U.S. patent application number 15/873311 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for method, system, and apparatus to prevent electrical or thermal-based hazards in conduits.
This patent application is currently assigned to Management Sciences, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Jesse Min-Tze Adamczyk, Kenneth Dominic Blemel, Kenneth Gerald Blemel, Benjamin Allen Bone, Lara Rose Draelos, Mariana Flores-Olivas, Matthew James Hinton. Invention is credited to Jesse Min-Tze Adamczyk, Kenneth Dominic Blemel, Kenneth Gerald Blemel, Benjamin Allen Bone, Lara Rose Draelos, Mariana Flores-Olivas, Matthew James Hinton.
Application Number | 20180286618 15/873311 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63669760 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180286618 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blemel; Kenneth Gerald ; et
al. |
October 4, 2018 |
Method, System, and Apparatus to Prevent Electrical or
Thermal-Based Hazards in Conduits
Abstract
A method, apparatus, and system for protection from hazards of
conductivity is disclosed using non-electrical means to disrupt
electrical current with a thermovolumetric substance. The purpose
of this invention is to prevent hazardous conditions from occurring
by disrupting the flow of electrical current prior to the
development of arc fault conditions.
Inventors: |
Blemel; Kenneth Gerald;
(Albuquerque, NM) ; Blemel; Kenneth Dominic;
(Albuquerque, NM) ; Bone; Benjamin Allen; (Bard,
NM) ; Adamczyk; Jesse Min-Tze; (Altadena, CA)
; Draelos; Lara Rose; (Albuquerque, NM) ;
Flores-Olivas; Mariana; (Roswell, NM) ; Hinton;
Matthew James; (Socorro, NM) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Blemel; Kenneth Gerald
Blemel; Kenneth Dominic
Bone; Benjamin Allen
Adamczyk; Jesse Min-Tze
Draelos; Lara Rose
Flores-Olivas; Mariana
Hinton; Matthew James |
Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Bard
Altadena
Albuquerque
Roswell
Socorro |
NM
NM
NM
CA
NM
NM
NM |
US
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Management Sciences, Inc.
Albuquerque
NM
|
Family ID: |
63669760 |
Appl. No.: |
15/873311 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15472103 |
Mar 28, 2017 |
|
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15873311 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 71/14 20130101;
H01H 37/74 20130101; H01H 2071/147 20130101; H01H 71/02 20130101;
H01H 71/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01H 71/10 20060101
H01H071/10; H01H 71/02 20060101 H01H071/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for an autonomous disruption of a connectivity
using a thermovolumetric mechanism to prevent a hazardous event
comprising: A thermovolumetric substance for creating a hydraulic
force; An assembly of non-electrically conductive material forming
a hollow guide configured for holding one or more electrical
conductors comprising: a first part and a second part; one or both
configured with a cavity containing the thermovolumetric substance;
wherein a force due to heating the thermovolumetric substance
separates the one or more electrical conductors causing the one or
more electrical conductors to disconnect.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein heating of the
thermovolumetric substance forces a disruption of the
connectivity.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hazardous event is a
fire.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hazardous event is
electrocution.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a means to indicate
a disruption of the connectivity.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermovolumetric substance
is compounded with a fire suppressant or a plasma suppressant.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a means to provide a
kinetic force to augment the hydraulic force.
8-11. (canceled)
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein heating of the
thermovolumetric substance forces separation of the hollow guide
causing disruption of the connectivity.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a thermokinetic
substance to augment the hydraulic force.
14-23. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Systems which are in connectivity typically include an
infrastructure comprised of mechanical framework and means for
disconnecting, regulating, controlling, distributing, and modifying
the conducted material. Electrical arc-faults in connectivity occur
when the operating current exceeds normal bounds; such as caused by
differences in expansion of the conduit and metal contacts, a
manufacturing defect, or Ohmic heating caused by increased
resistance of the conductor due to galvanic corrosion.
[0002] Electrical arc faults in electrical connectivity generate
white hot plasma and intense heat. Arc faults can be caused, for
example, by a manufacturing defect, overload, or thermal expansion
and contraction at the joints by the thermodynamics of current on
the conductor. There is a plethora of publically available
documents such as, "American Electricians Handbook" by T. Croft, F.
Hartwell, and W. Summers (which is included in its entirety by
reference herein), that teach electrical system designs and
installations, as well as hazards related thereto. Other documents
are publicly available that teach how to design systems that
mitigate the related hazards with controllers, circuit breakers,
ground fault detectors, and circuit interrupters.
[0003] For brevity, the following summary is focused on, but not
limited to, systems comprised of conduits that conduct AC or DC
electricity. The conduits are conventionally connected to metal
lugs in a "junction box" or panel with connectors that provide
connectivity, usually in a series fashion. The connectivity
provides a path to a combiner box that aggregates. Several combiner
boxes are often connected in a tree-like fashion for aggregating
power into a transmission line. In practice, one or more combiner
boxes include over-current protection and isolation means, such as
relays, breakers, or insulated levers to deal with overloads and
isolate safety hazards.
[0004] Briefly stated, the present invention is a device to provide
autonomous disruption of connectivity without need for measuring
temperature with thermometric sensors.
[0005] In the case of an arc occurring within connectivity, the
intense heat generated can result in a localized fire of
combustible material used in the connector's construction which
quickly spreads to proximal combustible materials.
[0006] Ohmic heating, due to corrosion or loose connections, can
also lead to an arc fault in junction boxes, combiner boxes,
inverter boxes, and insulation within the electrical distribution
system. The ohmic heating may also degrade the conductive material
in a manner that when sufficient energy is present, an arc fault
can be established in the conductive material itself.
[0007] Human trauma and electrocution can result by touching the
metal frame and/or an associated electrically conductive structure
of a system component, which is electrified by an arc fault. When
the supporting energy of the arc fault is DC, there are no
zero-crossings as in alternating current and the arc does not
self-extinguish, but continues as long as sufficient energy
exists.
[0008] There is a pressing need for an improved means described in
detail in the present invention that acts autonomously to take
action to prevent arc-faults from happening. It would therefore be
desirable to provide an apparatus with means for pre-arc,
unsafe-condition detection and mitigation therein that works even
when voltages and currents are within normal limits. Further, the
protection system would meet the 2014 National Electric Code (NEC)
Handbook Section 690.11 and other NEC requirements (reference #1 in
the list of non-patent documents, which is incorporated in its
entirely by reference) by annunciating unsafe conditions in PV
system equipment and associated wiring. The protection system would
provide mitigation before the arc-fault occurs, shutting down the
PV component with an unsafe condition; therefore preventing fire
damage and human disasters by properly isolating only the unsafe
component in a safe manner and alerting the system owner or
consumer for replacement or reinstatement.
DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART
[0009] In preparing this application, a search of World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) member websites found
over two hundred issued patents for detecting and protecting after
electrical arc faults happen in chafing, overload, and wire short
situations. None of these patents deal with methods or a system
with means to pre-empt an arc fault hours, days, or even months
before the discharge occurs. However, several patents and
limitations thereof which are overcome by the present application
are presented below.
[0010] There are numerous examples of prior art, including patents
and publications that present principles, methods, systems,
apparatus, and techniques for detecting and mitigating active
arc-faults when they occur. There are numerous examples of art that
teach detecting the arcing of a "load-side short," as experienced
when electrical equipment fails, causing fuses to break due to
current increase of electricity supplied by a generator or power
facility. These methods cannot work well when sunlight is the
energy source, as is the case with PV modules. This means a
solar-source arc continues, due to the sun's rays (either direct or
reflected from the moon), unless the module is covered somehow to
occlude the sunlight; or the connectivity upstream is
disrupted.
[0011] While there are numerous patents for detecting current
overload, which causes fire in panels and electrical outlets, our
search of the World Wide Web and the USPTO site patent database did
not find issued U.S. patents or U.S. patent applications that teach
direct mitigation of unsafe conditions without need for an
electrical device such as a temperature sensor. Nor were there
examples of prior art providing mitigation when current and voltage
are within acceptable limits.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 8,410,950, issued to Takehara, et al.
(referenced in the list of patent documents and which is
incorporated in its entirety by reference herein), teaches an
electronic monitoring module for measuring voltage and current of
PV panel output, comparing measured values against minimum and
maximum values saved in the monitoring module, and outputting an
alarm signal when a measured value is outside a range defined by
the minimum and maximum values. The invention this patent claims
contains various electronic monitoring and electrical inverter
components which differ it from the present patent.
[0013] H. Bruce Land III, Christopher L. Eddins, and John M. Klimek
(Land, et al.), in a paper publicly available on the web entitled,
"Evolution of Arc-Fault Protection Technology at APL," claims that
an electrical fire is reported in the United States every five
minutes. This paper (reference #9 in the list of non-patent
documents and which is incorporated in its entirety by reference
herein) documents that Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) created an
automatic fire detection (AFD) system to detect and quench these
fires. This paper also documents that APL developed electronically
operated circuit breakers that are the follow-on to arc-fault
circuit interrupter (AFCI) and ground fault interrupter (GFI)
breakers.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 9,464,946 to Blemel et al. (referenced in the
list of patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety
by reference herein) teaches using thermokinetic energy to forcibly
open an electrical connector. The disruption mechanism in this
patent stems from thermokinetic energy produced by heating of
energetic materials as opposed to thermovolumetric,
thermohydraulic, or thermoexpansive mechanisms listed in the
present patent.
[0015] U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2016/0097685 to Blemel et al.
(referenced in the list of patent documents and which is
incorporated in its entirety by reference herein) teaches detection
of state change in a thermomorphic material to detect an unsafe
condition in connectivity. The disruption of the connectivity in
the patent differs from the present patent in that no mention of
thermohydraulic or thermovolumetric expansion mechanisms are
made.
[0016] J. F. Sherwood in U.S. Pat. No. 2,815,642 (referenced in the
list of patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety
by reference herein) teaches the use of the thermoexpansive
properties of wax to produce hydraulic actuating pressure and
eventually actuate a separate component. However, this invention
requires a spring to compress the wax once cooled.
[0017] F. P. Mihm's U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,391 (referenced in the list
of patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety by
reference herein) teaches a thermoresponsive material that expands
when heated and pushes against a piston actuating a hydraulic
force. The design in the listed patent utilizes a spring which
enables the invention to return to a start position, whereas the
present patent can only undergo actuation in a single
direction.
[0018] Loveday et al. in U.S. Pat. Publication 2010/0095669
(referenced in the list of patent documents and which is
incorporated in its entirety by reference herein) teach the
thermoexpansion of wax to produce hydraulic force to an output
shaft, thus providing means of displacement to a working object.
The patent differs from the present patent in that a wax generator
coupled to a hydraulic transmission devices is required for
operation. The present patent utilizes direct thermohydraulic or
thermovolumetric force from a thermoexpansive substance optionally
augmented by force from a thermokinetic substance as opposed to a
transmitted force.
[0019] Sheppard et al. in U.S. Pat No. 9,441,744 (referenced in the
list of patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety
by reference herein) teaches a valve apparatus actuated by a
thermoexpansive material. However, this invention differs from the
present patent as the design requires a spring to compress the wax
once cooled.
[0020] Lamb et al. in U.S. Pat No. 6,988,364 B1 (referenced in the
list of patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety
by reference herein) teaches the thermoexpansion of wax to push
against a diaphragm and produce an actuation force. This differs
from the present design as it utilizes a diaphragm.
[0021] Pat. No. GB663907 to Sherlock (referenced in the list of
patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety by
reference herein) teaches motion of a thermally responsive element
utilizing the volumetric expansion of wax and a rubber sealing
recess. The patent claims a thermally responsive element comprising
a rigid housing and a resilient member which transmits motion to a
rod. The expansion of a wax within the rigid housing causes a
displacement of the resilient member and thus the displacement of
the rod. The apparatus in this patent differs from the designs in
the present patent as the device is a reversible actuator with no
mention of application to disruption nor connectivity systems.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. GB748131 to Standard-Thomson Corp (referenced
in the list of patent documents and which is incorporated in its
entirety by reference herein) teaches improvements in or relating
to resilient telescoping diaphragms which contain a liquid or wax
which expands or contracts based on temperature changes. The claims
of the patent state that the apparatus can be used for
reciprocating motion and contains reciprocating elements. Further,
the apparatus in question is primarily for use in thermostatic
valves, which have discrete open and closed positions and can
switch back and forth to those positions at specified
temperatures.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 3,166,892 to Sherwood (referenced in the list
of patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety by
reference herein) teaches the design and sealing of an actuator
utilizing thermally expansible materials as a mode of motion. The
design consists of a pressure chamber filled with a thermally
expansible material which is heated by an electrical heating
element enclosed within the chamber. The patent claims an actuator
comprising a housing, pressure chamber, power producing material in
the pressure chamber, and a piston shaft for reciprocable movement
which utilizes an improvement of sealing and shaft-lubricating. A
reciprocable design enables the control of the actuator in both the
forward and reverse directions.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,694 to Harttiq (referenced in the list
of patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety by
reference herein) teaches the design of a drive device for a piston
in a container containing a liquid product. The patent claims a
drive device for a piston in a container containing a liquid
product, where the liquid product causes the extension of a piston
in a longitudinal direction only. An actively varying shape is
further claimed, enabling the piston device to operate with
different cross sectional shapes. The listed patent only describes
an actuator which can move in forward and reverse directions, with
no mention of utilization of actuation motion nor application to
disruption of connectivity. The above patent utilizes a thermally
expanding substance such as, but not limited to paraffin, in order
to cause actuation. Two actuators are included in the design where
the first and second actuators are used to cause a change in the
shape of different segments.
[0025] The above inventions are meant for reversible actuation or
forward and reverse motion.
[0026] U.S. Pat. Application No. 2005/0088272 to Yoshikawa et al.
(referenced in the list of patent documents and which is
incorporated in its entirety by reference herein) teaches the
design of a thermal fuse incorporating a thermal pellet, which
allows for a spring actuator to break an electrical connection at a
specific temperature. The patent further teaches a method of
producing said thermal pellet along with analysis and comparison of
many polymeric materials which can serve as the thermal pellet
material. Differentiation between this patent and the present
patent is clear in that the present patent does not utilize springs
nor a thermal pellet.
[0027] None of the above patents, patent applications, and publicly
available prior art teach utilizing thermohydraulic substances to
disrupt flow of electricity to mitigate an unsafe condition before
sustained electrical arcing occurs.
ADVANTAGES OVER PRIOR ART
[0028] The following summarizes advantages of the present invention
over prior art. 1) The present invention provides means to utilize
the ohmic heating phenomena which is symptomatic of progression
leading to an electrical arc fault at a higher temperature; 2) can
be added during manufacturing of the connector; 3) can be
plugged-in during installation of connectivity; 4) can be added
after the connectivity is installed to provide protection to
existing systems; 5) has no electronic circuit which could fail; 6)
has no electrical or mechanical contacts that make and break the
connection; 7) can be embodied to cause disruption and eliminate
further risk; 8) is easy to install or integrate into the
connectivity. 9) is immune to producing false alarms due to
naturally occurring RF emissions; 10) operates before there is a
significant precursor change in voltage or current produced by an
arc event; 11) is able to operate when repeated hot/cold cycles
result in very low ampere electrical discharges across a
sub-millimeter sized gap at joints within the connectivity
component such as due to a factory defect in the connectivity
component; or an installer does not make a proper connection
causing a gap in the joint small enough to cause a
self-extinguishing discharge which will subsequently result in an
arc fault with associated high-temperature plasma energy.
[0029] The present invention differentiates from electrical arc
fault protection devices that operate by detecting noise, radio
frequency, light of plasma, or electromagnetic emissions of a
discharge. The present invention also differentiates from
electrical arc fault protection devices that operate by
thermomorphic principles and thermokinetic principles to detect
heat of an active arc or a fire. Additionally, such existing means
are not-proactive.
[0030] The present invention differentiates from prior art in that
it detects an electrical arc-fault by utilizing the
thermovolumetric force generated by the heat associated with the
hazardous condition to subsequently disrupt the flow.
[0031] The present invention omits the need for electronic modules
and sensors used to recognize the artifacts of a live electrical
arc fault, such as a flash of plasma, radio frequency emissions,
current rise, or simultaneous voltage drop.
[0032] An advantage exists over thermal pellet-based thermal fuse
designs in that thermal pellet based designs require a high degree
of structural integrity from the thermal pellet as the thermal
pellet acts as a structural barrier during normal operation of a
thermal fuse. Furthermore, thermal fuses are produced for
relatively low operating current and voltage. No indication is
visible when a thermal fuse has activated, making troubleshooting
more cumbersome.
[0033] The present invention has an advantage over designs which
contain springs. Springs apply a constant force to the walls and
components within the body of a design. Spring-based devices
require higher structural integrity and the spring can also act as
a pathway for electricity to flow in the event of a severe arc
fault. Elevated temperature conditions can further affect the
lifetime of spring containing devices as the structural integrity
of a spring containing body is significantly reduced at regional
hot weather temperatures.
[0034] For a disruptor, many advantages exist over the prior art in
that many of the previously listed devices are classified as
actuators. Actuators can have an open and closed position, or can
be used for precise positioning. In this sense, actuators are
considered to be reversible because they can be used to return to
their original positions. Reciprocable or reciprocating actuators
are designed to open and close frequently and reliably.
Applications which use reciprocable actuators have the need to
switch directions of motion. A thermoxpansive disruptor only ever
needs to cause motion a singular time in one direction. For use as
a safety device in arc-fault hazards, a non-reversible disruptor
prevents reconnection of a connectivity while ensuring tampering
with the device will not result in a hazard.
[0035] Thermal fuses, which are designed to cause a break in an
electrical circuit, employ the use of metallic springs coupled to
thermally-sensitive materials. The nature of a thermal fuse
requires that an included spring be under constant tension or
compression. Activation of a thermal fuse occurs when the
thermally-sensitive material degrades and is allowed to
structurally deform. The structural changes in the
thermally-sensitive material allow for the motion of the metallic
spring into a lower-energy position. Thermal fuses are irreversible
single-use devices where the metallic spring is unable to be reset
to a zero position. Conventional thermal fuses are designed for
low-power applications where there is little risk of an arc-fault
occurring. Because of the number of metallic components in a
thermal fuse, arcing is more likely to occur, using the metallic
springs as conducting pathways. Being fully enclosed and sealed
devices, thermal fuses have no indication that a break in an
electrical circuit has occurred.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The present application teaches a protection apparatus that
utilizes a thermovolumetric expansion force as a means for
improving the safety of electrical, chemical, and other
distribution systems from the damage and hazard that is
unrecognized by ordinary means, and which will eventually result in
an electrical arc with resulting fire, electrical shock, or hazard
to life. The focus herein is on applying the protection apparatus
to associated connectivity wherein thermovolumetric force mitigates
the risk of a future arc fault, enabling mitigation of the
condition before the unsafe event occurs.
[0037] The present application describes use of a thermovolumetric
expansion force due to temperature change, while enables isolation
of unsafe conditions in virtually any system connectivity
component.
[0038] As an example, the degree of heat generated by flow of
electricity in a system is represented by the relationship Ohmic
Energy=Current*Resistance (E=I*R). The relationship means that
either increased resistance or increased current would eventually
result in a DC arc with the hazards.
[0039] While the present specification uses the example of
photovoltaic balance of system connectors to teach the principles,
a person familiar with electrical systems would realize that
connectivity devices are components found in pipelines that conduct
gasses, petroleum, and sundry chemicals as well as conduits and
electrical systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 is a cutaway assembly drawing with four sub-drawings
that depict an embodiment of the current invention.
[0041] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment wherein the connectivity is
enlarged to accommodate greater expansion distances.
[0042] FIG. 2C depicts two sections of the connectivity in a
separated cutaway view with a thermovolumetric substance within a
cavity between an outer sleeve and an inner column.
[0043] FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment wherein the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2 is augmented with a number of components forming a
mechanism to prevent reconnection of the connectivity after
disconnection occurs.
[0044] FIG. 3A depicts an isometric view of an assembled
connectivity disruptor containing a thermovolumetric substance.
[0045] FIG. 3B depicts a cutaway perspective view of a connectivity
disruptor design containing a thermovolumetric substance contained
within a cavity between an outer sleeve and an inner column, sealed
on one end by a cap and plugged at the opposite end by a sliding
ring barrier sealed against the outer sleeve and inner column by
O-rings.
[0046] FIG. 3C depicts a cutaway perspective of a connectivity
disruptor containing a thermovolumetric substance contained within
a cavity between an outer sleeve and an inner column after
volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance has occurred
causing disconnection of the connectivity.
[0047] FIG. 3D depicts an exploded view of an isometric perspective
of the connectivity design in which the threaded collar and
retaining ring are added to the connector design.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a cutaway assembly drawing of another exemplary
embodiment. FIG. 4A.
[0049] FIG. 4B depicts an exploded cross-sectioned diagram with an
offset thermovolumetric substance internal to the connectivity
disruptor construction.
[0050] FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view of the offset
thermovolumetric substance connectivity design while it is in its
fully-assembled state.
[0051] FIG. 4D depicts a cross-sectional view of the offset
thermovolumetric substance connectivity design while it is in its
actuated state.
[0052] FIG. 4E depicts a cross-sectional view of the separated
offset thermovolumetric substance design.
[0053] FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment wherein the component is
outfitted with yet another design of retaining ring.
[0054] FIG. 5B depicts a cross-sectional view of an assembled
connectivity design in which the thermovolumetric substance is held
within a region created by assemblage of a reservoir piece and a
ring barrier housing.
[0055] FIG. 5C depicts a cross-sectional view of a connectivity
design in which the thermovolumetric substance is held within a
region created by assemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring
barrier housing.
[0056] FIG. 5D depicts a cross sectional view of a connectivity
design in which the thermovolumetric substance is held within a
region created by assemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring
barrier housing in which the connectivity has been separated into
two components (the top two sections depicted) and two component
groups (the bottom two sections depicted).
[0057] 5E depicts an exploded cross-sectional view of a
connectivity design in which the thermovolumetric substance is held
within a region created by assemblage of a reservoir piece and a
ring barrier housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS
[0058] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the
following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Each
drawing teaches how to implement the techniques and/or components
to affect the purposes of this patent.
[0059] FIG. 1 is a cutaway assembly drawing with four sub-drawings
that depict an embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 1A depicts
a cutaway view of a fully assembled connectivity design where a
thermovolumetric substance is enclosed within the connectivity
body. The image teaches how the components of the connectivity will
be arranged when fully assembled. A total of five components are
used in the assembly of this connectivity design. Two components
comprise the main body of the connectivity, two components act as
sealing mechanisms, while the final component is the
thermovolumetric substance that expands upon heating. The dimension
`Y` represents the displacement distance which the thermovolumetric
substance will cause the upper portion of the connectivity to
undergo during heating causing disconnection of the connectivity. A
hollow cylindrical cavity is present in the center of this
connectivity design and is marked by a dashed line. In a completed
connectivity design, this hollow cavity would be the location in
which the conductive guides are placed within the connectivity.
FIG. 1B depicts a cutaway view of a fully pieced-together
connectivity design after expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance has occurred causing disconnection of the connectivity.
The image teaches how the positions of the connectivity components
will change in response to expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance. The hollow cylindrical cavity, which is marked by dashed
lines in the figure, has been separated into two separate
locations. This is to show that in a completed connectivity design,
the conductive guides within the connectivity would be separated
into two isolated components, thereby preventing conduction within
the connectivity. FIG. 1C depicts a view of the connectivity in
which the connectivity has been separated into two distinct
component groups as they would be arranged before assembly of the
connectivity. The first component group, which is shown in FIG. 1C
to be located above the second component group, is comprised of an
end cap to which an outer O-ring is affixed within a groove at the
lowermost portion of the end cap. A hollow cavity is present at the
center of the end cap and is marked by a dashed line. This hollow
cavity marks where a segment of the conductive guide would be
located within the connectivity component group before assemblage
of the connectivity has occurred. The second component group is
comprised of a reservoir piece that holds the thermovolumetric
substance within a ring-shaped cavity surrounding an inner hollow
cavity. This hollow cavity is marked with a dashed line and
represents the location where the remainder of the conductive guide
would be located in the second component group before assemblage of
the connectivity has occurred. An inner O-ring is located at the
uppermost portion of the reservoir piece and is affixed within a
groove set within the inner boundary of the ring-shaped cavity.
FIG. 1D depicts an exploded isometric view of this version of the
connectivity. This figure shows the overall design of the
individual components and provides a guide for how the components
would be sized relative to one another and the order in which they
would be arranged during assembly of the connectivity.
[0060] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment wherein the connectivity is
enlarged to accommodate greater expansion distances and designed so
that it could be more easily be fabricated. It is a cutaway
assembly drawing with four sub-drawings. FIG. 2A depicts a cutaway
perspective view of another version of an embodiment in which a
thermovolumetric substance is contained within a cavity inside the
connectivity. In this design, instead of being a continuous part,
the reservoir piece has been divided into three components in order
to simplify production of the individual connectivity components.
The overall size of this design is also significantly larger than
the design depicted in FIGS. 1 (A, B, C, and D) in order to
accommodate a larger volume of the thermovolumetric substance. This
design contains a hollow internal cavity that passes through three
of the connectivity components. These hollow cavities are marked by
a dashed line and represent the location that the conductive guide
would be placed within the completed connectivity design. This
design makes use of two O-rings to provide a sliding seal at one
end of the chamber within the connectivity that contains the
thermovolumetric substance. These O-rings create seals between the
end cap and the outer sleeve and between the end cap and the inner
column. FIG. 2B depicts two sections of the connectivity in a
separated cutaway view containing a thermovolumetric substance
within a cavity between an outer sleeve and an inner column after
expansion of the volumetric substance has occurred causing
disconnection of the connectivity. The image teaches how the
positions of the connectivity components will change in response to
expansion of the thermovolumetric substance. The hollow cylindrical
cavity has been separated into two separate locations which are
marked by dashed lines in the figure. This is to show that in a
completed connectivity design the conductive guide within the
connectivity would be separated into two isolated components
thereby preventing conduction within the connectivity. FIG. 2C
depicts two sections of the connectivity in a separated cutaway
view with a thermovolumetric substance within a cavity between an
outer sleeve and an inner column. This figure depicts the
connectivity separated into two component groups as they would be
arranged before assembly of the connectivity. During assemblage of
the connectivity, the two component groups of the connectivity are
fitted together such that a conductive guide passes through the
region noted by the dashed lines. During heating and subsequent
expansion of the thermovolumetric substance, the same two component
groups of the connectivity will be caused to separate due to
hydraulic pressure and thus cause disconnection of the
connectivity. FIG. 2D teaches the basic components of the
connectivity using an exploded cutaway view. This figure shows the
overall design of the individual components and provides a guide
for how the components would be sized relative to one another and
the order in which they would be arranged during assembly of the
connectivity.
[0061] FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment wherein the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2 is augmented with a number of components forming a
mechanism to prevent reconnection of the connectivity after
disconnection occurs. In this design, the end cap component seen in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is separated into two components to
allow for connection and disconnection of the conductive guide
components housed within the stopper and the inner column while the
thermovolumetric substance remains in a fully sealed state within
the other connectivity components. FIG. 3 is a cutaway assembly
drawing of the embodiment with five sub-drawings. FIG. 3A depicts
an isometric view of an assembled connectivity disruptor containing
a thermovolumetric substance. This design is outfitted with a
retaining ring and threaded collar to allow for one-way actuation
upon expansion of the thermovolumetric substance contained within
the connector. FIG. 3B depicts a cutaway perspective view of a
connectivity disruptor design containing a thermovolumetric
substance contained within a cavity between an outer sleeve and an
inner column, sealed on one end by a cap and plugged at the
opposite end by a sliding ring barrier sealed against the outer
sleeve and inner column by O-rings. The dashed line at the center
of the figure marks the region through which a conductive guide
would pass. The connectivity disruptor in this figure is outfitted
with a threaded collar attached to the outer wall of the device to
which a retaining cap has been secured. A magnified view of the
interface between the retaining ring, and the angled portion of the
stopper can also be seen in this figure. FIG. 3C depicts a cutaway
perspective of a connectivity disruptor containing a
thermovolumetric substance contained within a cavity between an
outer sleeve and an inner column after volumetric expansion of the
thermovolumetric substance has occurred causing disconnection of
the connectivity. The figure teaches how the positions of the
connectivity components will change in response to expansion of the
thermovolumetric substance. The hollow cylindrical cavity has been
separated into two separate locations which are marked by dashed
lines in the figure. This is to show that in a completed
connectivity design, the conductive guide within the connectivity
would be separated into two isolated components thereby preventing
conduction within the connectivity. This figure also teaches how
reconnection of the connectivity would be prevented after
disconnection has occurred. Once volumetric expansion of the
thermovolumetric substance has caused the stopper component to be
forced through the retaining ring, the design of the stopper and
the retaining ring is such that the stopper cannot be forced
through the retaining ring in the direction opposite which it was
forced by the thermovolumetric substance. FIG. 3D depicts an
exploded view of an isometric perspective of the connectivity
design in which the threaded collar and retaining ring are added to
the connector design. The figure depicts how the assorted parts
align with one another and are proportionally sized compared to one
another to allow for assembly of the connectivity. FIG. 3E is a
separated isometric view of the connectivity embodiment that
employs a retaining ring that attaches to a threaded collar. During
axial expansion of the thermovolumetric substance, the attachment
of the retaining ring to the lower component housing produces
one-way actuation of the stopper and subsequently permanent
disconnection of the connectivity when the stopper is forced
through the retaining clips attached to the retaining ring. The
depicted disruptor connector embodiment comprises: 1) a lower
housing containing the thermovolumetric substance and part of the
conductive guide through the connector; 2) a sliding ring barrier
that sits in the lower body and is acted upon by force of expansion
of the thermovolumetric substance to cause actuation; 3) a stopper
that is shaped so that linear actuation of the sliding ring barrier
results in the stopper being forced through the retaining ring; 4)
a retaining ring that threads onto the lower housing of the
connectivity. The stopper in the design would house the remainder
of the conductive guide through the connector that is not contained
within the lower housing. The shape of the retaining ring component
is such that it prevents the stopper from returning to its original
position after actuation has occurred.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a cutaway assembly drawing of another exemplary
embodiment. FIG. 4A depicts an exploded isometric diagram of
alternate conceptual design for the connectivity disruptor in which
the thermovolumetric substance is located offset from the
conductive guide instead of surrounding the conductive guide. In
this example, the connectivity disruptor is comprised of a threaded
connection piece which screws into an assembly in which the
thermovolumetric substance is placed prior to the attachment of the
threaded piece, and a piston connection piece which acts as the
component of the design that would be actuated by volumetric
expansion of the thermovolumetric substance. In this design, part
of the conductive guide would be contained within the joined
threaded connection piece and central housing while the remainder
of the conductive guide would be contained within the piston
connection piece. FIG. 4B depicts an exploded cross-sectioned
diagram with an offset thermovolumetric substance internal to the
connectivity disruptor construction. The connectivity disruptor
embodiment is comprised of 1) a threaded connection piece which
screws into a middle housing sealing the volumetric substance; 2) a
central housing in which the thermovolumetric substance is placed
prior to the attachment of the threaded piece; and 3) a piston
connection piece which acts as the component of the design that
would be actuated by volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance. In this embodiment, the thermovolumetric substance is
secured within a cavity formed by the joining of the threaded
connection piece to the central housing. The piston connection
piece is designed such that the piston portion of the component is
sized properly to fit within the piston cavity of the central
housing. An O-ring secured in a groove on said piston acts to fully
seal the thermovolumetric substance within the central housing
cavity before and after thermovolumetric expansion of the
thermovolumetric substance. Before thermovolumetric expansion of
the thermovolumetric substance the conductive guide components
which would be housed within the hollow cavities in the threaded
connection piece, the central housing, and the piston connection
piece would be joined together so that a conductive state exists
within the connectivity. After expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance, the piston connection piece is forced out of its
original position within the central housing by the hydraulic force
exerted by the thermovolumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance. This results in separation of the conductive guide
components housed within the hollow cavity regions in the threaded
connection piece, the central housing, and the piston connection
piece resulting in disruption of the conductive state which exists
prior to thermovolumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance. FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view of the offset
thermovolumetric substance connectivity design while it is in its
fully-assembled state. When fully-assembled, the thermovolumetric
substance is sealed within a cavity inside the middle housing that
is sealed at one end by the threaded connection piece and at the
opposite end by the insertion of the piston component into the
central housing. A seal is created between the piston component and
the central housing by the presence of an O-ring set into a groove
on the end of the piston component shown closest to the
thermovolumetric substance. The dashed line along the offset
pathway at the top of the figure marks the region through which a
conductive guide would pass. FIG. 4D depicts a cross-sectional view
of the offset thermovolumetric substance connectivity design while
it is in its actuated state. The figure teaches how the positions
of the connectivity components will change in response to expansion
of the thermovolumetric substance. The hollow cylindrical cavity
has been separated into two separate locations which are marked by
dashed lines in the figure. The dashed lines are used to show that
in a completed connectivity design, the conductive guide within the
connectivity would be separated into two isolated components
thereby preventing conduction within the connectivity. FIG. 4E
depicts a cross-sectional view of the separated offset
thermovolumetric substance design. This figure depicts the
configuration of the components of the design upon separation due
to heating and subsequent expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance. In this configuration, the connectivity is separated
into two component groups, the group on the left of the figure
comprised by the threaded connection piece which remains affixed to
the middle housing and the group on the right of the figure
comprised of the piston connection piece and the O-ring that would
have acted to seal the thermovolumetric substance within the middle
housing cavity during the separation process. The dashed lines
along the offset pathway at the top of the figure mark the regions
through which a conductive guide would pass and how the conductive
guide would be separated after actuation has occurred.
[0063] FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment wherein the component is
outfitted with yet another design of retaining ring. It is a
cutaway assembly drawing with five sub-drawings. FIG. 5A depicts an
isometric view of an assembled connectivity design containing a
thermovolumetric substance. The component is outfitted with a
different design of retaining ring that allows for one-way movement
of the stopper component to occur via internal retaining clips (not
pictured in figure) and also retains the stopper within the
retaining ring after actuation via expansion of the
thermovolumetric substance has occurred. FIG. 5B depicts a
cross-sectional view of an assembled connectivity design in which
the thermovolumetric substance is held within a region created by
assemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing. In this
design, a larger volume of a thermovolumetric substance can be
contained within the connectivity thus allowing for higher
actuation distances of the sliding ring barrier to be achieved. In
this design, the sliding ring barrier is contained within the ring
barrier housing and has an outer O-ring mounted in a groove along
the outer edge of the sliding ring barrier nearest the
thermovolumetric substance that creates a seal between the sliding
ring barrier and the ring barrier housing. An inner O-ring is
located in a groove at the end of the reservoir piece furthest from
the thermovolumetric substance. This inner O-ring creates a seal
between the reservoir piece and the sliding ring barrier. An
alternate model of retaining ring that allows for retention of the
stopper component after actuation has occurred is included in this
design. The retaining ring is secured onto the ring barrier
housing. The stopper component in this design is modified such that
it has guide fins that cause it to remain centered within the
retaining ring during motion resulting from actuation of the
thermovolumetric substance. Retaining clips within the retaining
ring would act to hold the stopper within the retaining ring after
the desired actuation distance (Y) has been achieved. FIG. 5C
depicts a cross-sectional view of a connectivity design in which
the thermovolumetric substance is held within a region created by
assemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing. This
figure shows the configuration of the connectivity after volumetric
expansion of the thermovolumetric substance has occurred resulting
in actuation of the sliding ring barrier and thus actuation of the
stopper into the retaining ring. It can be seen in this figure that
volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance has resulted
in it expanding into the region between the ring barrier housing
and the inner portion of the reservoir piece. In this figure, the
stopper has been moved into the retaining ring past the retaining
clips and thus contained inside the retaining ring between the
retaining clips and the shell of the retaining ring. FIG. 5D
depicts a cross sectional view of a connectivity design in which
the thermovolumetric substance is held within a region created by
assemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing in which
the connectivity has been separated into two components (the top
two sections depicted) and two component groups (the bottom two
sections depicted). The top component is the retaining ring with
retaining ring clips, the second component is the stopper with
guide fins, and the third section is a component group comprised of
the sliding ring barrier and the outer O-ring, while the bottom
section is a second component group comprised of the reservoir
piece, the thermovolumetric substance, the ring barrier housing,
and the inner O-ring. FIG. 5E depicts an exploded cross-sectional
view of a connectivity design in which the thermovolumetric
substance is held within a region created by assemblage of a
reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing. An alternate model of
retaining ring that allows for retention of the stopper component
after actuation has occurred is included in this design. The figure
depicts how the assorted parts align with one another and are
proportionally sized compared to one another to allow for assembly
of the connectivity.
REFERENCE TO NUMERALS USED IN DRAWINGS
[0064] (1) End cap
[0065] (2) Reservoir piece
[0066] (3) Inner O-ring
[0067] (4) Outer O-ring
[0068] (5) Thermovolumetric substance
[0069] (6) Hollow cavity
[0070] (7) Outer sleeve
[0071] (8) Inner column
[0072] (9) End barrier
[0073] (10) Sliding ring barrier
[0074] (11) Stopper
[0075] (12) Retaining ring
[0076] (13) Threaded collar
[0077] (14) Threaded connection piece
[0078] (15) Central cavity housing
[0079] (16) Piston connection piece
[0080] (17) O-ring
[0081] (18) Ring barrier housing
[0082] (19) Retaining ring clips
[0083] (20) Guide fins
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1A depicts a thermovolumetric
substance (5) inside of a reservoir piece (2) will expand by a
distance notated by (Y). Within the reservoir piece (2) is a hollow
cavity (6) into which components of a conductive guide will be
placed. Upon ohmic heating, which occurs inside of the hollow
cavity (6) or even outside of the connectivity disruptor embodiment
as a whole, the thermovolumetric substance (5) undergoes volumetric
expansion producing a hydraulic force that causes separation of the
end cap (1) and the reservoir piece (2). As thermovolumetric
substances may be in the form of liquids or may convert into a
liquid state upon heating, an inner O-ring (3) and an outer O-ring
(4) are used as sealing mechanisms for the thermovolumetric
substance (5) in order to ensure that leakages do not occur. Should
a solid material be used in place of a liquid thermovolumetric
material, the O-rings would be unnecessary.
[0085] Still referring to the connectivity disruptor embodiment
depicted in FIG. 1, FIG. 1B displays the connectivity disruptor
embodiment after heating of the thermovolumetric substance (5) has
caused its volumetric expansion resulting in separation of the end
cap (1) and the reservoir piece (2). In this state, the hollow
cavity (6) has been caused to separate into two distinct regions.
In a completed connectivity disruptor embodiment design, such a
separation would have resulted in separation of the conductive
guide through the connectivity, thus causing disconnection of the
connectivity. The thermovolumetric expansion of the
thermovolumetric substance (5) results in the generation of a
hydraulic force within the connectivity. In order to prevent a
reduction of said hydraulic force via leakage of the
thermovolumetric substance (5) out of the connectivity in the event
that the thermovolumetric substance (5) is a liquid or undergoes a
phase transformation into a liquid state, an inner O-ring (3) is
used to seal the reservoir piece (2) against the inner surface of
the end cap (1) and an outer O-ring (4) is used to seal the
reservoir piece (2) against the outer surface of the end cap
(1).
[0086] Again referring to the embodiment in FIG. 1, FIG. 1C shows
the component before assemblage of the connectivity has occurred,
the connectivity disruptor embodiment can be seen as being
comprised as two component groups. The first component group is
comprised of the end cap (1) and the outer O-ring (4). This
component group would provide a housing for a portion of the
conductive guide through the assembled connectivity. The conductive
guide component housed in this component group would reside in the
hollow cavities (6) marked with a dashed line in the figure inside
the end cap (1). The second component group is comprised of the
reservoir piece (2) the inner O-ring (3) and the thermovolumetric
substance (5). This component group would provide a housing for the
remainder of the conductive guide through the connectivity. The
conductive guide component housed in this component group would
reside in the hollow cavities (6) marked with a dashed line inside
the reservoir piece (2). Upon joining of the first and second
component groups, the first component group's insertion into the
lower component group creates a light but slidable seal that
retains the thermovolumetric substance (5) within the connectivity
before and during thermovolumetric expansion.
[0087] Yet again referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1D depicts the
connectivity disruptor embodiment components placed in an exploded
isometric view, where the end cap (1) and the reservoir piece (2)
are seen to possess hollow cavities (6) that align with one another
in the design to provide a region through which a conductive guide
would pass through the connectivity. The reservoir piece (2)
requires the placement of the thermovolumetric substance (5) into
the reservoir piece (2) before assembly of the connectivity. In
order to assure retention of the thermovolumetric substance (5)
within the connectivity both prior to and during thermovolumetric
expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5) an inner O-ring (3)
is used to seal the inner surface of the end cap (1) against the
reservoir piece (2) and an outer O-ring (4) is used to seal the
outer surface of the end cap (1) against the reservoir piece
(2).
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 2 which depicts an alternate
embodiment; FIG. 2A depicts a thermovolumetric substance (5) which
is sized to that of the cavity that exists in the region between an
outer sleeve (7) and an inner column (8) such that it fully fills
the region to allow for a minimized air gap between the
thermovolumetric substance (5) and an end cap (1). The
thermovolumetric substance (5) fully surrounds the inner column
(8). The region containing the thermovolumetric substance is sealed
via a permanently affixed end barrier (9) at the left end of the
connectivity disruptor embodiment and with an inner O-ring (3) and
an outer O-ring (4) at the right end of the connectivity that seal
the end cap (1) against the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column
(8). The inner O-ring (3) sits in a groove on the inner column (8)
and compresses against the inner surface of the end cap (1) at the
right end of the outer sleeve (7), while the outer O-ring (4) sits
in a groove on the outer surface of said end cap (1) and compresses
against the outer sleeve (7). A hydraulic force generated by a
volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5) within
the cavity that exists in the region between the outer sleeve (7)
and the inner column (8) which would cause the end cap (1) at the
right end of the connectivity to be forced out of the outer sleeve
(7), thereby causing a linear actuation a distance (Y). In the
completed connector design, a conductive guide would be contained
within the connectivity in a hollow cavity (6) marked in the figure
by a dashed line. Part of this conductive guide would be contained
in the hollow cavity (6) inside the end cap (1) while the remainder
of the conductive guide would be placed within the hollow cavity
(6) that passes through the inner column (8) and an end barrier
(9). The actuation of the end cap (1) by volumetric expansion of
the thermovolumetric substance would thereby cause a disconnection
of the connectivity by separating the components of the conducting
guide within the connectivity a distance Y.
[0089] Still referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2B shows the assemblage
wherein the thermovolumetric substance (5) has expanded as a result
of heating. The thermovolumetric substance (5) has undergone a
volumetric expansion within the hollow cavity (6) that exists in
the region between the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column (8).
This results in creation of hydraulic pressure due to the hollow
cavity (6) between the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column (8)
being sealed at the left end by the permanently affixed end barrier
(9) and on the right end by the end cap (1) which is sealed against
the inner column (8) by the inner O-ring (3) and against the outer
sleeve (7) by the outer O-ring (4). This hydraulic pressure causes
the end cap to be forced out of the region between the outer sleeve
(7) and the inner column (8) resulting in separation of the hollow
cavity (6) from one continuous cavity into two separate cavities.
In the completed connector design, the conductive guide would be
installed in these two separate hollow cavities in such a way that
a continuous conductive guide exists before actuation of the
connectivity occurs. After actuation occurs, this conductive guide
would be separated into two segments, thus preventing conduction.
This would be the state of disconnection of the connectivity
disruptor embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B.
[0090] Again referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2C depicts the connectivity
disruptor embodiment as a whole being comprised of two component
groups. These component groups are forced apart during the
thermally induced volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance housed in the region between the outer sleeve (7) and the
inner column (8). The first component group is seen on the left of
the figure and is comprised of the end barrier (9) which is
permanently affixed to the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column
(8), the inner O-ring which is set in a groove that is at the
rightmost end of the inner column (8), and the thermovolumetric
substance (5) which is placed in the region that exists between the
outer sleeve (7) and the inner column (8). The hollow cavity (6),
marked by a dashed line in the first component group, marks the
region through which part of the conductive guide would be located
within the connectivity. The second component group seen on the
right side of the figure is comprised of the end cap (1) and the
outer O-ring (4) which is set in a groove located on the leftmost
outer edge of the end cap (1). A hollow cavity (6) marked by a
dashed line in the second component group marks the region through
which the remainder of the conductive guide would be located within
the connectivity. Upon assembly of the two component groups, the
second component group forms a seal on the rightmost portion of the
first component group causing encapsulation of the thermovolumetric
substance (5) within the connectivity. Simultaneously, the assembly
of the two component groups would cause a completion of the
conductive guide segments housed in each component group, thereby
causing a conductive state to exist within the connectivity. Upon
volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5) the two
component groups would be forced apart causing separation of the
segments of the conductive guide housed in each of the component
groups thereby causing disconnection of the connectivity.
[0091] Again referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2D is a cross-sectioned
exploded view of the connectivity disruptor embodiment. The
proportions of the assorted components in regard to one another can
be observed. The order in which the components of the connectivity
would need to be assembled in order to form a complete connectivity
can also be seen in FIG. 2D. This embodiment of the connectivity
disruptor is comprised of seven compounds. These components include
an end cap (1) which contains a hollow cavity (6) marked with a
dashed line through the end cap (1), an inner O-ring (3) an outer
O-ring (4) a hollow cylindrical column of a thermovolumetric
substance (5), an outer sleeve (7) an inner column (8) which
contains a hollow cavity (6) marked with a dashed line through the
inner column (8), and an end barrier (9) which also contains a
hollow cavity (6) marked with a dashed line through the end cap
(9).
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3A is an isometric view of an
assembled connectivity disruptor embodiment in which the design
observed in FIG. 2 is augmented with a retaining ring (12) with
retaining ring clips (19) and stopper (11) to prevent reconnection
of the connectivity after disconnection of the conductive guide
contained within the connectivity. In this view of the
connectivity, a hollow cavity (6) for the portion of the conductive
guide housed inside a stopper (11) can be seen. The main body of
the connectivity is comprised of an outer sleeve (7) that is
permanently affixed to an end barrier (9). The retaining ring (12)
screws onto a threaded collar (13) (not pictured) that is
permanently affixed to the outer sleeve (7).
[0093] Referring again to FIG. 3, FIG. 3B shows the
thermovolumetric substance (5) sized to that of the region that
exists between the outer sleeve (7) and an inner column (8) with an
overall length dictated by the distance between the end barrier (9)
and a sliding ring barrier (10). This region is sealed at the lower
end by the end barrier (9) and at the upper end by the sliding ring
barrier (10). The sliding ring barrier (10) is sealed by an inner
O-ring (3) against the inner column (8) and an outer O-ring (4)
against the outer sleeve (7) such that the thermovolumetric
substance (5) is fully sealed within the region that exists between
the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column (8). The hollow cavity
(6) marked with the dashed line inside the inner column (8) and the
stopper (11) would contain conductive guide components allowing for
conduction to occur within the connectivity. The hydraulic force
generated by the volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance (5) within the region that exists between the outer
sleeve (7) and the inner column (8) would cause the sliding ring
barrier (10) at the upper end of the connectivity disruptor
embodiment to be forced out of the outer sleeve (7) a distance Y,
thereby causing a linear actuation of the stopper (11) and
subsequently disconnection of the connectivity. When disconnection
of the connectivity occurs, the hollow cavity (6) would be
separated into two separate hollow cavities (6). One hollow cavity
(6) inside the stopper (11) containing part of the conductive guide
components, the other hollow cavity (6) inside the inner column (8)
containing the remainder of the conductive guide components.
Separation of the conductive guide components within the two hollow
cavities (6) results in a condition in which conductivity is
disrupted within the connectivity. In this design, such an
actuation of the sliding ring barrier (10) would result in said
sliding ring barrier (10) imparting a force on the stopper (11),
which is held between the retaining ring (12) and a threaded collar
(13) affixed to the outer sleeve (7). The retaining ring (12) in
this design is affixed onto the threaded collar (13). A detachable
retaining ring (12) could be attached via any number of connecting
mechanisms, such as, but not limited to: clips, screws, or pegs
which fit into or clip onto the threaded collar (13) or a similar
collar design that would allow for different connection mechanisms.
The retaining ring (12) in this design is such that it possesses
retaining ring clips (19) that prevent reconnection of the
connectivity disruptor after disconnection has occurred.
[0094] Still referring to 3B, the magnified region has a retaining
ring (12) which is designed such that the sloped walls of the
stopper (11) possess a wider diameter than the uppermost portion of
the retaining ring (12). Thus, in order for the stopper (11) to
pass through the retaining ring (12), the retaining ring clips (19)
are forced to deflect away from their original positions. Following
the passage of the stopper (11) through the retaining ring (12),
the retaining ring clips (19) return to their original positions
thereby regaining their initial diameter. The design of the stopper
(11) is such that it is unable to pass back through the retaining
ring clips (19) after passing through them. This is accomplished by
the design of the stopper (11) being such that it is narrower on
its upper end and wider at its lower end with a gradual slope
change between the two different diameters. Because of this, the
narrow end of the stopper (11) is small enough that it can pass
through the retaining clips (19) at the top of the retaining ring
(12). The retaining clips (19) are gradually deflected as they
slide along the sloped outer surface of the stopper (11). Because
the retaining ring clips (19) flex back into the position they
possessed before the stopper (11) was forced through the retaining
ring (12) after passage of the stopper (11), the stopper (11) is
unable to return through the retaining ring (12) while in the same
orientation it was in when it passed through the retaining ring
(12). This is because the diameter of the lower portion of the
stopper (11) is wider than the post actuation diameter of the
retaining ring clips (19). Thus, the retaining ring clips (19) are
not gradually forced apart by the stopper (11) and instead of
causing deflection of the retaining ring clips (19) the stopper
(11) impacts with the retaining ring clips (19) preventing its
passage through the retaining ring (12).
[0095] Still referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3C depicts the hollow cavity
(6), located within the inner column (8), the end barrier (9) and
the stopper (11) marked in the figure with a dashed line, would
contain conductive guide components to allow for conduction to
occur through the connectivity disruptor embodiment. In practice,
when the connectivity is used, a conductive guide component is
passed through the retaining ring (12) and attached to the portion
of the conductive guide contained within the stopper (11). The
conducting guide is then completed by inserting the stopper into
positon on top of the sliding ring barrier (10) and thus completing
the conducting guide through the connectivity by bringing the
conductive guide component housed within the stopper (11) into
contact with the conductive guide component inside the inner column
(8). The retaining ring (12) is then secured to the threaded collar
(13) which is permanently affixed to the outer sleeve (7) of the
connectivity. Heating of the thermovolumetric substance (5) causes
disconnection of the conducting guide by causing the conductive
guide component contained within the inner column (8) to be
separated from the conductive guide component contained within the
stopper (11). Furthermore, the stopper (11) is forced through the
retaining ring clips (19) thereby preventing future completion of
the conducting guide as the stopper (11) is not able to be
reinserted through the retaining ring (12). Thus, this version of
the connectivity allows for not only disconnection upon volumetric
expansion of the thermovolumetric substance, but it makes this
disconnection permanent by preventing reconnection of the
conductive guide components within the stopper (11) and the inner
column (8). When volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance (5) occurs, a hydraulic force is generated within the
connectivity leading to disconnection of the connectivity. In order
to ensure that said hydraulic force is not lessened due to leakage
of the thermovolumetric substance (5) in the event the
thermovolumetric substance (5) is in a liquid state, an inner
O-ring (3) is used to seal the inner column (8) against the sliding
ring barrier (10) and an outer O-ring (4) is used to seal the
sliding ring barrier (10) against the outer sleeve (7) of the
connectivity.
[0096] Referring still to FIG. 3, FIG. 3D is an isometric exploded
view of the connectivity disruptor embodiment augmented with
retaining ring (12) and stopper (11) to prevent reconnection of the
connectivity after disconnection of the conductive guide contained
within the connectivity. The proportions of the assorted components
in regard to one another can be observed. The order in which the
components of the connectivity would need to be assembled in order
to form a complete connectivity can also be seen in this figure.
This connectivity disruptor embodiment is comprised of ten
components. These components include an inner O-ring (3), an outer
O-ring (4), a hollow cylindrical column of a thermovolumetric
substance (5), an outer sleeve (7), an inner column (8) which
contains a hollow cavity (6), an end barrier (9), a sliding ring
barrier (10) a stopper (11) which also contains a hollow cavity
(6), a retaining ring (12) with retaining ring clips (19), and a
threaded collar (13).
[0097] Referring again to FIG. 3, FIG. 3E is an isometric view of
the connectivity disruptor embodiment augmented with retaining ring
(12) containing retaining ring clips (19). A stopper (11)
containing a hollow cavity (6) for xxx prevents reconnection of the
connectivity after disconnection of the conductive guide contained
within the connectivity. In this isometric view, the connectivity
has been divided into four components/component groups. The
leftmost component group is comprised of the end barrier (9), the
inner column (8) which contains a hollow cavity (6), the outer
sleeve (7), the threaded collar (13), the inner O-ring (3) and the
thermovolumetric substance (5) (not shown). To the right of the
leftmost component group is the second component group comprised of
the outer O-ring (4) and the sliding ring barrier (10). To the
right of the second component group is the stopper (11) and to the
right of the stopper (11) is the retaining ring (12). Upon
assemblage of the two component groups, the second component group
seals the thermovolumetric substance (5) (not shown) within the
region that exists between the outer sleeve (7) and the inner
column (8) of the first component group. The stopper (11) can then
be brought in contact with the right side of the merged component
groups thereby completing the conductive guide through the
connectivity. This is depicted in FIG. 3E by the two hollow
cavities (6) within the stopper (11) and the first component group
that in a complete connectivity would house the components of the
conductive guide. The retaining ring (12) could then be affixed to
the threaded collar (13) attached to the outer sleeve (7) thereby
both affixing the stopper (11) to the joined component groups and
acting as a one-way mechanical stop to prevent the stopper (11)
from reconnecting the connectivity after disconnection has
occurred.
[0098] Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4A shows an exploded isometric
view of an alternative connectivity disruptor embodiment in which a
thermovolumetric substance (5) is offset from a hollow cavity (6)
This embodiment is comprised of five components: a threaded
connection piece (14), a central cavity housing (15), a piston
connection piece (16), a thermovolumetric substance (5) and an
O-ring (17). In this design, the thermovolumetric substance (5) is
sealed within a cavity inside the central cavity housing (15). This
chamber within the central cavity housing (15) is sealed on its
threaded end (not visible) by the threaded connection piece (14)
that threads into the central cavity housing (15). The chamber
within the central cavity housing (15) is sealed on the threaded
end of the central cavity housing (15) by the piston connection
piece (16) that is inserted into the central cavity housing (15).
The piston connection piece (16) is sealed against the chamber
holding the thermovolumetric substance (5) inside the central
cavity housing (15) by the O-ring (17) that rests in a groove on
the piston connection piece (16). In this alternate connectivity
design, the hollow cavity (6) at the top of the piston connection
piece (16) would house one segment of the conductive guide while
the hollow cavity (6) at the top of the central cavity housing (15)
and the top of the threaded connection piece (14) would house the
remainder of the conductive guide components. In this design,
installation of the conductive guide component within the central
cavity housing (15) cannot be performed until the thermovolumetric
substance (5) and the threaded connection piece (14) have been
installed within and secured to the central cavity housing (15). In
this way, removal of or tampering with the thermovolumetric
substance (5) cannot be performed without causing irreparable
damage to the connectivity.
[0099] Still referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4B is an exploded,
cross-sectioned view of the offset conductive guide connectivity
disruptor embodiment design. The proportions of the assorted
components in regard to one another can be observed. The order in
which the components of the connectivity would need to be assembled
in order to form a complete connectivity can also be seen in this
figure. Three hollow cavities (6) for conductive guide components
are visible at the tops of the threaded connection piece (14), the
central cavity housing (15) and the piston connection piece (16).
In the completed connectivity, the hollow cavity (6), comprised of
the regions within the threaded connection piece (14) and the
central cavity housing (15), would hold one segment of the
conductive guide while the remaining segment of the conductive
guide would be housed within the piston connection piece (16). An
O-ring (17) is included in this design to allow for a seal to be
created between the piston connection piece (16) and the central
cavity housing (15) when the connectivity is assembled. The
Thermovolumetric substance (5) in this connectivity disruptor
embodiment design is a cylindrical column that is inserted into the
central cavity housing (15) when the concavity disruptor is
assembled.
[0100] Referring again to FIG. 4, FIG. 4C shows the offset
conductive guide of the connectivity disruptor embodiment as fully
assembled. The continuous hollow cavity (6) at the top of the
connectivity is formed. This hollow cavity (6) is marked by a
dashed line and represents the region through which the conductive
guide would pass through the connectivity when the connectivity is
fully assembled. When fully assembled, the thermovolumetric
substance (5) is sealed inside a region within the central cavity
housing (15). This region is sealed on the left end by a threaded
connection piece (14) that attaches directly to the central cavity
housing (15) after insertion of the thermovolumetric substance (5),
but before installation of the conductive guide segment within the
hollow cavity (6) region created by the hollow cavities (6) of the
threaded connection piece (14) and the central cavity housing (15).
The region is sealed on the right end by a piston connection piece
(16) which is itself sealed against the central cavity housing (15)
by an O-ring (17) set into a groove on the leftmost end of the
piston connection piece (16).
[0101] Referring still to FIG. 4, FIG. 4D depicts how upon heating,
the thermovolumetric substance (5) undergoes volumetric expansion
within the region created by the joining of the threaded connection
piece (14) and the central cavity housing (15) and the piston
connection piece (16) inset into the central cavity housing (15)
wherein the piston connection piece (16) is sealed against the
central cavity housing (15) by an O-ring (17). The volumetric
expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5) within the region
generates a hydraulic force that causes the piston connection piece
(16) to be forced from its location within the central cavity
housing (15). This causes the hollow cavity (6) formed by the
assemblage of the piston connection piece (16), the central cavity
housing (15) and the threaded connection piece (14) to be separated
into two distinct regions which are marked by dashed lines. These
separated regions represent the separation of the conductive guide
segments after actuation of the piston connection piece (16) has
occurred due to the volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric
substance (5). Essentially, this figure represents the disconnected
configuration of the connectivity disruptor embodiment.
[0102] Referring yet again to FIG. 4, FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional
view of the offset conductive guide connectivity disruptor
embodiment separated into two distinct component groups. The first
component group located at the left side of the figure is comprised
of the threaded connection piece (14), the central cavity housing
(15), and the thermovolumetric substance (5). The second component
group located at the right side of the figure is comprised of the
piston connection piece (16) and an O-ring (17) set into a groove
located on the leftmost end of the piston connection piece (16).
These two component groups illustrate the state of the connectivity
before connection of the connectivity has occurred. When the two
component groups are joined, the second component group is inserted
within the central cavity housing (15) and acts to seal the
thermovolumetric substance (5) within the region formed by the
threaded connection piece (14) and the central cavity housing (15).
In addition, the joining of the two component groups causes the
hollow cavity (6) regions marked by dashed lines at the tops of the
two component groups to be joined. This joining of the hollow
cavity (6) regions represents the creation of a continuous
conductive guide within the connectivity since, in a complete
connectivity, these regions would house conduction guide segments
that would be made a continuous conductive guide through the
connectivity upon joining of the two component groups.
[0103] Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5A is an isometric version of
an additional connectivity disruptor embodiment in which the design
observed in FIG. 2 (A, B, C, & D) is augmented with a retaining
ring (12) and stopper (11) to prevent reconnection of the
connectivity after disconnection of the conductive guide contained
within the connectivity. The stopper (11) in this design is
augmented with guide fins (20) (not shown) that keep the stopper
(11) centered within the retaining ring (12). The retaining ring
(12) in this design is modified from that seen in FIG. 3 (A, B, C,
D, & E) in that the stopper (5) is retained within the
retaining ring (12) by retaining ring clips (19) after the
connectivity has been heated and the thermally induced
disconnection of the connectivity has occurred. In this view of the
connectivity, a hollow cavity (6) for the portion of the conductive
guide housed inside the stopper is depicted. The main body of the
connectivity is comprised of a permanent joining of a reservoir
piece (2) and a ring barrier housing (18).
[0104] Still referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view
of a fully assembled connectivity disruptor embodiment. In this
design, the cavity containing the thermovolumetric substance (5) is
formed via a permanent joining of a reservoir piece (2) and a ring
barrier housing (18). In this design, the sliding ring barrier (10)
is contained entirely within the ring barrier housing (18) prior to
any volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5). An
inner O-ring (3) that is set in a groove on the end of the
reservoir piece (2) seals the sliding ring barrier (10) against the
reservoir piece (2). An outer O-ring (4) that is set in a groove on
the sliding ring barrier (10) seals the sliding ring barrier (10)
against the ring barrier housing (18). In this design, a modified
version of the retaining ring (12) seen in FIG. 2 (A, B, C, &
D) is threaded onto the ring barrier housing (18) thereby securing
the stopper (11) against the sliding ring barrier (10). This
version of the retaining ring (12) is designed to cause the stopper
(11) to be trapped within the retaining ring (12) after volumetric
expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5) has occurred
causing displacement of the sliding ring barrier (10) and
subsequent linear actuation of the stopper (11) through the
retaining ring clips (19) inside the retaining ring (12). The
stopper (11) in this design has been augmented to have guide fins
(20) that act to keep the stopper (11) centered within the
retaining ring (12) during actuation of the stopper (11). During
actuation, the stopper (11) is moved a distance (Y) resulting in
disconnection of the conductive guide inside the hollow cavity (6)
within the connectivity.
[0105] Referring again to FIG. 5, FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view
of a connectivity disruptor embodiment after volumetric expansion
of the thermovolumetric substance (5) has occurred. In this state,
the thermovolumetric substance (5) has expanded out of its original
position in the cavity formed by the permanent joining of the
reservoir piece (2) and the ring barrier housing (18) and further
up into the region previously containing the sliding ring barrier
(10). When actuated, a seal is maintained between the ring barrier
housing (18) and the sliding ring barrier (10) by the presence of
the outer O-ring (4) and between the sliding ring barrier (10) and
the reservoir piece (2) via the inner O-ring (3). In this state,
the volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5) has
generated a hydraulic force within the cavity formed by the
permanent joining of the reservoir piece and the ring barrier
housing (18), thereby causing the sliding ring barrier (10) to be
moved a distance proportional to the amount of expansion undergone
by the thermovolumetric substance (5). The movement of the sliding
ring barrier (10) in response to the volumetric expansion of the
thermovolumetric substance (5) results in actuation of the stopper
(11) past the retaining ring clips (19) inside the retaining ring
(12). The stopper (11) is held centered within the retaining ring
(12) at this stage due to the guide fins (20) on the stopper (11).
During passage of the stopper (11) past the retaining ring clips
(19), the retaining ring clips (19) deform around the stopper (11)
and then return to their original shape after the stopper (11) has
passed through them. This effectively traps the stopper (11) within
the retaining ring (12) because the return of the retaining clips
(19) to their original shape prevents the stopper (11) from exiting
the retaining ring (12) in the reverse of the direction from which
it originally passed through the retaining ring clips (19). The
movement of the stopper (11) caused by the volumetric expansion of
the thermovolumetric substance (5) results in a separation of the
conductive guide through the connectivity. The location at which
the conductive guide segments would be located in the figure are
marked by dashed lines passing through the two hollow cavities (6).
The retention of the stopper (11) within the retaining ring (12)
after actuation has occurred results in a permanent disconnection
of the connectivity as the conductive guide segments located within
the stopper (11) and within the reservoir piece (2) can never be
rejoined.
[0106] Referring yet again to FIG. 5, FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional
view of a connectivity disruptor embodiment that has been separated
into two components on the top and two component groups on the
bottom. The top component is the retaining ring (12) with retaining
ring clips (19). The second component is the stopper (11) with
guide fins (20) and a hollow cavity (6). The third section is a
component group comprised of the sliding ring barrier (10) and the
outer O-ring (4). The second component group in the bottom section
is comprised of the reservoir piece (2), the thermovolumetric
substance (5), the ring barrier housing (18) and the inner O-ring
(3) with a hollow cavity (6). The purpose of this figure is to show
the state of the individual components and component groups prior
to assemblage of the connectivity. When assemblage of the
connectivity occurs, the first component group is slid into the
second component group effectively sealing the thermovolumetric
substance (5) within the joined component groups. The conductive
guide through the connectivity can then be completed with the
joining of the conductive guide component inside the hollow cavity
(6) inside the stopper (11) with the conductive guide component
inside the hollow cavity (6) inside the joined component groups.
The retaining ring (12) can then be used to restrain the stopper
(11) via the threading of the retaining ring (12) onto the ring
barrier housing (18).
[0107] Referring still to FIG. 5, FIG. 5E is an exploded
cross-sectional view of a connectivity disruptor embodiment design.
The proportions of the assorted components in regard to one another
are depicted. This embodiment comprises a hollow cavity (6) a
reservoir piece (2), an inner O-ring (3), a thermovolumetric
substance (5) a ring barrier housing (18), an outer O-ring (4), a
sliding ring barrier (10), a stopper (11) with guide fins (20), and
a retaining ring (12) with retaining ring clips (19). The order in
which the components of the connectivity would need to be assembled
in order to form a complete connectivity can also be seen in this
figure.
[0108] The following is a detailed description describing exemplary
embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The
embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention,
but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of
the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents; it is limited only by the claims.
[0109] Numerous specific details set forth in the figures and
descriptions are shown in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the invention and how to practice the invention. However, the
invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or
all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity,
technical material that is known in the technical fields related to
the invention has not been described in detail so that the
invention is not unnecessarily obscured. For example, a disruptor
could be manufactured integral to either a male electrical
connector or a female electrical connector or both. For example,
means to generate the disruptive force may be a mechanical device,
or a kinetic substance, or a corrosive substance. Also, the
thermovolumetric substance that produces hydraulic force sufficient
to cause autonomous disruption of connectivity may be a compound
comprising one or more ingredients including a substance such as,
but not limited to, an essential oil or other means to enhance
production of hydraulic energy. A dye or fluorescent substance that
disperses during opening of the connector could be mixed with the
thermovolumetric substance to provide a visible marker of where a
disruption has occurred.
[0110] References are cited that provide detailed information about
electrical systems, unsafe conditions of electrical systems, and
approved techniques for implementing protection systems. However, a
person with ordinary experience in instrumenting systems would
understand the application also applies to technology such as but
not limited to steam and chemical piping systems.
[0111] The embodiments of the invention set forth herein relate to
detection, mitigation, and isolation of unsafe connectivity that
incorporates the present invention for purposes of properly
disconnecting the flow of electricity within in the
connectivity.
[0112] In a best embodiment for use with electrical conduits, a
connectivity disruptor assembly comprises an insulating body with a
proximal end and a distal end and separable electrically conductive
guides in a channel through the center of the body. Electrical
conductors fit into the electrically conductive guides via the
proximal end and distal ends of the insulating body. One or more
hollow cavities within the body are filled with a dielectric
thermovolumetric substance chosen for the properties of significant
expansion above a selected temperature, with the purpose to produce
sufficient hydraulic pressure within the chambers of the body to
overcome the force of friction, static mechanisms, or adhesive
bonding, securing the conductors within the electrically conductive
guides, resulting in physical separation of the connectivity
thereby disrupting flow of electrical current. In an alternate
embodiment, the force causes movement of the electrically
conductive guide, which frees the connectivity.
[0113] In another embodiment for a conduit for safely transporting
a particular substance, a connectivity disruptor assembly comprises
a body with a proximal end and a distal end and separable
conductive guides made of a suitable non-reactive substance in a
channel through the center of the body. Entrance and exit
conductors fit into the conductive guides via the proximal end and
distal ends of the body. One or more chambers within the body are
filled with an insulating thermovolumetric substance chosen for the
properties of significant expansion above a selected temperature,
with the purpose to produce sufficient hydraulic pressure within
the chambers of the body to overcome the force of friction, static
mechanisms, or adhesive bonding, securing the conductors within the
conductive guides, resulting in physical separation of the
connectivity thereby disrupting flow of the particular substance
within the conduit. In an alternate embodiment, the force causes
movement of the conductive guide, which frees the connectivity or
mitigates by rerouting the particular substance.
[0114] A technical contribution for the disclosed protection system
is that it provides for unique autonomous mitigation of unsafe
conditions at junctions of connectivity, such as an electrical
system, and properly disconnecting the unsafe connectivity with
hydraulic force before the unsafe condition that, if left
unattended, could result in an unsafe event such as an arc or
ground fault (in the case where conduits contain both anode and
cathode), and the consequential damages thereto.
[0115] Another technical contribution for the disclosed protection
system is that it provides means for containing an insulating
thermovolumetric substance for quenching a plasma that results when
conductors carrying elevated current at a juncture are
insufficiently separated with respect to speed of separation or
distance of separation. Without limitation, the quench can be
accomplished by filling the void formed when the conductor
separates.
[0116] One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an
apparatus that comprises at least one disruptor that releases
sufficient hydraulic energy to force separation and unresettably
open the circuit when a temperature internal to the connectivity
rises to a desired trigger point to force open the circuit served
by the connectivity to open and remain open when an excessive
temperature condition is detected.
[0117] In a broad embodiment, the present invention extends to use
in other equipment, which is subject to risk of damage, fire, and
loss of property due to external heat such as from a fire or hot
liquid, and from manufacturing defects.
[0118] In a best embodiment, a means for mitigating hazardous
events is included within the connectivity. This includes but is
not limited to a fire suppressant, plasma suppressant, electrical
insulator, or expanding foam.
[0119] In another embodiment, a means for generating a signal
indicative of disruption of connectivity in response to a hazardous
event includes, but is not limited to: an acoustic device such as a
buzzer; a visual indicator such as, without limitation, a lamp, a
fluorescent chemical, a semaphore; or a device that produces
electrical data.
[0120] In a differing embodiment, the apparatus is constructed with
an insulating thermohydraulic substance selected for properties
that will optimize mitigation of unsafe conditions, such as, but
not limited to, an electrical arc. The substance releases
sufficient hydraulic energy above a certain temperature to forcibly
open the connectivity. Further, the nature of the plurality of
constituents used in the embodiment is selected so that any
byproducts produced are non-toxic and further, are insulating to
provide arc quench.
[0121] In another embodiment, pre-detection of an emerging unsafe
condition in the sensor device would send an unsafe condition
signal, which results in an alarm and the associated connectivity
system component being de-energized by disconnection of the flow of
current with a disruptor constructed according to the teaching
herein.
[0122] Another embodiment includes manual connection and
disconnection of the connectivity from the system is possible
without posing any risks or hazards. During installation or
modification of a system which utilizes the connectivity, the
connectivity may require manual disassembly. Disruption of the
connectivity will be irreversible, requiring the connectivity to be
removed and replaced from its installed location. Disassembly and
replacement of the disrupted connectivity is safe and
straightforward.
[0123] In another embodiment, the thermovolumetric substance is
augmented with a sensor built into or inserted into the body. The
forcible opening of the connectivity will remain the same, but a
connector, which can detect when the connectivity is open, is
implemented. A number of methods can be used in sensing the opening
of the connectivity, including but not limited to: electronic
sensors, physical sensors, optical sensors, and thermal
sensors.
[0124] In a more detailed design of the alternative connectivity
design in which the conductive guide is offset from the
thermovolumetric substance, the threaded connection piece could be
designed to include a locking mechanism or component or could, in
some way, be permanently affixed to the central cavity housing such
that it could not be removed after it was affixed to the central
cavity housing. Additionally, the piston connection piece could
include a method or mechanism to cause it to be securely affixed to
the central cavity housing after initial installation until the
thermovolumetric substance was thermally activated causing a
subsequent actuation of the piston connection piece and thus
disconnection of the connectivity.
[0125] The apparatus should be constructed to provide an amount of
hydraulic force to permanently open the connectivity with the force
provided by the thermovolumetric substance. A non-reversible
pressure vessel is constructed of materials which can withstand and
direct the energy of the thermovolumetric substance to the opening
of the connectivity. A fundamental requirement of a hydraulic
system is that the pressure required to achieve motion in the
hydraulic system must be lower than the pressure which causes
deformation or damage to the encapsulating hydraulic reservoir.
Fulfilling the structural requirements of the connectivity system
may utilize polymer materials or a combination of solid materials
to ensure structural integrity and reliability of the connectivity
under differing conditions.
[0126] The material used for producing the hydraulic energy should
be encapsulated, such as, but not limited to, a suitable polymer of
strength that provides accumulation of force needed to cause
assured disruption of the connectivity.
[0127] According to one aspect of the present invention, the
material used to produce hydraulic force along with the
encapsulation material should be reliable and stable for the
expected service life of the connectivity.
[0128] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
the apparatus could include features such as, but not limited to, a
self-test function, an ability to annunciate, an ability to be
interrogated by wired or wireless means, or an ability to interrupt
current flow by opening the connectivity.
[0129] To test the functionality of the system, a person should
create an apparatus for performing a series of measurement tests
that produce data to determine the amount of hydraulic separating
force generated by the thermovolumetric substance. To generate
internal heating within a connectivity, ohmic heating can be
utilized to simulate high temperature conditions that may occur
within a connectivity in the case of a hazardous thermal event. An
electrically conductive channel with a known high resistance should
be used. After connecting to a source of electricity, incrementally
increase current with a calibrated current source, such as a
variable transformer. A thermocouple should be positioned to
measure the internal temperature of the thermovolumetric substance.
A pressure sensor should be attached to measure the hydraulic
pressure.
[0130] Functionality of the system will further be tested using
extreme yet safe conditions which will allow for the behavior of
the system to be better understood during extreme conditions. As a
safety device, the connectivity system must perform safely at
conditions which are more hazardous than the connectivity is rated
for. In the case of an electrical connectivity, heat of an
exothermic chemical reaction or ohmic heating may be used to cause
the initial separation of the connectivity, but arcing inside of
the connectivity has the possibility to create ionized gases, which
can serve as a conducting guide more easily. Efforts will be made
to ensure that any arcing which occurs during the initial
separation of the connectivity will not result in a hazardous
situation.
[0131] In reduction to practice, we produced and experimented with
several forms of prototype connectivity bodies with an internal
chamber according to the teachings herein. A prototype of a
thermovolumetric disruptor was constructed with 3-D printed and
machined parts. Paraffin at room temperature was forced into the
chamber. In practice, an injection mold to produce millions of
pieces would be more efficient. The internal chamber was filled
with paraffin, then capped with an air-tight lid. Paraffin was
selected for the property of releasing hydraulic energy above 130
degrees Celsius. When the prototype disruptor was heated to 130
degrees Celsius in a temperature-controlled oven, the heat caused
the paraffin contained within the sealed connectivity cavity to
expand quickly, accumulating sufficient thermohydraulic force to
separate the disruptor body.
[0132] To produce exemplary ohmic heating caused by corrosion at
current typical of that of commercial connectivity at the current
time, examples of corroded electrically conductive guides and pins
were produced and used. The examples were assembled from simulated
corroded terminals in the form of nichrome ohmic heating wires. The
examples worked as described herein establishing that resistive
heating within a connector well below 200 degrees Celsius that
produces an arc can be means to disrupt unsafe connectivity
preventing the arc from happening. Aside from internal heating,
external heating tests of the connectivity were conducted in order
to ensure that an external source of heat would still result in
disruption of the connectivity.
[0133] Several different tests were conducted in order to evaluate
the performance of different thermoexpansive materials. Initial
testing of disruptor mechanisms were conducted utilizing actuators
with a thermoexpansive substance inside. The simplest formation of
a thermally activated disruptor was fabricated by enclosing
paraffin wax inside of a metal piston onto which a force of 40
pounds was applied. Upon heating of the piston to a temperature
greater than the melting point of the paraffin wax, the piston was
able to move and displace the 40 pound weight a distance of 3
millimeters. Successful displacement of a large amount of mass by a
relatively small piston apparatus indicated that paraffin or other
thermoexpansive materials will perform adequately in the design of
the thermohydraulic disruptor. A calculation using the diameter of
the piston to be 3 mm shows that the pressure of the
thermohydraulic substance is 59 megapascals (MPa) or 8.5 thousand
pounds per square inch (ksi). This is a tremendous value of
pressure and is more than suitable to cause disruption of a
connectivity component by a variety of means.
[0134] Assessment of various thermoexpansive substances was
performed using a procedure developed to characterize the expansion
of several waxes at increasing temperatures. Commercial waxes from
both Micropowders and Deurex were cast into pellets with care so as
to prevent internal voids from forming. Measurements of both mass
and volume were conducted on each pellet. Each cast pellet was
placed in a test tube with a thermocouple, and the test tube was
heated over a Bunsen burner. The temperature of the wax pellet was
measured every 10 seconds during heating and during cooling. During
heating and cooling of the wax pellet, a solid-liquid phase
transition occurred, which was able to be seen as a plateau of the
temperature curves. During a phase transition, there is latent heat
required to convert a material from solid to liquid, thus the
temperature of the transitioning substance is maintained at the
transition temperature for a short period of time. Volumetric
expansion was conducted in a similar manner. A wax pellet was
placed into brake fluid inside of a test tube. Brake fluid was
chosen as a liquid that could withstand high temperatures without
burning or causing unexpected interactions with the wax. In order
to gain an accurate measurement of volume expansion, brake fluid
was used as a low volume expansion liquid to fill in any air gaps
between the test tube walls and the wax pellet. As the temperature
of the test tube was increased by a Bunsen burner, the height of
the brake fluid was measured with respect to the temperatures. At
higher temperatures, the level of brake fluid increased, indicating
that the wax substance volumetrically increased with increasing
temperature. Expansion curves were generated based on data recorded
from the experiments. Further testing was done to ensure that the
volumetric expansion of the brake fluid would not have an effect on
the volume measurements of the waxes.
[0135] Moving forward from a single piston design, a ring piston
design was developed in order to allow for a conduit to exist
through the center of the connectivity. A prototype disruptor was
developed with a hollow tube through the center, in which
electronic pin connectors can be placed. The body of the prototype
was machined out of aluminum and copper metal. Other components of
the prototype were 3-D printed using a Stratasys Objet30 printer,
which prints high resolution UV-cured plastic components. Combining
machining and 3-D printing allowed for a prototype of a ring-piston
style connectivity to be developed. Paraffin wax was used as the
thermoexpansive substance enclosed within the ring piston
prototype. Testing of the ring piston prototype showed successful
expansion and success of prototype connectivity components being
disrupted before an unsafe event occurred.
[0136] Various thermoexpansive substances were experimented with in
order to find a substance which exhibits the highest level of
expansion at a temperature within the range of 150 degrees Celsius
to 200 degrees Celsius. A relationship must exist where the
expansion point of the thermoexpansive material can be tuned to be
well below the melting point of the housing of the material which
encapsulates the thermoexpansive material. Because the temperature
range at which the connectivity disruptor is supposed to be
activated is known, ABS and polypropylene plastics were found to
have melting points of close to 230 degrees Celsius. Because of the
melting temperatures, ABS and polypropylene were utilized to
fabricate the initial prototypes. Different types of casing
materials can be used for the connectivity disruptor as long as
their structural integrity is maintained at the disruption
temperature.
[0137] The preferred embodiment of the connectivity disruptor is
produced using an injection molded polymer with a softening point
well above the expansion temperatures of the thermoexpansive
substances. Injection molded prototypes have been produced using
ABS and polypropylene plastics and a hand-operated injection
molding machine. Molds for the injection molding machine were
produced using the same 3-D printer which was utilized to produce
initial prototypes. It was found that accurate injection molded
parts can be produced using the 3-D printed molds, allowing for
small scale production of interchangeable parts. Several
motivations served the motion towards injection molding the
prototypes. Firstly, 3-D printers capable of printing in high
temperature materials are unable to print at the resolution which
would be desired in a finalized design. Secondly, injection molding
opens a wider variety of polymeric materials which can be chosen
for use in the construction of the connectivity disruptor. Thirdly,
movement towards injection molding was done in order to better
understand the design of the thermohydraulic disruptor from an
industrial high volume production standpoint.
[0138] The present invention has been described in terms of the
preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents,
alternatives, and modifications (aside from those expressly
stated), are possible and within the scope of the appending
claims.
[0139] While the foregoing written description of the invention
enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered
presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will
understand and appreciate the existence of variations,
combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method,
and examples herein. For example, in the case of electrical
conduits, the connectivity may be within a junction box, a panel,
or electronic assembly. As another example, in the case of chemical
conduits, the connectivity may be gate valves within a distribution
system. Additionally, the force of the thermovolumetric substance
can be augmented by means such as, but not limited to, a spring or
force generated by a thermos-kinetic substance. In another
embodiment, the disruptor could be configured with a means to
produce a signal indicative of the state of the continuity and/or
disruption such as, but not limited to, an electronic signal, a
semaphore, or release of a marker substance such as, but not
limited to, a fluorescent dye. The invention should therefore not
be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples,
but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of
the invention.
[0140] The previous description of specific embodiments is provided
to enable any person with ordinary skill in the art to make or use
the present invention. The various modifications to these
embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art,
and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other
embodiments without the use of the inventive faculty.
[0141] A person with ordinary skill in the art would understand
that the forces generated by the thermovolumetric substance could
be augmented by forces such as produced by a spring, a
thermokinetic substance or other energetic component.
DEFINITIONS
[0142] Direct Current (DC): an electric current flowing in one
direction only.
[0143] Alternating Current (AC): an electric current that reverses
its direction many times a second at regular intervals, typically
used in power supplies.
[0144] Connectivity: Connectivity as used herein is a general term
that includes wiring and associated attachment means used for the
purpose of conducting fluids, electrical current (AC or DC), or
combinations thereof. The connectivity components are sometimes
called connectors, plugs, terminals, electrodes, receptacles, and
junction boxes among other names. Systems which are in connectivity
are in a state of a closed circuit.
[0145] Connector: Connector as used herein is a general term for a
connectivity device which bridges two ends of an electrical or
fluidic system.
[0146] Conductor or Conduit: A conductor or conduit as used herein
is a general term for a mechanism for transporting energy or
substances over distances.
[0147] Substance or Material: The terms substance and material as
used herein are interchangeable.
[0148] Thermohydraulic material: Thermohydraulic material as used
herein is a general term for a substance which produces a hydraulic
force as a result of heating in an enclosed chamber.
[0149] Thermovolumetric substance, thermoexpansive substance, and
thermohydraulic substance: thermovolumetric substance,
thermoexpansive substance, and theremohydraulic substance as used
herein are interchangeable as a general term for a substance that
exhibits volumetric expansion above or within a certain temperature
range.
[0150] Thermokinetic substance and thermoenergetic substance:
thermokinetic substance and thermoenergetic substance as used
herein are interchangeable as a general term for a combination of
chemically reactive substances such as explosives, pyrotechnic
compositions, propellants, gun powders, and fuels that decompose
with release of energy in the form of gas and heat byproducts when
exposed a sufficient amount of time at or above a certain
temperature.
[0151] Fire suppressant: Fire suppressant as used herein refers to
substances that inhibit combustion.
[0152] Unsafe condition: An unsafe condition as used herein is a
hazardous situation that precedes an unsafe event.
[0153] Hazardous condition: A hazardous condition as used herein is
an unsafe situation that precedes a hazardous event.
[0154] Electric arc or arc discharge: Electric arc or arc discharge
as used herein is a general term for an electrical breakdown of a
gas that produces an ongoing high temperature plasma discharge,
resulting from a current through normally nonconductive media such
as air.
[0155] Thermal energy: Thermal energy as used herein is a general
term for the internal energy present in a system by virtue of its
temperature.
[0156] Thermal expansion: Thermal expansion as used herein occurs
when an object expands and becomes larger due to a change in the
object's temperature.
[0157] Expansive energy: Expansive energy as used herein pertains
to the power related to a pressurized fluid or viscous substance
used to accomplish machine motion. The pressure can be relatively
static (such as reservoirs) or in motion though tubing or
hoses.
[0158] Non-reactive substance: Non-reactive substance as used
herein is a general term for a substance that is suitable for
conducting a certain chemical.
[0159] Pro-Active: Pro-Active as used herein is a general term for
being preventive; e.g., taking action based on diagnosing a
pre-condition.
[0160] Photovoltaic (PV): refers to a method for generating
electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun
into a flow of electrons. Photons of light excite electrons into a
higher state of energy, allowing them to act as charge carriers for
an electric current.
[0161] A person with ordinary skill in the art would understand
that embodiments of the present invention can include different
arrangements of cavities and channels through which the hydraulic
substance flows, depending on the functionality required. Further,
that while the embodiments presented in this application focus on
preventing arc-faults in electrical power systems, the present
invention can be applied in any situation where high temperature
hazards can result in loss of life and destruction of property.
Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein
and as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *