SBIR-STTR Award

Williams-Pyro, Inc., proposes to develop a line of robust power and data connectors that are completely water impermeable, even under prolonged exposures to high and varying water pressures (up to 1800 psi) associated with deep-sea applications. In this solution, Williams-Pyro proposes to electrically connect standard Electrical Hull Fittings (EHFs) on Navy submarines to Dry Deck Shelters, Advanced Seal Delivery Systems, or other outboard or peripheral systems using electrical connector technology that is rugged, lightweight, cost-effective, safe, efficient, corrosion-resistant, relatively lightweight (< 1 lb), reliable enough for frequent connection and disconnection, and easy to assemble/connect/disconnect without special tools or training. This solution will encapsulate a hydrophobic gel material within an enclosed connector, such that connector pins are pressed through the gel to mating sockets, repelling away any water in the process. The compartment containing the gel will be separated from the external environment by one or more diaphragms, which will maintain the gel within the connector and serve to wipe water from the pins as they are passed through the diaphragms and into the gel to the sockets. A “grease zerk” reservoir device will be incorporated to replenish any gel lost over time.

Keywords:
High Pressure Connectors, Water Impermeable, Radsok®, Dielectric Gel, Hydrophobic Gel, Zerk, Dry Deck Shelters (Dds), Deep Sea Connectors,

The Navy needs robust and cost-effective electrical connectors that are completely water impermeable, even under prolonged exposures to high and varying water pressures. These connectors must be reliable enough for frequent connection and disconnection (even under water), corrosion-resistant, lightweight, safe, and easy to assemble. Williams-Pyro, Inc., proposes to develop a line of easy-to-connect, water-impermeable, wet-mateable electrical connectors. These connectors are designed to fit standard electrical hull fittings (EHFs) on Navy submarines and other deep-sea equipment. Williams-Pyro will deliver suitable prototype systems operating under various submergence pressures; laboratory test results that validate our connector design concepts; and EDMs suitable for operating in submersibles being installed shipboard. To exclude seawater from the connector sockets, we will research and test materials for pins, springs, and hydrophobic dielectrics. We will build prototypes, test their performance, and evaluate their ability to operate on Navy submersibles. We will expand our prototype designs to meet military specifications of complex connectors. As we build the prototypes, we will develop a line of connectors to transition into full-scale shipboard implementation.

Keywords:
Water Impermeable, Water Impermeable, Frequent Connection And Disconnection, Hydrophobic Dielectric Gel, Wet Mateable, Electrical Connector, Mil-Dtl-24231 Specification, Elect