repeated mating and de-mating
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow sleeve is made of elastomeric material that provides a flexible seal. This flexible shell maintains the barrier function during repeated mating and de-mating operations, preventing seawater ingress while allowing the necessary mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow sleeve comprises composite material with an electrically insulating layer and an electrically conductive layer. This composite structure provides both mechanical sealing against contaminants and electrical insulation, maintaining reliability during repeated operations.
3Reliability
If the dielectric liquid is used for both pressure equalisation and electrical insulation, then pressure differential is reduced and electrical insulation is provided, but electrical stress on the dielectric liquid leads to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of pressure equalisation and electrical insulation are segmented into different chambers. The outer chamber with dielectric liquid handles pressure balance, while the inner chamber houses the electrical contact, eliminating electrical stress on the dielectric liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contact is extracted from the dielectric liquid environment and placed in a separate inner chamber. This removes the source of electrical stress from the dielectric liquid, allowing it to function solely for pressure equalisation without degradation.
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 significantly improves electrical performance by eliminating reliance on dielectric liquid quality for stress control, enhancing long-term reliability and reducing the risk of connector failure from contamination and electrical stress.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve comprises an electrically-insulating layer and an electrically-conductive layer, the electrically conductive layer defining an outer surface of the sleeve in the outer chamber and comprising a semi-conductive layer, the semi-conductive layer being a conductive elastomer
Implementation Method 2
The electrically-insulating layer may be provided between electrically-conductive layers
Implementation Method 3
Any external pressure acting on the connector is equalised internally by the dielectric liquid, alleviating a pressure differential that may act on seals
Implementation Method 4
the dielectric liquid serves to electrically insulate the conductor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A wet-mateable coupling member (100) for making an electrical connection comprises: a body (1 10) having a cavity wall (1 12) which defines an internal cavity (120), and a hollow sleeve (140) located inside the internal cavity (120). The sleeve (140) is arranged in the internal cavity (120) to define: an outer chamber (150) between the sleeve (140) and the cavity wall (1 12). The sleeve (140) defines an inner chamber (160) inside the sleeve (140). The sleeve (140) comprises an electrically- insulating layer (141 ) and an electrically-conductive layer (142). The electrically conductive layer defines an outer surface of the sleeve in the outer chamber and comprises a semi-conductive layer, the semi-conductive layer being a conductive elastomer. An electrical contact (102) is adapted to be housed inside the inner chamber (160) and configured for making the electrical connection.