Variable-rigidity angle self-adaptive anti-bending device

Abstract

The invention discloses a rigidity-variable angle self-adaptive anti-bending device which comprises a body, the body comprises a fixed base (1) and a connecting sleeve (2), the fixed base (1) is fixedly arranged, the connecting sleeve (2) is used for being connected to a submarine cable in a sleeving mode, one end of the connecting sleeve (2) is rotatably connected to the fixed base (1) in a limited mode, and the other end of the connecting sleeve (2) is rotatably connected to the fixed base (1) in a limited mode. The other end of the connecting sleeve (2) is detachably connected with a reinforcing sleeve (3) in a sleeved mode so as to adjust the rigidity of the body. According to the angle self-adaption anti-bending device with the variable rigidity, self-adaption bending is carried out on the connection of a submarine cable and an offshore floating platform, the bending rigidity can be adjusted, and bending fatigue and damage of the submarine cable are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of submarine cable anchoring equipment, specifically to a variable stiffness angle adaptive anti-bending device. Background Technology

[0002] Floating platforms at sea move mechanically within a certain range on the sea surface with ocean currents. At the same time, submarine cables are dynamically connected, and the dynamic sections of the cables also move mechanically with the ocean currents. The mechanical movements of the floating platform and the submarine cables are not completely synchronized, resulting in relative mechanical movement between the cables and the platform. Dynamic anti-bend devices are usually installed at the bottom of the platform to protect the submarine cables from bending. Traditional anti-bend devices typically have a fixed bending stiffness and can only adapt to a single load condition. Furthermore, if the platform's movement amplitude is too large, traditional anti-bend devices cannot adaptively adjust, which can easily lead to excessive bending stress and fatigue damage to the submarine cables, thereby affecting their service life. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a variable stiffness angle adaptive anti-bending device for the connection between submarine cable and offshore floating platform, which allows for adaptive bending and adjustable bending stiffness to avoid bending fatigue and damage to the submarine cable.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above problems is as follows: a variable stiffness angle adaptive anti-bending device, including a body, the body including a fixed base and a connecting sleeve, the fixed base being fixedly set, the connecting sleeve being used to be sleeved on a submarine cable, one end of the connecting sleeve being rotatably connected to the fixed base, and the other end of the connecting sleeve being detachably sleeved with a reinforcing sleeve to adjust the stiffness of the body.

[0005] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: Traditional anti-bend devices lack angle adaptive adjustment functionality for extreme load conditions on offshore platforms. Under extreme displacement loads, traditional anti-bend devices force the cable to adhere to the anti-bend device surface at an undesigned angle, causing over-bending and localized stress concentration. The design of the connecting sleeve with one end rotatably connected to the fixed base allows for adaptive adjustment of the anti-bend device angle under extreme marine load conditions, distributing localized stress across the entire anti-bend device length and preventing over-bending. Furthermore, the design of the other end of the connecting sleeve with a detachable reinforcing sleeve to adjust the body's stiffness allows for targeted design of the anti-bend device's body stiffness for different load conditions by selecting the appropriate reinforcing sleeve, avoiding customized design, saving design and manufacturing costs and time, and forming a standardized product design. During use, after the submarine cable is connected to the connecting sleeve, the fixed base is fixedly connected to the offshore floating platform. When the offshore floating platform... When significant mechanical movement occurs between the submarine cable and the platform, the rotational connection between the connecting sleeve and the fixed base allows for local adaptive rotation of both. This prevents the cable from being forced to conform to the anti-bend device at an undesigned angle, thus avoiding localized stress concentration. The limiting connection between the connecting sleeve and the fixed base restricts the bending angle of the cable, preventing excessive bending damage. In other words, during use, the cable can undergo small-range safe mechanical movement through the connection between the connecting sleeve and the fixed base. In extremely harsh marine environments, when the load displacement between the platform and the cable is large, local adaptive angle adjustment prevents forced bending caused by attitude mismatch in the fixed-angle anti-bend device. By distributing stress concentrated at a single contact point across the entire length of the anti-bend device's contact area, the cable is protected from damage, increasing its structural strength and making it suitable for submarine cables in harsh environments.

[0006] As an improvement of the present invention, an arc-shaped groove is provided on the inner wall of the fixed base, and an arc-shaped protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the connecting sleeve for spherical rotational connection with the arc-shaped groove. The diameter of the maximum cross section of the arc-shaped protrusion is equal to the spherical diameter of the arc-shaped groove. Through this improvement, the spherical rotational connection between the fixed base and the connecting sleeve is realized, which can adapt to ocean current changes in any direction.

[0007] As an improvement of the present invention, the two ends of the arc-shaped protrusion are provided with limiting parts to restrict the rotation angle of the connecting sleeve. Through the improvement, the fixed base and the connecting sleeve are connected in a limited rotational manner.

[0008] As an improvement of the present invention, the spherical diameter of the arc-shaped groove is larger than the arc diameter of the arc-shaped protrusion, and the width of the arc-shaped groove is larger than the width of the arc-shaped protrusion. Through this improvement, the design that the spherical diameter of the arc-shaped groove is larger than the arc diameter of the arc-shaped protrusion can ensure that the arc-shaped protrusion is rotatably connected in the arc-shaped groove. If the diameter of the arc-shaped groove is equal to the diameter of the arc-shaped protrusion, then the width of the arc-shaped groove needs to be smaller than the width of the arc-shaped protrusion to ensure the rotation of the arc-shaped protrusion in the arc-shaped groove. However, the arc-shaped groove has a smaller width and lower strength, which is not conducive to the stability of the arc-shaped groove in use. At the same time, the width of the arc-shaped groove being larger than the width of the arc-shaped protrusion not only ensures the mechanical strength of the arc-shaped groove, but also avoids the ends of the arc-shaped groove from abutting against the connection between the arc-shaped protrusion and the limiting part. This avoids repeated impacts on the connection between the arc-shaped protrusion and the limiting part in harsh marine environments. The connection between the arc-shaped protrusion and the limiting part is a stress concentration area, which is more prone to strength fatigue, thereby ensuring the safety of the connection between the arc-shaped protrusion and the limiting part in use.

[0009] As an improvement of the present invention, the outer side wall of the other end of the connecting sleeve is a conical surface, and the outer side wall is provided with a connecting thread. The inner side wall of the reinforcing sleeve is threadedly connected and fixed to the outer side wall of the connecting sleeve. Through this improvement, the connecting sleeve and the reinforcing sleeve are fixedly connected. Moreover, the conical surface structure design of the outer side wall can ensure that the force on the connecting sleeve is uniformly and stably transmitted to the reinforcing sleeve, thus ensuring the reinforcing effect of the reinforcing sleeve.

[0010] As an improvement of the present invention, an adjusting spring is fitted onto the connecting sleeve. One end of the adjusting spring abuts against the fixed base, and the other end abuts against the reinforcing sleeve. The fixed base has a base spring groove for positioning one end of the adjusting spring, and the reinforcing sleeve has a sleeve spring groove for positioning the other end of the adjusting spring. Through this improvement, firstly, the design of the adjusting spring can achieve a self-locking connection of the threaded connection between the connecting sleeve and the reinforcing sleeve, that is, the axial force of the adjusting spring is used to achieve axial compression between the connecting sleeve and the reinforcing sleeve, thereby increasing the friction of the threaded connection between the connecting sleeve and the reinforcing sleeve and ensuring the stability of the threaded connection. Qualitatively, when the connecting sleeve rotates, the spring pressure on both sides changes, which can absorb the dynamic impact load brought by the displacement, prevent the stress peak from exceeding the material tolerance limit of the cable and the anti-bend device, prevent plastic deformation or fatigue cracks in the cable and the anti-bend device, play a role in rotation buffering, and can also transfer some of the force to the fixed base to reduce the deformation tendency of the connecting sleeve and the reinforcing sleeve caused by the rotation of the submarine cable; and the reinforcing sleeve is connected to the fixed base through the design of the buffer spring, so that the reinforcing sleeve and the fixed base form an integral structure, realizing the free adjustment of the stiffness of the anti-bend device body.

[0011] As an improvement of the present invention, the fixed base is provided with a fixed connecting ring, which is formed by splicing multiple arc-shaped blocks along the circumference. The arc-shaped blocks are radially connected to the fixed base. The side of the arc-shaped blocks near the axis is provided with a fastening groove. The connecting seat for fixed connection with the fixed base is provided with a fastening flange that engages with the fastening groove. With this improvement, when making a fixed connection, the arc-shaped blocks shrink to form a fixed connecting ring, and then the fastening groove and the fastening flange are engaged to fix the fixed connecting ring to the connecting seat, thereby realizing the fixed connection of the fixed base.

[0012] As an improvement of the present invention, a return spring is provided on the side of the arc-shaped block away from the fastening groove, and a guide block is provided on the fixed base to guide the arc-shaped block to move radially. The insertion end of the fastening flange when connected to the fastening groove is provided with a first guide cone surface for driving the arc-shaped block radially away from the axis. Through this improvement, the automatic fastening of the arc-shaped block and the fastening flange is realized. When the fastening flange moves towards the fixed base, the first guide cone surface drives the arc-shaped block away from the axis. When the fastening flange is embedded in the fastening position with the fastening groove, the return spring pushes the arc-shaped block to reset, so that the fastening groove and the fastening flange are fastened together. The guide block is used to ensure the stability and accuracy of the movement of the arc-shaped block.

[0013] As an improvement of the present invention, the fastening groove includes a fastening portion that abuts against the fastening flange. A fixing ring is provided inside the fastening portion. A fixing groove that fits with the fixing ring is provided on the fastening flange. The fixing ring is axially movable and connected inside the fastening portion. A fixing spring is provided at the end of the fixing ring away from the fixing groove. A second guide cone surface is provided on the outer wall of the fixing groove for driving the fixing ring to move towards the fastening portion. The elastic force of the return spring is greater than the elastic force of the fixing spring. Through this improvement, the fastening groove and the fastening flange are fixedly connected. When the arc block is reset, the second guide cone surface drives the fixing ring to move towards the fastening portion. When the fixing ring is reduced to the position of the fixed diameter of the fixing groove, the fixing spring pushes the fixing ring to reset, so that the fixing ring and the fixing groove are fitted and fixed.

[0014] As an improvement of the present invention, the inner wall of the connecting sleeve is detachably and fixedly connected with a variable diameter sleeve. Through this improvement, the inner hole of the connecting sleeve is designed as a standardized kit structure. By using variable diameter sleeves with different inner diameters, the anti-bend device can adapt to various cable diameters, thereby increasing the applicability of the connecting sleeve to submarine cables of different diameters. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the entire invention under normal conditions.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the entire invention with the connecting sleeve rotating.

[0017] Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram of section A in the middle.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed base of the present invention after the cover plate is removed.

[0019] Figure 5 This is the present invention. Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram of section B.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the arc-shaped block and the fixed ring of the present invention.

[0021] The figure shows: 1. Fixed base, 1.1. Arc-shaped groove, 1.2. Base spring groove, 1.3. Guide block, 2. Connecting sleeve, 2.1. Arc-shaped protrusion, 2.2. Limiting part, 3. Reinforcing sleeve, 3.1. Sleeve spring groove, 4. Adjusting spring, 5. Fixed connecting ring, 5.1. Arc-shaped block, 5.2. Fastening groove, 5.2.1. Fastening part, 5.2.2. Fixed ring, 6. Connecting seat, 6.1. Fastening flange, 6.1.1. First guide cone surface, 6.1.2. Fixed groove, 6.1.3. Second guide cone surface, 7. Return spring, 8. Fixed spring, 9. Variable diameter sleeve, 10. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a variable stiffness angle adaptive bending device includes a body, which includes a fixed base 1 and a connecting sleeve 2. The fixed base 1 is fixedly set, and the connecting sleeve 2 is used to be sleeved on a submarine cable. One end of the connecting sleeve 2 is rotatably connected to the fixed base 1, and the other end of the connecting sleeve 2 is detachably sleeved with a reinforcing sleeve 3 to adjust the stiffness of the body.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, the inner wall of the fixed base 1 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 1.1, and the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 2 is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion 2.1 that is spherically connected to the arc-shaped groove 1.1. The diameter of the maximum cross section of the arc-shaped protrusion 2.1 is equal to the spherical diameter of the arc-shaped groove 1.1. The two ends of the arc-shaped protrusion 2.1 are provided with limiting parts 2.2 to restrict the rotation angle of the connecting sleeve 2. The spherical diameter of the arc-shaped groove 1.1 is greater than the arc diameter of the arc-shaped protrusion 2.1, and the width of the arc-shaped groove 1.1 is greater than the width of the arc-shaped protrusion 2.1.

[0025] like Figure 1-2As shown, the outer side wall of the other end of the connecting sleeve 2 is a conical surface, and the outer side wall is provided with a connecting thread. The inner side wall of the reinforcing sleeve 3 is threadedly connected and fixed to the outer side wall of the connecting sleeve 2. An adjusting spring 4 is sleeved on the connecting sleeve 2. One end of the adjusting spring 4 abuts against the fixed base 1, and the other end of the adjusting spring 4 abuts against the reinforcing sleeve 3. The fixed base 1 is provided with a base spring groove 1.2 at one end of the positioning adjusting spring 4, and the reinforcing sleeve 3 is provided with a sleeve spring groove 3.1 at the other end of the positioning adjusting spring 4.

[0026] like Figure 1-2 , Figure 4-6 As shown, the fixed base 1 is provided with a fixed connecting ring 5, which is composed of multiple arc-shaped blocks 5.1 spliced ​​together circumferentially. The arc-shaped blocks 5.1 are radially movable and connected to the fixed base 1. The side of the arc-shaped block 5.1 near the axis is provided with a fastening groove 5.2. The connecting seat 6 for fixed connection with the fixed base 1 is provided with a fastening flange 6.1 that engages with the fastening groove 5.2. The connecting seat 6 is located at the bottom of the offshore floating platform. The side of the arc-shaped block 5.1 away from the fastening groove 5.2 is provided with a return spring 7. The fixed base 1 is provided with a guide block 1.3 to guide the arc-shaped block 5.1 to move radially. A cover plate 10 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the arc-shaped block 5.1 to prevent the arc-shaped block 5.1 from detaching from the fixed base 1. The insertion end of the fastening flange 6.1 when connected to the fastening groove 5.2 is provided with a first guide cone surface 6.1.1 for... The driving arc block 5.1 moves radially away from the axis. The fastening groove 5.2 includes a fastening part 5.2.1 that abuts against the fastening flange 6.1. The fastening part 5.2.1 has a retaining ring 5.2.2 inside. The fastening flange 6.1 has a retaining groove 6.1.2 that fits with the retaining ring 5.2.2. The retaining ring 5.2.2 moves axially and is connected to the fastening part 5.2.1. A retaining spring 8 is provided at one end of the retaining ring 5.2.2 away from the retaining groove 6.1.2. Multiple retaining springs 8 are provided and are evenly distributed between the retaining ring 5.2.2 and the fastening part 5.2.1. A second guide cone surface 6.1.2 is provided on the outer wall of the retaining groove 6.1.2 for driving the retaining ring 5.2.2 to move toward the fastening part 5.2.1. The elastic force of the return spring 7 is greater than the elastic force of the retaining spring 8.

[0027] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a variable diameter sleeve 9 is detachably and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 2, and the end of the variable diameter sleeve is fixedly connected to the connecting sleeve 2 by flange bolts.

[0028] During installation, the diameter of the central hole of the main body is adjusted by the variable diameter sleeve 9 according to the submarine cable, and then it is fixedly connected to the connecting seat 6. During the fixing process, it is only necessary to set the main body and the connecting seat 6 coaxially and move the main body closer to the connecting seat 6. The first guide cone surface 6.1.1 will drive the arc block 5.1 to move radially away from the axis. When the fastening flange 6.1 is inserted into the fastening position with the fastening groove 5.2, the return spring 7 pushes the arc block 5.1 to return to its original position, so that the fastening groove 5.2 is closed. 2. When the fixing ring 5.2.2 is engaged with the fastening flange 6.1, the second guide cone 6.1.2 drives the fixing ring 5.2.2 to move towards the fastening part 5.2.1. When the fixing ring 5.2.2 shrinks to the position where it is fixed to the diameter of the fixing groove 6.1.2, the fixing spring 8 pushes the fixing ring 5.2.2 back to its original position, so that the fixing ring 5.2.2 is fitted and fixed with the fixing groove 6.1.2, thereby completing the fixed connection between the body and the connecting seat 6. Finally, the submarine cable only needs to be passed through the central hole of the body and anchored. This invention also gives the anti-bend device of the present invention an automatic installation function. Traditional anti-bend devices are usually connected to the bottom of the offshore floating platform by flange bolts, which requires divers to go underwater for installation. However, the anti-bend device of the present invention can automatically connect the fixing ring 5 to the fastening flange 6.1 by approaching it, which reduces the difficulty of installation and improves the installation efficiency.

[0029] During use, if the marine environment causes the submarine cable to undergo significant deformation or mechanical movement, the connecting sleeve 2 can rotate along the submarine cable by utilizing its rotatable connection to the fixed base 1. This prevents the anti-bend device from forcing the cable body to conform to the surface of the anti-bend device at an angle other than the design angle, which would cause local stress concentration on the submarine cable. The limiting connection between the connecting sleeve and the fixed base restricts the bending angle of the submarine cable, preventing excessive bending angle from causing bending damage to the submarine cable, thereby ensuring the safety and long service life of the submarine cable.

[0030] The above description only illustrates the preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and variations in its specific structure are permitted. All modifications made within the scope of the independent claims of this invention are also within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A variable stiffness angle-adaptive bending arrester, comprising a body, characterized in that: The main body includes a fixed base (1) and a connecting sleeve (2). The fixed base (1) is fixedly set, and the connecting sleeve (2) is used to be sleeved on the submarine cable. One end of the connecting sleeve (2) is limited to the fixed base (1) and the other end of the connecting sleeve (2) is detachably sleeved with a reinforcing sleeve (3) to adjust the rigidity of the main body.

2. The variable stiffness angle adaptive bending device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the fixed base (1) is provided with an arc groove (1.1), and the outer wall of the connecting sleeve (2) is provided with an arc protrusion (2.1) that is spherically rotated with the arc groove (1.1). The diameter of the maximum cross section of the arc protrusion (2.1) is equal to the spherical diameter of the arc groove (1.1).

3. The variable stiffness angle adaptive bending device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The arc-shaped protrusion (2.1) has limiting parts (2.2) at both ends to limit the rotation angle of the connecting sleeve (2).

4. The variable stiffness angle adaptive bending device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The spherical diameter of the arc groove (1.1) is greater than the arc diameter of the arc protrusion (2.1), and the width of the arc groove (1.1) is greater than the width of the arc protrusion (2.1).

5. The variable stiffness angle adaptive bending device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side wall of the other end of the connecting sleeve (2) is a conical surface, and the outer side wall is provided with connecting threads. The inner side wall of the reinforcing sleeve (3) is threadedly connected and fixed to the outer side wall of the connecting sleeve (2).

6. The variable stiffness angle adaptive bending device according to claim 5, characterized in that: An adjusting spring (4) is fitted onto the connecting sleeve (2). One end of the adjusting spring (4) abuts against the fixed base (1), and the other end of the adjusting spring (4) abuts against the reinforcing sleeve (3). The fixed base (1) is provided with a base spring groove (1.2) at one end of the positioning adjusting spring (4), and the reinforcing sleeve (3) is provided with a sleeve spring groove (3.1) at the other end of the positioning adjusting spring (4).

7. The variable stiffness angle adaptive bending device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed base (1) is provided with a fixed connecting ring (5), which is composed of multiple arc blocks (5.1) spliced ​​together along the circumference. The arc blocks (5.1) are moved and connected to the fixed base (1) along the radial direction. The side of the arc block (5.1) near the axis is provided with a fastening groove (5.2). The connecting seat (6) for fixed connection with the fixed base (1) is provided with a fastening flange (6.1) that engages with the fastening groove (5.2).

8. The variable stiffness angle adaptive bending device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A return spring (7) is provided on the side of the arc-shaped block (5.1) away from the fastening groove (5.2). A guide block (1.3) is provided on the fixed base (1) to guide the arc-shaped block (5.1) to move radially. The insertion end of the fastening flange (6.1) when connected to the fastening groove (5.2) is provided with a first guide cone surface. 6.1.1) is used to drive the arc block (5.1) radially away from the axis.

9. The variable stiffness angle adaptive bending device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fastening groove (5.2) includes a fastening part (5.2.1) that abuts against the fastening flange (6.1), a retaining ring (5.2.2) is provided inside the fastening part (5.2.1), and a retaining groove (5.2.2) is provided on the fastening flange (6.1) that fits into the retaining ring (5.2.2). 6.1.2), the fixing ring (5.2.2) is axially movable and connected within the fastening part (5.2.1), and a fixing spring (8) is provided at the end of the fixing ring (5.2.2) away from the fixing groove (6.1.2), and a second guide cone surface is provided on the outer wall of the fixing groove (6.1.2). 6.1.3) is used to drive the fixed ring (5.2.2) to move in the direction of the fastening part (5.2.1), wherein the elastic force of the return spring (7) is greater than the elastic force of the fixed spring (8).

10. The variable stiffness angle adaptive bending device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2) is detachably fixedly connected to a reducing sleeve (9).

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