Water Impermeable, Easy Disconnect Electrical Cable Connector for Deep Sea Applications Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-063 Topic Title: Water Impermeable, Easy Disconnect Electrical Cable Connector for Deep Sea Applications Proposal No.: N091-063-0730 Firm: Williams-Pyro,Inc. 200 Greenleaf St. Fort Worth, Texas 76107-1471 Contact: Roger Paulsel Phone: (817) 872-1500 Web Site: www.williams-pyro.com Abstract: Williams-Pyro, Inc., proposes to develop a line of robust power and data connectors that are completely water impermeable, even under prolonged exposures to high and varying water pressures (up to 1800 psi) associated with deep-sea applications. In this solution, Williams-Pyro proposes to electrically connect standard Electrical Hull Fittings (EHFs) on Navy submarines to Dry Deck Shelters, Advanced Seal Delivery Systems, or other outboard or peripheral systems using electrical connector technology that is rugged, lightweight, cost-effective, safe, efficient, corrosion-resistant, relatively lightweight (< 1 lb), reliable enough for frequent connection and disconnection, and easy to assemble/connect/disconnect without special tools or training. This solution will encapsulate a hydrophobic gel material within an enclosed connector, such that connector pins are pressed through the gel to mating sockets, repelling away any water in the process. The compartment containing the gel will be separated from the external environment by one or more diaphragms, which will maintain the gel within the connector and serve to wipe water from the pins as they are passed through the diaphragms and into the gel to the sockets. A "grease zerk" reservoir device will be incorporated to replenish any gel lost over time. Benefits: Williams-Pyro's solution will maximize the conductive contact surface area of the connector as well as reliability, while minimizing connector weight and voltage loss via the use of Amphenol's RADSOKr connector technology. We will incorporate additional advanced features, including corrosion-resistant materials to prevent cathodic delamination, multiple sizes/types to accommodate the range of typical power and data/signal needs of Navy deep-sea systems, and quick-connect technology. Williams-Pyro's solution is an innovative, safe, easy-to-connect, waterproof, hydrophobic gel line of connectors for uninterrupted deep-sea power and data transmission. Low-profile and lightweight, our line of connectors is designed to fit standard electrical hull fittings (EHFs) on existing and new Navy submarines. With a planned life cycle of over ten years, our connectors will withstand frequent connection/disconnection, prolonged exposures to seawater, and pressures up to 1800 psi. Demand for applications such as ours extends beyond Navy submarines to other government/military applications and commercial industries, including exploratory or tourist submarines, commercial ships, yachts, off- and on-shore exploratory or drilling applications requiring "wet" connections, and modular grids like those used in the Army, outdoor events, communications, etc. Return