Mechanical design of scientific instrument interface module in cabled seafloor observatory

The seafloor observatories attract increasing interests since they explore the deep ocean in a realtime and in-situ manner, which has been pursued for centuries since people first time tried to disclose the mystery of oceans. Seafloor observatory systems consist of remote sensing, stationary, movable and drifting platforms which are assembled throughout the country. The scientific instrument interface module (SIIM) is a key component that connects scientific instruments to junction box (JB), acting as an interface between instruments and JBs. This paper presents SIIM mechanical design with the features of compact size, light weight, high pressure durability, good heat dissipation performance, and easy sea deployment. The design includes a pressure vessel, electrical devices arrangement in the chamber and base frame for sea deployment. Analytical and numerical methods are adopted throughout the system design. The results show that our design solves the pressure and heat dissipation problems.